The South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA) has presented the 2026 Gramp Hardy Smith Memorial Prize and the SAWIA Silver Medal, recognising two outstanding graduates from Adelaide University’s Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology program.
The awards were presented by SAWIA chief executive Inca Lee during the University’s graduation celebrations recently.
The 2026 Gramp Hardy Smith Memorial Prize was awarded to Rafe Luke Liebers, recognising the most outstanding student graduating from the Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology 2025 academic year.
“I’ve really enjoyed my experience at Adelaide University and would like to thank the staff and my lecturers for all their help and encouragement,” Rafe said while accepting his award.
“An important part of my studies has been the industry experience I’ve gained.
“I’m currently working a second vintage, and while waiting for the next truck of fruit to arrive the other night, it made me smile to discover that Samuel Smith, Sidney’s predecessor, had also been working nights just down the road near Angaston, planting his first vines in 1849 by moonlight.
“I hope that I can put the knowledge and skills that my time at university has given me to good use and hope to make some useful contributions to the industry myself.”
Piper De Raadt with Inca Lee.
The 2026 SAWIA Silver Medal was awarded to Piper De Raadt, recognising the student with the second-highest aggregate in the Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology program in 2025.
In presenting the awards, Inca congratulated all graduating students and highlighted the importance of developing skilled people across the grape and wine sector.
“Having enthusiastic, curious and skilled people in our sector is critical, and I commend the University for its important contribution to developing our next industry professionals,” Inca said.
The Gramp Hardy Smith Memorial Prize honours the legacy of Hugo Gramp, Thomas Hardy and Sidney Hill-Smith, three members of South Australia’s founding winemaking families who tragically lost their lives in a plane crash while travelling to a wine industry meeting in Canberra in 1938.
The award was first presented in 1940 and remains one of the most respected honours for emerging wine industry professionals in South Australia.
The Gramp Hardy Smith winner is awarded a collection of premium wines, donated by Vinarchy (representing the Gramp and Hardy legacies) and Hill-Smith Family Estates. The recipient also receives an engraved decanter.
“With history linking back to the Gramp and Hardy family businesses, Vinarchy is proud to continue supporting the Gramp Hardy Smith Memorial Prize, which recognises the next generation of talent shaping Australia’s wine industry,” said Dan Swincer, Vinarchy chief winemaker Australia.
“The award carries a long and important history, honouring three pioneers whose contribution helped shape South Australian wine into the globally recognised industry it is today.
“Supporting emerging winemakers and viticulturists through this prize is a meaningful way to continue that legacy.
“Congratulations to this year’s recipient, Rafe Luke Liebers, on this outstanding achievement.”
Robert Hill-Smith, director and proprietor of Hill-Smith Family Estates, echoed those thoughts.
“As members of the foundation families of South Australian wine, we are thrilled that this tradition of recognition for three men who sadly died in the Kyeema plane tragedy of 1938 continues to this day,” Robert said.
Main photo: Rafe Luke Liebers with Inca Lee.
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