The Australian Wine Industry Awards returns for 2025, continuing in partnership with McWilliam’s Wines and Mount Pleasant Wines to present both the Maurice O’Shea Award and McWilliam’s Wines Excellence in Action Award.
This year marks the 35th anniversary since the founding of the Maurice O’Shea Award in 1990 by the McWilliam family to pay homage to Mount Pleasant’s legendary winemaker Maurice O’Shea. Both awards will be presented at the exclusive Australian Wine Industry Awards ceremony at Adelaide Town Hall in July.
The Maurice O’Shea Award recognises an individual, group, or organisation for their incredible service or contribution to the sector through winemaking, cultivation, innovation and technology.
“We’re thrilled to announce the return of the Maurice O’Shea Award for its 35th year in 2025. Maurice O’Shea was a man who devoted his efforts to the craft of making exceptional quality Australian wine and this award reflects that sentiment to honour an individual or group making a significant impact on our wonderful industry today,” said chief winemaker for Mount Pleasant Wines, Adrian Sparks.
“Mount Pleasant is proud to continue to honour Maurice O’Shea and his enduring legacy to the Australian wine industry by presenting this award in collaboration with the Calabria family.”
The McWilliam’s Excellence in Action Award will return for its second year to acknowledge an individual, group or organisation that has made a significant impact in the face of the numerous challenges currently facing the Australian wine industry.
“The McWilliam’s Excellence in Action Award shines a light on the many challenges currently facing the wine sector and the individuals or bodies who are striving to overcome these obstacles for the greater good of the Australian wine industry,” said third-generation sales and marketing director for Calabria Family Wine Group Andrew Calabria.
“McWilliam’s Wines has had its fair share of challenges in its 148-year history, but the family’s perseverance and commitment to the industry are what, to me, stand out over those many years, and we feel this award is an important way to honour their legacy.”
The last awards were presented in 2022, which was the first edition held under the Australian Wine Industry Awards banner. It also followed a change of ownership to both Mount Pleasant and McWilliam’s Wines in 2021 by the Medich Family Office and Calabria Family Wine Group, respectively, which saw the two work together to honour the distinguished awards and bring the industry program into a new era.