Yalumba’s chairman Robert Hill Smith has won the Maurice O’Shea Award for services to Australia’s wine industry.

The award recognises the contribution of people or organisations have made to position Australia as a world leader in winemaking, cultivation, innovation and technology.

Mr Hill Smith was appointed Yalumba’s managing director in 1985, joined the board in 1988 and was made chairman in 2015.

“To say that I am humbled by this prestigious award and more than a little embarrassed is an understatement,” he said.

“The great people I have worked alongside at Yalumba have played a huge part in supporting my family and its various endeavours.”

 

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Jeff McWilliam, who presented the award in Adelaide on Monday, said Mr Hill Smith’s leadership, innovation and ongoing commitment to the betterment of the Australian wine landscape was legendary.

“A worthy winner on so many fronts,” Mr McWilliam said.

The award was established by the McWilliam family in 1990.