Nominations for the top industry gong – where peers get to select an outstanding contributor to their industry – are now open.

The Graham Gregory Award offers an important opportunity to recognise an individual contribution made by a viticulturist, winegrape grower, wine maker, marketer, researcher or industry advocate.

I encourage those involved in any field of the NSW wine industry, including leadership, promotion, technology, regulation and environmental stewardship to nominate for this prestigious award, or alternatively, nominate a colleague who deserves the title.

Named after NSW wine industry pioneer and former NSW Agriculture Deputy Director General, Graham Gregory, the award celebrates the wine industry and the people who contribute to its success.

Past winners include Griffith’s Bill Calabria, in recognition of 50 years of wine industry contribution, prominent NSW and Hunter wine industry stalwart, Chris Barnes AM, and leading Australian wine advocate, David Lowe.

The award recognises contribution in the previous year; hence this year will see the 2015 trophy presented.

NSW is the country’s second largest wine-producing state, home to more than 450 wineries in 14 recognised wine regions which account for more than 30 per cent of the $5 billion Australian wine industry.

These wineries strive to improve production and marketing and DPI is proud to support the industry through our research and industry development programs.

Nominations for the 2015 Graham Gregory Award close on October 10 and the award recipient will be announced on October 28 in Sydney at the annual NSW Wine Awards.

Entry forms and more information about the award are available online at dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/horticulture/grapes/graham-gregory-award and can be emailed to Trudy.Glasgow@dpi.nsw.gov.au