Australia’s oldest family-owned winery, Yalumba, has received the prestigious Family Business of the Year award at the 2025 Family Business Excellence Awards. The 175-year-old Barossa Valley winery was named the national winner in the Legacy Family Business category, following its recognition at the South Australian level in 2024.
Fifth-generation proprietor Robert Hill-Smith accepted the award, describing it as a tribute to the legacy of the Hill-Smith family.
“This award is a fitting tribute to generations past and present who have built, nurtured, and evolved this business with integrity, courage, and care,” he said. “Yalumba has always been about more than wine – it’s about people, place, ambition and purpose.”
International Importers Tour SA Wine Regions
Wine importers from across Asia have toured South Australia as part of a four-day program aimed at expanding export opportunities. Representatives from Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand—members of the South Australian Wine Ambassadors Club (SAWAC)—visited major wine-producing regions including the Barossa, Clare Valley, Adelaide Hills, and McLaren Vale.
Organised under the Malinauskas government’s trade initiative, SAWAC requires members to introduce at least one new-to-market brand within their first year. A showcase event at the National Wine Centre complemented the tour, with producers from various regions presenting their wines.
“This program is making sure South Australia’s globally recognised wine is reaching new audiences and capitalising on new opportunities,” said Trade and Investment Minister Joe Szakacs.
Barossa Winemaker to Lead Wine Masterclass
Barossa Valley winemaker Paul Thomas of Tribus Wines will host a masterclass at East End wine bar Septimus, following his nomination as a finalist in the 2025 Young Gun of Wine Awards.
The event will feature a guided tasting of current release wines, including the 2024 Watervale Riesling, 2024 Sand Block Grenache, and 2023 Barossa MCC. Attendees will hear the story behind the label and the evolution of the Tribus brand.
McLaren Vale Grenache Wins Gold in London
Boutique winery Manser Wines has received international acclaim at the 2025 London International Wine Challenge. The winery’s 2023 100-Year-Old Vines McLaren Vale Grenache won a gold medal and 95 points, named best Grenache of any vintage in the competition.
Judges praised the wine for its “expressive and well-integrated” profile with “youthful, concentrated fruit, spicy oak and generous red berry freshness.”
Founded a decade ago by brothers Kevin and Phil Manser, the winery produces small-batch wines from century-old vines.
“It’s fantastic to get this recognition… for our take on what makes a great Grenache,” said Phil Manser.
Final Chapter in Hamilton Documentary Trilogy Released
The third instalment of the WineLine documentary series, WineLine 3: Gold, has been released, chronicling the Hamilton family’s unexpected journey during the Australian gold rush of the 1850s. The film follows the family’s temporary departure from their McLaren Vale vineyard in search of gold in Victoria.
Directed by Rick Cavaggion, the documentary complements earlier films WineLine 1: The Hamilton Story and WineLine 2: Odyssey, tracing the legacy of one of South Australia’s most storied wine families.
Z Ward Wine Fair Offers Unique Cellar Experience
In an unconventional twist, the National Trust will host the Z Ward Wine Fair within the walls of Glenside’s historic Z Ward asylum. Scheduled for 14–15 June, the event will allow visitors to explore the former institution while sampling wines from producers stationed in individual cells.
Z Ward housed Adelaide’s criminally insane for nearly a century, making the wine fair an unusual blend of heritage and hospitality.
Running With Bulls Launches Eco-Friendly Bagnum
Barossa Valley’s Running With Bulls has released its first bagnum—a 1.5L soft pack containing its signature Tempranillo. The packaging format is aimed at environmentally conscious younger drinkers, weighing 90% less than glass and ideal for casual occasions.
Alongside the bagnum, the winery introduced the Bullish Shiraz, a bold red blend incorporating Tempranillo for added spice.
The Tempranillo Bagnum is priced at $40, while the 750mL Bullish Shiraz retails for $21.
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