The award was first introduced to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions made by individuals working within the local wine industry, and according to Riverina Winemakers Association chief executive Carrah Lymer, Jim and Keith fit the bill.

"The McWilliam family were the pioneers of our Riverina wine region," Ms Lymer said.

"They remain an integral part of our local industry today, largely due to the commitment these two men gave to their business."

The Riverina duo have worked at over 90 local vintages and been actively involved in the wine industry throughout their lives.

Jim McWilliam's first vintage was in 1942, Keith's was in 1944.

Keith also served as the president of the Riverina Winemakers Association for several years, and after the Co-op winery at Beelbangera failed, it was taken over by McWilliams and developed into production under Keith's management.

Jim McWilliam took over the management of the Yenda winery from his father Doug. Yenda became the main blending cellar for the company and was the first local winery to establish bottled sparkling wine production.

Jim was the production director and responsible for all the sparkling wines made at Yenda. He was also the main distiller of company-made and aged brandy.

Their winemaking expertise, along with the engineering expertise of Glen McWilliam, saw the company win the most successful exhibitor in the Royal Sydney Wine Show.

Alongside the incredible victory of Jim and Keith McWilliam, a total of 33 Gold Medals, 45 Silver Medals and 118 Bronze Medals were awarded to local wineries during the Riverina Wine Show.

The Sean Hampel Trophy for Best Shiraz went to Berton Vineyards, the best Riverina Dry Red and Dry White went to McWilliams Wines.

Calabria Family Wines won most successful exhibitor, and Best Wine of Show went to De Bortoli Wines for their 2008 Noble One Botrytis Semillon.

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