The long-standing winemaker and Member of the Order of Australia has been making wines since the age of 14, and the award is intended to honour his many years of dedicated craft.

NSW Wine Industry Association President Mark Bourne said: "This deserved recognition of Bill's accomplishments are borne from his passion, innovation and commitment to the Riverina, New South Wales and Australian wine industry over many years."

"We look forward to the exciting future for Bill and the entire Calabria family as they continue to play a significant role in the prosperity and growth of the Riverina for generations to come."

Mr Calabria described the Riverina as being the heart of NSW wines.

"I have always believed the Riverina to be incredibly underrated, both locally and globally, but through our consistency of quality wines from year to year, the region continues to be the heart of the NSW wine industry."

He added that while he was thrilled to receive the award, he felt it really belonged to everyone at Calabria Wines.

"I'm proud to get it but you can't do it on your own, I have a really good team. If you have a good team, and you love what you do, it's not even work," he said.

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He's not slowing down after the award either, saying that his next big project is to continue building up McWilliam's wines.

"Without McWilliams, we wouldn't have a wine industry in Griffith. I'd like to get that back where it belongs, it's history that can't be repeated.

Calabria Wines took out six awards at the event, and took home their third consecutive 'Most Successful Exhibitor' award.

Calabria's Three Bridges Durif 2019 won the coveted trophy for Best Riverina Durif. McWilliam's Wines took out both the Best Riverina Dry White and Dry Red Trophies for their Pinot Gris 2020 and Alternis Nero D'Avola 2021 respectively.

McWilliam's also took the Chief Judge's award for 'Most Exciting Wine' for their Alternis Nero D'Avola 2021, along with the McWilliam's 480 Estate Chardonnay 2019 winning Best Young White and Wine of Show in the Tumbarumba GI Wine Show.

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