South Australian winery Yalumba has taken out the Legacy Family Business trophy at the Family Business Excellence Awards.

The Family Business Excellence Awards celebrated its most outstanding contributors at the 2025 Family Business Conference: Asia-Pacific last week, hosted by Family Business Association.

For 175 years and six generations, the Hill-Smith family has nurtured Yalumba into one of Australia’s most revered fine wine producers.

The award was accepted by Robert Hill-Smith (above). He said the family had always had long-term vision that had enabled them to make strategic decisions that balance tradition with sustainability, accreditation and environmental responsibility.

“We’re 175 years young, surviving the highs and lows, and we absolutely love it.

“We feel very lucky that each generation of our family has been pioneering in spirit and innovative with the business. We get to bring people together, to open a bottle of wine, and tell a story about why that means something to us. And that is worth holding on to.

“On behalf of my family, I accept this award with a lot of pride. It is very humbling,” said Hill-Smith.

The Legacy Family Business Award is given to mature generational family businesses that epitomise a legacy marked by structured family gatherings and supported by a board. They are distinguished by their effective processes, which harmonise family, business, and ownership dynamics that ensure financial stability, sustainability and philanthropic endeavours.

These awards underscore the vital role that family-run enterprises play across Australia and New Zealand, highlighting their significant innovation, economic, social, and cultural impacts.

With family businesses representing 70% of all businesses in Australia and providing approximately 50% of the nation’s workforce with a job, they span the spectrum from small local shops to large multinational operations, demonstrating the diversity and strength of family entrepreneurship in the region.

Family Business Association (FBA) CEO Catherine Sayer said: “Family businesses are the heart of Australia’s economy and social fabric. These awards celebrate not only their achievements but also the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship, resilience, and community that family businesses embody.

“They deserve this recognition as they are a key part of our economy and way of life.”

Submissions for the 2025/2026 Family Business Excellence Awards are now open. For more information visit: www.familybusinessassociation.org