James Halliday recognised for “substantial” contributions to the wine industry

James Halliday AM. Image courtesy Institute of Masters of Wine

James Halliday AM has been named the recipient of the 2025 Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was presented at Vinexposium’s V d’Or by Patrick Schmitt MW, the drinks business editor-in-chief, and Rod Smith MW, IMW chair.

The award acknowledges the substantial contribution of an individual to the global wine community, and recognises vision, determination and innovation. All recipients are considered not only to be successful in themselves, but to have materially contributed to the advancement of the wine world or its interests.

Patrick Schmitt MW, editor of the drinks business, acknowledged Halliday’s monumental impact on the industry.

“Such has been the influence of this remarkably prolific and influential wine critic that no mention of Australian wine quality seems complete without his opinion.”

Over 55 years, James Halliday AM has shaped the Australian wine industry as a writer, critic, winemaker and judge, mentoring generations and elevating Australian wine on the world stage. He co-founded Brokenwood Wines in 1970 and Coldstream Hills in 1985, demonstrating a deep understanding of terroir, and has chaired judging panels for major wine competitions globally. Two-time winner of the James Beard Award, his accolades include Wine Spectator Book of the Year and being named as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2010 Queen’s Birthday Honours. Since 1979 he has authored and contributed to a catalogue of over 80 books and numerous articles, and his eponymous Annual Wine Companion, launched in 1986, remains a definitive guide to Australian wine.

On receiving the award, James Halliday AM commented on its significance.

“I am deeply honoured that the membership of the Institute has voted I should receive this Award in 2025, thus joining a very distinguished list of prior recipients from all corners of the globe,” said Halliday.

Rod Smith MW, IMW chair, added that the award was “well-deserved”, and expressed his pride at presenting the honour to “the legend that is James Halliday”.

*Jancis Robinson accepted the award on Halliday’s behalf at the Vinexposium’s V d’Or. Image courtesy Institute of Masters of Wine*

Halliday was unable to attend the ceremony in person, nominating last year’s winner, Jancis Robinson OBE MW, to accept the award on his behalf.

“It was a great honour to be able to accept this award on behalf of someone I have known and admired for decades,” said Robinson.

Recipients are nominated and voted on by Masters of Wine. Since its debut in 2005, some of the industry’s most respected contributors have been presented with the accolade:

2005 – Robert Mondavi
2007 – Marchese Piero Antinori
2011 – Jean-Michel Cazes
2012 – Olivier Humbrecht MW
2013 – Baroness Philippine de Rothschild
2015 – Hugo Johnson OBE
2016 – Mark Savage MW
2017 – Miguel A. Torres
2019 – Paul Symington
2024 – Jancis Robinson OBE MW

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