Inca Lee, CEO of South Australian Wine Industry Association with Sophie Vaile, recipient of the 2025 Gramp Hardy Smith Memorial Prize. Image courtesy SAWIA

The South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA) has announced Sophie Vaile as the recipient of the 2025 Gramp Hardy Smith Memorial Prize, which recognises the most outstanding graduate from the Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology in the 2024 academic year.

First established in 1940, the prize honours the legacy of Hugo Gramp, Thomas Hardy, and Sidney Hill-Smith—three pioneering figures of South Australia’s winemaking industry who tragically lost their lives in the Kyeema airliner disaster on 25 October 1938. The three men, icons of South Australia’s founding wine families, were enroute to Canberra for an industry meeting with the Australian Government when their DC2 aircraft descended through heavy fog and crashed, killing all 18 passengers.

For over eight decades since, the Gramp Hardy Smith Memorial Prize has celebrated academic excellence while preserving the memory of these industry leaders whose vision and dedication shaped South Australia’s globally recognised wine sector.

SAWIA also extends its warm congratulations to Han Wang, recipient of the South Australian Wine Industry Association Silver Medal for achieving the second highest mark in the Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology program.

Both Sophie and Han exemplify the spirit of innovation and excellence that continues to propel South Australia’s wine industry forward. Their achievements reflect the dedication, skill, and passion required to uphold the legacy of the great winemakers before them.

Vaile said she was deeply honoured to receive both the Gramp Hardy Smith Memorial Prize and the David Bradley Memorial Prize.

“The past four years have been both challenging and rewarding, and I’m deeply grateful for the support along the way,” said Vaile.

“I’m excited to continue in a postgraduate role at Yangarra Estate Vineyard, further honing my skills in the industry. In late 2026, I plan to travel abroad to deepen my understanding of international viticulture and winemaking.

“This recognition is a meaningful way to close my undergraduate chapter and embrace the next stage of my journey.”

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