The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW has announced William Wilson as the recipient of its RAS Contributor Award, recognising his unwavering dedication and service to the Sydney Royal Wine Show.

Established in 1988, the RAS Contributor Award recognises an individual’s outstanding contribution to the RAS and the wider agricultural industry. Only one award is presented each year, with recipients selected from across all RAS competitions and sections.

Wilson has been an integral part of the Sydney Royal Wine Show and Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show since 2012. In his roles as Steward and now Chief Steward, he has gone above and beyond to improve the competition, mentor others and ensure every show is conducted to the highest standard.

Beyond the Sydney Royal competitions, Wilson has made an outstanding contribution to the NSW wine industry through his role as Senior Manager, Retail and Beverage Services at the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), where he is committed to showcasing NSW wines.

Wilson was among Australia’s first certified sommeliers through the Court of Master Sommeliers and is a Certified Cicerone®, equivalent to the Sommelier qualification in the world of beer.

RAS President John Bennett said: “William’s professionalism, generosity, attention to detail and quiet leadership have earned the respect and friendship of everyone who has had the pleasure of working with him,”

“He is an integral part of the Sydney Royal Wine Show team, and his dedication has played a significant role in advancing the competition and ensuring its continued success.”

The award was presented to Mr Wilson by RAS President John Bennett and coincides with the 200-year celebration of the Sydney Royal Wine Show, which first awarded a medal for ‘Colonial’ wine in 1826.

Today, Wilson, together with the Sydney Royal Wine Show team and its valued judges, continues to uphold that legacy and support the ongoing success of one of Australia’s most respected wine competitions.

ICC Sydney was also recently inducted into the Hall of Fame in the 2026 NSW Sommelier Wine List Awards for consistently championing NSW wine excellence.

Mr Wilson has been instrumental in curating the venue’s 100 per cent NSW wine list, alongside ICC Sydney General Manager – Operations, Lynell Peck. His industry connections and knowledge of local wines have played a key role in the venue’s contribution to regional suppliers, which in FY2024/25 reached $13.85 million in direct expenditure for NSW food and beverage suppliers.

Pictured main: Dr Sam Walker, Lyndey Milan OAM, William Wilson, Sally Evans and Angus Barnes.