This retrospective award, which recognises outstanding contributions from the previous year, will be presented at the annual NSW Wine Industry Association Wine Awards in Sydney on October 18.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Plant Systems group director, Alison Bowman, said "the award recognises people who have made a real difference by advancing the local industry."

"It's an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding contributions made by a wine grape grower, wine maker, marketer, researcher, educator or industry advocate," Dr Bowman said.

"Individuals involved in any field of the NSW wine industry are encouraged to nominate for this prestigious award or nominate a colleague who deserves the title."

Named after NSW wine industry pioneer and former NSW Agriculture Deputy Director General, Graham Gregory, the award celebrates the wine industry and people who contribute to its success.

Last year's winner, Stuart McGrath-Kerr, was recognised for his leadership in research and development, winemaking, education and market development.

Mr McGrath-Kerr is executive officer of the Wine Grapes Marketing Board since 1987 he has helped build the value of NSW wine exports. NSW is now home to seven of Australia's top 20 wine exporters and our exports have increased by close to 700 per cent in the last decade.

Nominations for the 2018 Graham Gregory Award close on September 20.

Entry forms and information about the award are available on the NSW DPI website https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/horticulture/grapes/gga/graham-gregory-award and can be submitted to events.sponsorship@dpi.nsw.gov.au