New range aims to make an impact in the sub-$20 wine segment

There is a new entry into the competitive sub-$20 wine bracket in Australia.

Newly-launched TERRA, designed for everyday drinking, comes from one of the most famous labels in Australia - McWillam's, which has been under the ownership of the Calabria Family Wine Group since 2021.

The collection of "modern, approachable" wines comprises Shiraz 2024, Chardonnay 2025, Pinot Noir 2025 and Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (all with an RRP of $19).

Scott McWilliam, sixth generation family member, says: “Consumers are drinking less wine and exploring more beverage options, so we must make wine feel relevant in everyday life again.

"That means innovating at the approachable, everyday level, removing formality and bringing wine back to the centre of the table.

“TERRA reflects how Australians are enjoying wine today - fresh, generous and made to be shared.

"With this range, we’re proud to bring McWilliam’s heritage to a new generation of wine drinkers in a way that feels more contemporary and relaxed. TERRA is all about taking the formality out of wine and bringing it back to everyday life, whether that’s a casual dinner, a long lunch or time around the table with friends.

"By focusing on approachability, versatility and pure enjoyment, we’re reconnecting wine with how people actually live and making it a natural part of more moments, not just special occasions."

All four are labelled “Wine of Australia” opening the way for multi-regional blending. 

TERRA has a distinctive pewter thumbprint on the label acting as a modern maker’s mark, a nod to the hands that have shaped McWilliam’s wines across six generations.

I’ve checked out all four wines. The presentation is excellent with the shiraz an outstandingly good buy.

It is a medium-bodied all-purpose red that is extremely food friendly.

The chardonnay and pinot noir also offer good drinking with the sauvignon blanc appealing to those who enjoy an overtly herbaceous style. 

Available now from major and select independent retailers nationally, and www.mcwilliams.com.au

From a backyard venture to global success: Calabria Wines marks 80 years

What began 80 years ago as a migrant family's backyard hobby is now a global wine success story.

Calabria Family Wines, formerly known as Westend, is celebrating 80 years of winemaking, honouring four generations of family legacy and innovation dating back to 1945.

With vineyards from the Riverina to the Barossa, the Calabria family has launched a commemorative digital story, featuring family patriarch Bill Calabria and his granddaughter Sophie, sharing their journey. Watch the video.

The story begins in Griffith, home to many Italian migrant families, but Francesco and Elisabetta Calabria’s hobby has grown into one of Australia’s leading family-owned wine businesses.

Bill Calabria AM (below), second-generation winemaker, director, and one-time professional boxer. reflects on the journey.

“We’ve come a long way from my parents’ backyard winery," he says. "What hasn’t changed is our commitment to quality, our love for the land, curiosity, and the belief that wine brings people together. That’s what drives us forward.”

The Calabrias now have state-of-the-art winemaking facilities with third and fourth generations now actively involved.

Calabria, Richland and Three Bridges are among the family's high-profile label, with the addition of new brands like Calabria BELENA, and premium wines including Iconic and Saint Petri.

The 80th birthday sees the family focusing on the future, as well as supporting national charities through the Bill Calabria Foundation.

“We’re not just making wine, we’re building something that lasts," says Andrew Calabria, third-generation sales and marketing director.

"That means listening to our customers, investing in our people, and protecting the land that gives us so much.”

To mark this milestone, the Calabria family has unveiled the Calabria 80th Anniversary Limited Edition Durif VP.

“We’re proud of our history, and reaching 80 years is a significant milestone; it definitely is a time to reflect,” says Bill Calabria. 

“Having Sophie retell our story makes it even more special. But we’re not just looking back; we’re firmly focused on the road ahead. Calabria Family Wines is here for the long haul.”

Calabria wines are today exported to over 40 countries and are known for offering excellent value.

For more information about Calabria Family Wines see www.calabriawines.com.au.

Calabria family offers a little taste of Italy Down Under

The Calabria family are one of the big success stories of the Australian wine industry, graduating from backyard producers to major players. 

Now the family is celebrating la dolce vita and its Italian cultural links with a new cellar door food offering and revamped winery experiences

The Calabrias have unveiled an Italian-inspired bar menu at the Calabria Family Wines cellar door in Griffith. 

There are now a selection of Italian-style shared plates and a seasonal shared menu designed by the venue’s new chef Amanda Fuller.

The food offering follows a revamp of the cellar door, which now includes a suite of tasting experiences, a winery museum, and a sensory wall. 

“This has been a huge undertaking by the cellar door team and one that will be a great addition to the region." says third-generation sales and marketing manager Andrew Calabria. 

"The Riverina is such an iconic region for outstanding produce, generations of independent family businesses, and of course, an array of sensational wines. We aim to celebrate that with our new experience offerings. 

“While there are still traditional wine-tasting experiences to guide you through our portfolio of wines, we feel the best way to get to know all about the Calabrias is by taking a seat at the tasting bar and enjoying a selection of Italianesque menu items alongside our delicious wines.”

So think salumi and cheese boards, warmed olives, hand-rolled arancini and home-baked focaccia. 

A more elevated lunch experience is available to book and features a seasonal menu of shared dishes and matched wines enjoyed inside patriarch Bill Calabria’s private cellar.

This season’s La Dolce Vita dishes include hand-made pasta tossed in a traditional ragù, Calabrian baked eggplant, pizza topped with arugula, and an assortment of Italian desserts. 

The La Dolce Vita lunch experience costs $90 per person, with bookings mandatory.

“Food is an essential part of the wine experience, and I’ve worked with the Calabria family to best showcase their Southern Italian heritage and the incredible local produce we have available in the Riverina,” says chef Fuller. 

“The dishes celebrate the region and its produce while sticking to the laid-back Italian philosophy of riposo - or rest - where guests are invited to relax, sip wine and enjoy delicious food with friends around the table. The new space and food experience will be a welcome addition to the exciting food scene here in Griffith.”

In addition to the menu offering, Calabria Family Wines has added an interactive sensory wall to showcase the aromas that inspire the Calabria family’s wines. 

Utilising a system of hand-blown glass decanters and aroma pumps, the team have carefully curated a selection of aromas to give visitors a scent-driven, self-guided experience in the cellar door.

The cellar door experiences aim to highlight the 76-year history of the family winery since Francesco Calabria first founded Calabria Wines & Sons in 1945.

The new wine tasting menu includes the Discover & Taste flight, the Sorseggia e Assaggia (Sip & Taste) Italian tasting, Riverina Signature Flight self-guided experiences and the Icons of the Riverina Bill Calabria & Three Bridges Durif vertical tasting - hosted by Bill Calabria AM.

“Whether you simply want to enjoy a light tasting through our collection of outstanding wines or dig into the private cellars and taste something rare and wonderful, every guest that comes to Calabria Family Wines will be given a special experience worth remembering,” Andrew Calabria said.

The complete list of experiences and prices is at www.calabriawines.com.au/visit-us/riverina.

Fourth generation steps up to Calabria family wine business

Calabria Family Wine Group has welcomed its first fourth-generation family member to the business.

Sophie Calabria, daughter of third generation Michael Calabria (pictured), is currently completing a Bachelor of Marketing & Communications degree through the University of South Australia,

The family said: "We look forward to seeing her grow and continuing to share our love of wine with our customers around the world."

Sophie's grandfather, Bill Calabria, is especially proud to see his grand-daughter join the family business.

He has always been a strong advocate for family values and passing on the traditions and knowledge of the company to the next generation.

“As a family-owned business, we are proud to have been producing award-winning wines for over 75 years," said Bill Calabria.

"We believe that our success is due to our commitment to quality, sustainability, and family values. With Sophie joining our team, we are excited to continue this legacy and to pass on our passion to the next generation.”

The Riverina-based business, previously known as Westend, also has substantial interests in the Barossa in South Australia. ⁠⁠

Alternative reds match the Australian wine zeitgeist

 

Calabria Family Wines is one of the big success stories of the Australian wine industry.

From small beginnings in the Riverina, Calabria has become a major player, expanding its footprint to the Barossa and unveiling several new ranges.

The third-generation Italian-Australian brand has just added three new wines to its Alternato range from the Barossa; Calabria Alternato Sangiovese 2020, Calabria Alternato Malbec 2021, and Calabria Alternato Montepulciano/Nero D'Avola 2021.

The wines have been released in response to increasing demand from Australian consumers alternative styles and varietals - particularly food-friendly reds.

The initial release in the range was Alteranto Red Blend (durif, nero d'Avola, montepluciano and shiraz) and it now has three companions.

"Our love for alternative Italian wine varietals has been passed down through the generations, starting with my grandfather Francesco," says Andrew Calabria, the sales and marketing manager.

"These varieties are shining in Australia right now as they pair beautifully with our climate in terms of both growing them, and enjoying them.

"The Barossa Valley has a somewhat Mediterranean climate, making it ideal not only for bold Aussie shiraz, but also for a wealth of alternative grapes and styles."

All three of the new wines come from Barossa vineyards - a region the Calabria family regards as its second home.

You won't miss the eye-catching packaging, or the short, stout bottles.

All three wines are very compatible with food - we tested them with homemade salami and mushroom pizzas. 

My preference was for the immediately approachable montepulciano/nero d'Avola blend, while my wife favoured the savoury malbec outlier, made from a grape originally from Cahors in the south of France that now thrives in Argentina.

The Alternato range retails for $45 from select retailers, or www.calabriawines.com.au.

It's a deal! Calabria purchase of McWilliam's Wines deal finalised

                                           

                                           Andrew Calabria and Scott McWilliam

Calabria Family Wines’ purchase of McWilliam's Wines is now complete.

Calabria family patriarch Bill Calabria announced the finalisation of the deal in a letter to associates.

"Both of our families have a rich heritage, contributing much to the Australian wine industry 
and the Riverina wine region," he said. 

"While the recent acquisition closes a difficult period for the McWilliam family, I speak for everyone in the Calabria family that we aim to respect their many contributions to the growth of Australian wine and champion the unique attributes that have made the McWilliam’s name celebrated around the world.

"Since our own founding 75 years ago, the supportive relationships with our Riverina neighbours have always been an important part of our journey, not least with the McWilliam family.

"The McWilliams were instrumental in helping my father, Francesco Calabria, in establishing our vineyard and winery. I know that it’s in this spirit that Frank, Michael, Andrew and Elizabeth are proud and honoured to be working with Scott McWilliam and the rest of the family to bring both of our businesses together in the best way possible.

"Over the next four weeks, our focus will be to integrate each McWilliam's Wines business department into our own - from production and sales to marketing and operations. We aim to align all systems to work together, while both brands maintain their unique identities.

"Our ultimate goal is to ensure we are both on a path to prosperity. Combined, McWilliam's and Calabria have over two centuries of winemaking experience and excellence - and it’s our goal to give the utmost respect to that.

"While these businesses will continue to operate as two entities, both families will work together - stronger as one."

Andrew Calabria and Scott McWilliam

Calabria swoops to buy McWilliam's Wines

Riverina and Barossa Valley winemaker Calabria Family Wines has acquired a piece of Australian wine history with the purchase of McWilliam’s Wines. 

The sale, set to be complete by April 30, was announced today by KPMG and selling agent Colliers International. It will see the Griffith-based Calabria family take ownership of the McWilliam’s brands, intellectual property, and stock holdings as well as the Hanwood vineyard, winery and cellar door. 

Mount Pleasant in the Hunter Valley was sold to developers Medich Family. That could prove contentious. 

 

“It is a great honour for our family to become the proud custodians of Australian winemaking history with the purchase of McWilliam’s Wines," said third-generation general manager Michael Calabria. "Despite recent challenges, we know the McWilliam’s name carries a long and prestigious reputation as one of Australia’s oldest wine producers.” 

Calabria Family patriarch Bill Calabria

McWilliam’s was established in 1877 and has become one of Australia's leading family-owned wineries. With six consecutive generations of winemakers and over 140 years of experience, McWilliam’s has established a range of premium vineyard holdings across the Riverina and New South Wales. It had been in administration.

 

“Local members of the McWilliam family are pleased that the Hanwood winery and the McWilliam’s Wines business will continue under the control of the Calabria family and that their passion for the local region, brands and history of the company will continue under their family ownership," said fifth-generation Greg McWilliams. 

 We have had a close and enduring relationship over many years and look forward to working with the Calabria family in the future.” 

For further information about Calabria Family Wines visit www.calabriawines.com.au. 

Back to the future: Will cask wines soon be back in fashion?

Bag-in-the-box wines, known in Australia as cask wines, once enjoyed immense popularity. And now they are on their way back. 

Casks were cheap, convenient for drinking over a long period and had a lower carbon footprint than glass bottle alternatives. 

Unfortunately. many cask wines were also nasty, although honourable exceptions include De Bortoli, Yalumba and Morris.

Now Calabria Family Wines is producing a new range of bag-in-the-box wines that are 100% vegan-friendly, include some alternative varietals and have hip and happening packaging. 

So if you'd like a two-lite box of montepulciano or Nero D’Avola, you might want to check out the Banta Box range. 

Banta Box promises "a range of premium quality wines" in cask format, with varieties like sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and shiraz, as well as a rosé. 

Wines in the Banta Box range are all vegan-friendly and once opened stay fresh for up to 30 days. With a 100% recyclable outer carton, and lightweight format, the cask produces a smaller carbon footprint than glass bottles. 

“Consumers are more conscious than ever of the impact excess packaging is having on our planet, and it’s no different for the regular wine drinker, which is why we’re seeing such great excitement for alternative packaging formats in the industry,” says third-generation sales and marketing manager Andrew Calabria. 

“Banta Box gives wine drinkers who want the occasional glass of wine with a meal at home an optionthey can store in the fridge for an extended period of time without the guilt of opening an entire bottle.

“For a while now, the Australian cask category has carried a poor reputation for being of low quality, but this perception is changing as more premium offerings come to market. 

"Markets abroad have really embraced the wine-in-box format and we are totally confident Australia is on the same path. 

“With our alternative styles like Nero d’Avola and montepulciano in the range, and the compact, convenient pack size, we feel the Banta Box range will be a fantastic introduction to someone who is interested in exploring the cask category for the first time or a refreshing new favourite for those familiar with this classic Aussie innovation.”

The new Banta Box range (​RRP $13.99​) is now available in independent retailers, with branded point of sale displays and an integrated marketing campaign to follow.

I'm told my boxes are on their way, so I will report back on quality. 

See www.bantabox.com