The Calabria family has celebrated 80 years of winemaking, a milestone the family says that honours four generations of passion, resilience, and innovation.
Francesco and Elisabetta Calabria started the family’s wine journey in 1945, and from those humble beginnings in Griffith, Calabria Family Wines is one of Australia’s leading family-owned wine businesses.
Bill Calabria AM, second-generation and Director, said: “We’ve come a long way from my parents’ backyard winery. 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.”
Over those 80 years, the business has evolved from hand-crushing grapes to operating state-of-the-art facilities, with third and fourth generations now actively involved. Despite its expansion, the company continues to uphold its founding values of integrity, hospitality and craftsmanship.
Calabria’s Richland and Three Bridges ranges remain core to its portfolio, while newer labels such as Calabria Belena reflect a focus on innovation and market relevance. Premium releases including Iconic and Saint Petri draw on fruit from the family’s three Barossa Valley vineyards, acquired over the past decade.
Andrew Calabria, third-generation Sales & Marketing Director, said: “We’re not just making wine, we’re building something that lasts. That means listening to our customers, investing in our people, and protecting the land that gives us so much.”
Looking ahead, the company plans to expand through new product development and an enhanced digital presence. The family’s ongoing commitment to mentoring emerging talent and supporting national charities through the Bill Calabria Foundation underscores its emphasis on innovation, community and giving back.
“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.”
To mark this milestone, the family has launched a commemorative digital story that captures the heart of their journey, narrated by Bill Calabria and his eldest granddaughter, Sophie. This feature offers a personal reflection on the legacy built over four generations.
