It's been a big year for the Calabria family. They have doubled the size of their portfolio, changed their name and business model to Calabria Family Wine Group, acquired McWilliam's Wines and Hanwood Winery, Deakin Estate, and La La Land Wines. The portfolio of the business has grown from 140 SKUs to 283 SKUs with still more to come.
So it is a fitting end to the year that second-generation winemaker Bill Calabria AM was awarded legendry status at last week's Riverina Wine Show.
He was named the 2021 Riverina Legend at the show following the winery's wins at the competition, including six trophies and the award for Most Successful Exhibitor for the third consecutive year.
Upon receiving the award, Mr Calabria said, “What an honour to be the recipient of the Riverina Legend award. I am grateful to my distinguished peers and Riverina neighbours for continuing to support our family, even through the most challenging times in our 76-year history.
“I have always believed the Riverina to be incredibly underrated, both locally and globally, but through our consistency of quality wines from year to year, the region continues to be the heart of the NSW wine industry. One thing that stands out is the incredible sense of community and camaraderie found in the region and I send my sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed to the ongoing success of our family winery over the past seven decades.”
Mr Calabria has been a notable figure in the Riverina since first working for the family’s winery at the age of 14. He has long held that the region can produce outstanding, premium wines, in addition to creating some of the world’s most notable value drops.
Despite the highs and lows of the industry, he has been steadfast in forging a different path for the Calabria family, creating premium, regionally focussed brands like Three Bridges in addition to expanding the business’ footprint into the Barossa Valley. In 2013, Mr Calabria was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his significant service to the industry.
New South Wales Wine Industry Association President, Mark Bourne said: “This deserved recognition of Bill’s accomplishments are borne from his passion, innovation and commitment to the Riverina, New South Wales and Australian wine industry over many years. We look forward to the exciting future for Bill and the entire Calabria family as they continue to play a significant role in the prosperity and growth of the Riverina for generations to come.”
The trophy winning wines from Calabria & McWilliam’s were:
- Riverina Wine Show 2021
- Best Riverina Dry White - McWilliam's Wines 2020 On the Grapevine Pinot Gris
- Best Riverina Dry Red - McWilliam's Wines 2021 Alternis Nero D'Avola
- Best Riverina Durif - Calabria Wines 3 Bridges 2019 Durif
- Most Successful Exhibitor - Calabria Family Wines Group
- Australian Italian Varieties Wine Awards 2021
- Chief Judges award for ‘Most Exciting Wine’ - McWilliam’s Wines Alternis 2021 Nero D’Avola
- Tumbarumba Wine Show 2021
- Best Young White - McWilliam's Wines 2019 480 Estate Chardonnay
- Wine of Show - McWilliam's Wines 2019 480 Estate Chardonnay
There will be plenty to celebrate and plenty of wines to drink at the Calabria Christmas table this year.
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