A family vintage

The wine industry has experienced significant disruption in recent years, from global supply chain challenges to shifting consumer behaviors. By remaining agile, investing in strong partnerships and empowering its people to adapt and innovate, Calabria Family Wine Group has been able to navigate change while continuing to deliver quality and consistency.

“Our resilience comes from having a clear sense of who we are and staying focused on the long term, even during periods of uncertainty,” says Elizabeth Calabria-Staltare, Head of Marketing.

Calabria-Staltare is the third-generation of the wine company founded by her grandparents Francesco and Elisabetta Calabria in 1945. From its Riverina base, Calabria Family Wine Group has grown over eight decades into one of Australia’s largest independent family-owned wine companies. That growth has accelerated in recent years through strategic acquisitions, including Deakin Estate and McWilliam’s.

It’s been a decade that has changed the trajectory of the business, but the current generation are far from forgetting their roots.

“The Calabria legacy is incredibly meaningful to me,” says Calabria-Staltare.

“While I wasn’t fortunate enough to know my grandparents personally, I’ve seen their legacy, values and vision lived out daily through my father. His passion, drive and unwavering belief in what we do have shaped my understanding of what this family business stands for.”

That legacy of dedication, resilience and care is something she says she carries with her every day.

“It continues to inspire me, both personally and professionally,” she says.

Trust, quality and reliability

That rich history has enabled Calabria Family Wine Group to build strong relationships with customers, many who have grown alongside the multi-generational family business.

“Over the years, we’ve built a reputation based on trust, quality and reliability, creating a strong sense of familiarity and connection with the Calabria name,” she says.

Some of those customer relationships date back more than 50 years to when her father, Bill Calabria, was establishing the brand.

“That loyalty is something we’re incredibly proud of and never take for granted. It’s a reflection of the genuine relationships we’ve built and our commitment to delivering quality experiences across generations,” she says.

The company is far from being stuck in the past, however.

“As a multi-generational family business, we have a deep respect for our heritage, but we’re equally focused on the future,” she adds. “Our history provides a strong foundation; however, innovation and curiosity have always been part of who we are.”

Whether it’s exploring new wine styles, investing in emerging technologies or finding new ways to connect with consumers and industry partners, Calabria Family Wine Group is constantly looking for opportunities to evolve. The key, Calabria-Staltare says, is striking the right balance – honoring the values and traditions that have shaped the company, while remaining agile and relevant to the next generation of wine drinkers.

“There is a real sense of energy and openness to new ideas within the business today,” she says.

The new generation is bringing fresh perspectives around brand building, consumer engagement, innovation and how Calabria Family Wine Group continues to grow its presence in an evolving market.

“At the same time, those ideas are grounded in the experience, values and practical wisdom of the generations before us, enabling us to make considered decisions that honor our heritage while positioning the business for the future,” she says.

Future-forward

Speaking of the future, there’s a lot to be excited about – both in Australia and internationally, Calabria-Staltare reveals.

“We’re continuing to explore opportunities through innovation, whether that’s new wine styles, packaging formats or more meaningful ways to connect with consumers,” she says.

“We also have some exciting bespoke developments in the pipeline that we’re looking forward to bringing to market.”

The industry is evolving and with that comes significant opportunities to reach new consumers, explore new markets and continue showcasing the quality and diversity of Australian wine on a global stage, she adds.

What’s certain is that Calabria Family Wine Group’s Riverina roots will continue to be key to its identity.

“The Riverina is central to who we are,” Calabria-Staltare says. “Griffith is where our story began and it remains the heart of our business today. Our connection to the vineyards, our people and the local community has shaped who we are for generations, and we’re incredibly proud of those roots.”

What also has shaped the company is the sense of pride, connection and responsibility that defines a family business. If, a decade from now, the current generation has created something that the next generation feels genuinely proud to be part of, Calabria-Staltare will consider it a job well done.

“In ten years’ time, if we’ve strengthened the foundations laid by the generations before us while creating new opportunities for those that follow, that would be a legacy worth being proud of,” she concludes.