Calabria Family Wines

Calabria Family Wines has been part of the Griffith landscape since 1945, making it one of the Riverina's longest-standing family wineries. Nearly eight decades on, the Calabria family continues to run the operation, and that continuity shows — in the wines, in the cellar door atmosphere, and in a focus on varieties that genuinely suit the region.

Griffith sits roughly 580 kilometres southwest of Sydney and 150 kilometres west of Canberra, in the heart of the Riverina. It's a dedicated drive, but the town itself is worth the trip, with more than 40 wineries within close range. Calabria is a natural anchor for any Riverina itinerary.

The Wines

The range centres on shiraz, durif, and chardonnay — and the emphasis on durif is worth noting. The variety is something of a Griffith speciality, and Calabria has built much of its reputation around it. Durif produces deeply coloured, full-bodied wines with firm tannin structure, and the Riverina's warm days, cool nights, and alluvial soils give it plenty to work with. Shiraz performs similarly well here, developing rich fruit and structure without losing definition. If you're visiting the cellar door, both reds deserve your attention.

Tasting fees and specific pour quantities weren't confirmed at time of writing — contact the winery directly for current details before you visit.

Cellar Door Experience

The cellar door at Griffith is relaxed and accessible, with tastings available across the winery's core range. Guided winery tours are on offer for visitors wanting to go deeper into production methods and vineyard management — worth booking ahead, particularly if you're travelling in a group or during harvest season.

A wine shop stocks the full range for purchase, and cellar door pricing is typically better than what you'd find at retail. If you're planning to restock the rack, this is the place to do it.

Food and Dining

There's an on-site restaurant available for dining alongside the wines. Current menu details and dining formats aren't confirmed here — contact the winery ahead of your visit for up-to-date information on what's on offer and whether bookings are required.

The Vineyard

The Riverina's growing conditions are defined by a warm continental climate, with hot summers and relatively cool nights during the ripening period. The region's deep alluvial soils hold moisture well and suit viticulture suited to full-bodied styles. Irrigation access across the region has long supported consistent yields and quality — a practical advantage in a climate that doesn't always deliver reliable rainfall.

Getting There and Parking

Griffith is accessible via the Sturt Highway, and the town is well set up for caravans with good facilities throughout. There's on-site parking at the cellar door, including caravan-friendly access — if you're travelling with a large coach group, it's worth calling ahead to confirm capacity.

There's no direct public transport to the winery, so a car or pre-arranged guided tour is the practical way to get here.

Visitor Tips

• Book ahead for winery tours and restaurant dining, particularly during harvest (February–March) when the property is at its busiest
• Prioritise the reds — durif and shiraz are the standout varieties at Calabria, and the ones most worth tasting
• Time your visit well — harvest season offers the most activity, while April–May brings quieter conditions and pleasant autumn weather
• Combine your visit with other Griffith cellar doors; with 40-plus wineries in the region, a weekend here can be planned around a proper circuit
• Stock up at the wine shop before you leave — cellar door prices make it worth picking up a case rather than hunting for the wines elsewhere