NSW Rootlings Conference - Riverina 2025
Back for the third year, the 2025 Rootling’s Conference is heading to Griffith in the Riverina. Rootling’s is the wine industry youth network for individuals 35 and under, working in all facets of the wine industry.
The Riverina – with Griffith at its heart – is situated in southern central New South Wales and is the largest producing wine region in NSW, and the second largest in Australia. It was waves of European migrants after the First and Second World Wars that gave the Riverina – and its wine industry – a cultural identity not replicated anywhere else in Australia. Their descendants, all third or fourth generation family businesses, are the wineries driving the new face of Riverina premium winemaking and account for a significant proportion of Australia’s export success winning accolades and recognition worldwide.
DAY ONE
Casella Family Brands is Australia’s largest family-owned wine company founded in 1969. Enjoy either a winery tour through their large-scale facility or vineyard tour before morning tea. After morning tea, enjoy a Winery Market Export workshop with Nic Schrippia.
Next, our coach will take us to Yarran Wines, a second-generation family owned wine brand with organically certified vineyards.
After lunch we will travel to the De Bortoli and experience the Noble One wine which has made De Bortoli the brand it is today!
Our dinner event is held at Calabria. The Calabria Family Wines story began in 1945 with founders Francesco and Elisabetta Calabria. Eight decades later, the third generation proudly carries on their grandparents' values of hard work and innovation. Meet the Calabria family and spend the evening networking with other Rootling’s.
DAY TWO
Begin with either a journey to Yenda Producers Co-Operative or back to Calabria Family Wines. At Yenda Producers discover the viticultural practices in the region and discuss career opportunity and directions with Jeremy Cass of Riverina Winegrape growers and Kristy Baltrop of Southern Vineyards. At Calabria, spend time with Andrew Calabria who will deep dive into domestic sales and branding strategy.
At lunchtime, we will head to the Piccolo Family Farm to enjoy lunch and time with Luke Piccolo. Set on 20 acres just outside of Griffith NSW, Piccolo Family Farm uses sustainable farming practices across its citrus orchard, fruit, vegetable and herb plantations, and small vineyard. The farm directly supplies seasonal produce for the family’s restaurant, Limone Dining, championing the establishment’s “farm to fork” approach.
By mid-afternoon the 3rd Rootlings Conference will be all wrapped up for you to head safely home.
