Riverina vintage 2026 ‘another story to tell’

Chief winemaker Emma Norbiato from the Calabria Family Wine Group – which produces Calabria, McWilliam’s and Deakin – reflects on the 2026 vintage.

It’s hard to believe we are here again, another vintage behind us, another story to tell. As the Calabria Family enters its 81st year, this feels like an important moment to pause and reflect on how far the business has come, and where it continues to evolve.

Eighty-one vintages. One hundred and ninety-five dedicated employees. New distribution partnerships, shifting consumer tastes, wines crafted across every price point, expansion into new wine products, and an industry shaped by both climate and market change. In many ways, making wine has never sounded more complex, yet at its heart, the essence remains unchanged: good quality fruit, people with passion, and, of course, a heck lot of hard work!

A season defined by resilience

The 2025-26 growing season was defined by dryness and warmth. Annual rainfall in the NSW Riverina reached just 240mm, with winter temperatures also trending warmer than average. January brought intense heat, including 10 days above 40°C.

Disease pressure remained low, and careful canopy management proved critical. Despite the sustained heat, fruit was well protected and managed, avoiding the sunburn we might typically expect in such conditions, a credit to vineyard teams and their attention to detail.

Harvest in motion

Harvest began with Chardonnay on January 15, and by February 2 the laboratory, cellar, maintenance and winemaking crews were operating around the clock, dusk until dawn. As yields emerged lower than anticipated, the winery recalibrated early, responding with agility and precision.

Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Pinot Grigio followed swiftly, with Shiraz entering the cellar on February 5. Over a 12-week period, operations processed 26,000 tonnes of fruit, with the final intake completed on April 17.

Premium cellar: creative focus

In a notable shift, Riverina Durif became the first variety into the premium cellar, followed closely by Tumbarumba Chardonnay. In 2026, our premium cellar was driven by intentional focus on crafting wines of integrity and character, with every detail underpinned by thoughtful creativity.

From carbonic maceration and heading-down boards to plungers, wild fermentations and non-Saccharomyces yeasts, the team pushed creative boundaries.

The premium cellar processed 437 tonnes between March 2 and April 16, producing a diverse and exciting portfolio of wines.

Thoughtful evolution of key styles

While respecting established hierarchies, several key wines will see thoughtful evolution. Our flagship, Calabria Three Bridges Durif remains true to its heritage, with a subtle evolution that places greater emphasis on fruit expression. Within the Calabria range, traditional styles remain paramount, while select wines are gently modernised to reflect fruit-first purity.

The McWilliam’s 1877 Tumbarumba Chardonnay is evolving towards greater restraint, with more focus on fruit clarity. McWilliam’s Canberra Shiraz stepped forward confidently this vintage, delivering ‘bunchy’ goodness through carbonic influence.

New expressions are also emerging. A textural Fiano with notes of lime pith is planned for 2026 release, alongside Nero d’Avola styled as a medium-bodied, relaxed ‘lunch wine’.

From the lightness of Grenache and Pinot Noir to the structure of Sangiovese and the depth of Barossa Shiraz, the premium cellar delivered breadth, diversity and confidence.

People at the heart of the vintage

In 2026, 27 vintage casuals joined the harvest team. Their experience, commitment and attitude were outstanding and a genuine pleasure to work alongside.

The diversity of this winery is thrilling, to produce large commercial blends with precision and speed at the same location we have 200kg carbonic maceration is our superpower, so can you have it all? I say yes!

Looking ahead, together

It would be remiss not to acknowledge the challenges many across the wine industry continue to face, from our partnerships with growers to suppliers and staff. These are testing times, and we are working harder than ever to protect the passion that underpins our industry.

To our growers, suppliers and team members: thank you. Through the highs and lows of another demanding year, together we have crafted wines of integrity, quality and purpose, and we carry that momentum forward into the years ahead.

• Subscribe to WBM – Australia’s Wine Business Magazine for unparalleled coverage of the Australian wine industry.