Second-generation winemaker Bill Calabria AM has been recognised as the 2021 Riverina Legend at this year’s Riverina Wine Show following his namesake winery’s sweeping of the competition with a total of six trophies and the award for most successful exhibitor for the third consecutive year.

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, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his significant service to the industry.

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.”

Calabria Three Bridges Durif 2019 won the coveted trophy for Best Riverina Durif, with McWilliam’s Wines winning both the Best Riverina Dry White and Dry Red Trophies for the On the Grapevine Pinot Gris 2020 and Alternis Nero D’Avola 2021 respectively.

In the Australian Italian Varieties Wine Awards, McWilliam’s Alternis Nero D’Avola 2021 also took home the Chief Judge’s Award for ‘Most Exciting Wine’. And in the Tumbarumba GI Wine Show, McWilliam’s 480 Estate Chardonnay 2019 received Best Young White and Wine of Show in the regional competition.

“What an honour to be the recipient of the Riverina Legend award. 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,” Mr Calabria said.

“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.”

The Riverina Legend award first launched in 2019 as part of the Riverina Wine Show. Mr Calabria joins Les Worland (2019) and Jim and Keith McWilliam (2020) who have both been recognised for this distinguished regional award.

This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 9 December 2021.