Castagna

Acclaimed Winemaker of Australia

For eminent grower and winemaker Julian Castagna, crafting world-class wines means cultivating healthier soils thinking outside the box. The journey of Julian’s vineyard began when he decided to leave the advertising and film industry and took 90-degree turn in his career into winemaking.

Biodynamic Approach of the Winery

He planted his first vineyard in the late 1990s. His vineyards were attacked by beetles and when he tried using chemical treatment, he was astounded by the toxic effect of such treatments and hence was propelled to switch to the biodynamic approach of winemaking. Julian’s focus on holistic farming and enhancing the vineyard soil reflects his winemaking philosophy. Julian Castagna is a diligently committed disciple of biodynamic grape growing and winemaking. He has purchased two egg-shaped, food-grade concrete tanks, each holding 900L.

Natural Wines of the Terroir

The vineyard is situated at an altitude of 500 metres five and a half kilometres outside the historic town of Beechworth in north-east Victoria, high in the foothills of the Australian Alps. The land has been farmed biodynamically from the very beginning which allows the minerality that is in this ancient granite soil. The grapes are hand-pruned and the fruit is hand-picked. They make natural wines of terroir. Five different clones of Syrah are grown, all of which are the progeny of the original 1850s stock imported into Australia from the Rhone. Along with this, other varieties like Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Viognier, Chenin, and Chardonnay are also grown in their vineyards.

Their wines are multi-awarded and are at the forefront of the new Australia.