'Innovation in action' NSW Rootling's 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 around the world.

WELCOME DINNER – Sunday 15th June 2025

At Luke Piccolo’s Limone 6pm 482 Banna Avenue, Griffith NSW

DAY ONE – Monday 16th June 2025

Casella Family Brands is Australia’s largest family-owned wine company founded in 1969. Enjoy a winery tour through their large-scale facility and a discussion with the Casella team on Winery Market Export or the Sustainable Winegrowing Australia registration process

Next, our coach will take us to Yarran Wines, a second-generation family-owned wine brand with organically certified vineyards. Talk to Sam Brewer about the vineyard and winery and Katie Alpen around marketing and cellar door sales of the Yarran brand.

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 – Tuesday 17th June 2025

Begin the day at 7:30 am with Jenna Vaughan on the bus to discuss the National Rootling Program and to provide Jenna with feedback for Next year's events.

Then we journey to the NSW DPIRD site or back to Calabria Family Wines. At NSW DPIRD discover the viticultural practices in the region and discuss career opportunity and directions with Jeremy Cass of Riverina Winegrowers and Kristy Bartrop 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 early- afternoon the 3rd Rootling's Conference will be all wrapped up for you to head safely home.

OTHER DETAILS:

Suggested Accommodation: The Kidman Wayside Inn Hotel has been held for your registration. Call 02 6964 5666 and ask reception to transfer individual rooms under ‘NSW Rootling's’ into your name. Prices are around $150 per night or $165 for a share room.

Coach departure: The coach will depart on Monday and Tuesday at 8am sharp from The Kidman Wayside Inn Hotel located at 58/72 Jondaryan Ave, Griffith.

Sunday evening dinner: A casual dinner at Limone, located at 482 Banna Ave, Griffith NSW 2680, has been booked for Sunday evening. This dinner will be at individuals own expense. Please register, if you would like to join.

Dietary requirements: Catering is provided, beside breakfast, on Monday and Tuesday. If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know upon booking.

Clothing: Please pack clothing that is suitable for early morning vineyard and winery tours. Dinner dress code is smart casual. Closed shoes are essential and bleach baths daily will minimise potential risks to the local environment.

Networking: If you would like your email and social media handles shared within the Rootlings community to use for connection and networking pre and post conference, then please add to your event registration.