An Italian Soul in Australian Soil: The Story of Julian Castagna

In the high-altitude hills of Beechworth, Victoria, you'll find a winemaking pioneer with a fascinating backstory. Julian Castagna, a former film producer, traded the glamour of Sydney's media scene for the red granite soils of Beechworth in the late 1990s. His vision was to create wines of elegance, finesse, and deep character, a philosophy that ran against the high-octane trends of the time.

Inspired by his Italian heritage and time spent working vintages in France, Julian set out to make wines that are a pure expression of their place. He was an early champion of biodynamic viticulture in Australia, a choice that came from a profound realization: "I don't like the term winemaker; what I am is a winegrower," he says. His journey into biodynamics was born from a desire to create healthy, living soil, believing that this is where true winemaking begins. This hands-on,low-intervention approach has helped put Beechworth on the international wine map and earned Castagna a cult following.

Today, Castagna Vineyard is a family affair, with Julian's son, Adam, playing a key role. Together, they hand-prune and hand-pick their vineyards, using only indigenous yeasts and minimal interference in the cellar. Their acclaimed wines,including a lighter, more elegant Shiraz, a Sangiovese inspired by Tuscany, and a classic Beechworth Chardonnay, are sought after by fine diners and wine connoisseurs around the world.