Agricola

Agricola Vintners, helmed by Callum Powell, represents a new chapter in the Powell family's storied history in the Barossa Valley. After making a name for himself alongside his father, Dave Powell of Torbreck fame, Callum has ventured out to create his own legacy. Drawing from his family’s vineyards and the renowned Hoffmann sites, Callum produces wines that offer a contemporary take on the Barossa’s rich winemaking traditions.

Callum’s journey began in his childhood, immersed in the world of winemaking. From chasing mice in Torbreck’s early days to gaining invaluable experience with luminaries like Jean-Louis Chave in the Rhône Valley, his path has been shaped by both heritage and innovation. His time in Europe instilled a deep respect for terroir, which he brings back to his work in Barossa and Eden Valleys.

"We are watching a star being born here. Callum Powell was raised in the Barossa; he knows the Barossa and Eden lands, and their peoples, as well as any; both his local landscape and the world at large are now quite clearly his oyster. Mike’s been across Callum Powell’s Agricola wines, on The Winefront, since 2019, but these 2023 releases really seem to be landmark stuff. Read these reviews. A stake has been planted."
- Campbell Mattinson

At Agricola Vintners, Callum focuses on Shiraz, crafting wines that reflect the unique characteristics of their vineyards. His winemaking philosophy is all about minimal intervention, aiming to let the fruit express itself without heavy oak influence. Callum’s wines, blend grapes from exceptional sites to create complex, well-structured wines with vibrant flavours and a sense of place.

Callum’s pragmatic approach involves 100% whole bunch fermentation and natural processes, allowing the wines to mature gracefully on gross lees for 12 months. This method results in wines that are bright, high-toned, and expressive, capturing the essence of the Barossa without the weight and intensity often associated with the region.

Callum’s wines are some of the most fascinating in the Barossa today. He's pushing the boundaries of traditional Barossa Shiraz, reinventing it for a new generation, and making some of the most compelling and enjoyable wines in the Barossa Valley today.

"The Barossa is big on tradition, but what excites the most is the new generation of winemakers coming through the ranks, producing world-class wines with a deep respect for the subregions and history of Australia's most famous wine region. Callum Powell is one such winemaker... The winemaking is thoughtful and deeply considered, the resulting wines stunning in their fruit purity and sense of place and Agricola Vintners can be underlined as one of the stars of the ‘New Barossa’."
- Dave Brookes (Halliday Wine Companion)