Founders Filippo and Maria Casella migrate from Sicily with a dream to build a winery where their family could work and prosper together.
The Casella’s purchase Farm 1471, the future home of Casella Family Brands, near the township of Yenda outside Griffith, New South Wales. Here they grow grapes for local winemakers.
The Casella’s dream is becoming a reality. The family produce their first batch of wine and the winery is born.
The Casella’s first ever vintage, with 50 tonnes of fruit, is crushed.
The winery starts to grow; a stainless steel tank and 12 tonne fermenter are installed.
Middle son, John Casella, joins the family business as Managing Director.
John Casella recognises a gap in the market for a wine brand that is approachable and vibrant. He creates [yellow tail], a wine that is easy to drink and delivers consistent quality, taste and value..
The first shipment of [yellow tail] wine leaves Australia for the US. Our initial plan was to sell over 25,000 cases in the first year however actual sales were over one million in 13 months.
Global sales of [yellow tail] reach five million cases.
[yellow tail] Premium Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 is awarded the Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy. In the same year, [yellow tail] Premium Shiraz 2003 is awarded the Stodart Trophy. The accolades are two of the highest on the Australian Wine Show calendar.
Casella Family Brands is inducted into the Export Hall of Fame for its ongoing contribution to the Australian wine industry.
To keep up with the rapid growth of [yellow tail], the winery installs the fastest bottling line in the world, capable of processing 36,000 bottles per hour.
[yellow tail] celebrates its 10th birthday. Now available in over 50 countries around the world, [yellow tail] has become Australia’s greatest wine export.
The one billionth bottle of [yellow tail] wine is produced. That means approximately ten billion glasses of [yellow tail] wine have been enjoyed around the world.
Peter Lehmann Wines joins Casella Family Brands. Decades of winemaking expertise and access to the region’s best fruit makes this a wonderful addition to the portfolio.
Casella Family Brands acquires Brand’s Laira of Coonawarra. This is an iconic winery that crafts exceptional wines including Cabernet Sauvignon – a varietal that both the region and Brand’s Laira are renowned for producing.
Morris Wines of Rutherglen joins Casella Family Brands. With over 150 years of history and winemaking tradition, Morris is recognised as one of the most prominent and award-winning wineries in Australia.
Casella Family Brands welcome Bailey’s of Glenrowan to its growing portfolio. Baileys of Glenrowan is rich in history and heritage and Glenrowan is a region celebrated for producing rich and luscious wines.
