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SA winemaker Jason Barrette honours military background and global travels with exciting new label

An acclaimed international winemaker and former soldier has launched Camino Wine Co, a new label turning heads all around Australia.

There’s a new name in the Australian wine market turning heads among critics and wine lovers. From renowned international winemaker Jason Barrette comes Camino Wine Co., the debut label from a South Australian whose global expertise and craftsmanship have earned him great respect from all corners of the world.

Every wine in his collection, which so far includes seven masterfully crafted drops, has received scores well over 90 points from top wine critics, swiftly confirming their place among Australia’s finest.

A former soldier in the Australian Army, Jason’s journey into winemaking has been anything but traditional. After his passion for wine was sparked during his travels through the vineyards of France and Italy, he later traded his boots for barrels and studied Oenology at the University of Adelaide.

“Winemaking is about precision, patience, and a deep respect for process – something my military background instilled in me,” Jason says.

He then went on to Penfolds Magill Estate, where under the guidance of Chief Winemaker Peter Gago, he spent 12 years making some of Australia’s most celebrated wines.

His career then took him to enterprises around the world, consulting and working vintages in France, Portugal, Canada, and the USA. His expertise was even sought after by Hollywood celebrities and musicians. As an homage to his international pursuit of excellence, Jason named his new label with the Spanish word for “journey”, drawing inspiration from his global experiences as well as his home state.

“Every wine tells a story, and with Camino, I wanted to create something truly special—wines that reflect my global journey, the dedication behind every detail, and the incredible fruit we have here in South Australia,” Jason explains.

“Camino is a celebration of every vineyard I’ve worked in, every lesson I’ve learned, and every story I’ve had the privilege to tell,” he adds.

His first collection features seven standout wines, including 2024 Barossa Valley Tempranillo, 2024 Adelaide Hills Grüner Veltliner, 2024 Barossa Valley Grenache Blanc de Noir,  2023 Adelaide Hills HSV Chardonnay, 2023 Centenary Vines Barossa Valley Grenache, 2023 Barossa Valley Grenache Rosé, and Jason’s personal favourite, the 2021 Paradigm Vineyard Marananga Shiraz. 

With prices starting from $30, Camino Wine Co is delivering high-quality drops without the premium price tag.

Jason’s precise, hands-on involvement ensures each bottle reflects his military background, global expertise, and passion for winemaking. From elite sommeliers to critics and the everyday wine lover, Camino Wine Co is quickly becoming one of Australia’s most exciting new wine labels.

Jason sources his grapes from a selection of premium vineyards in South Australia, and is currently working on a new vintage. Camino Wine Co does not have a cellar door yet, but wines can be purchased from their website.

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