Callum Garland’s winemaking voyage, deeply rooted in his family’s Italian lineage, reaches a pivotal juncture with Fervor Wines, a label that marries tradition with a pioneering spirit. The first Fervor wines have been crafted in Victoria from Italian grape varieties, where Callum, leveraging his winemaking experiences from around the globe, embarked on a venture that’s a testament to his heritage and his passion for the craft. With the next step to be seen in a return to his West Australian roots.
Starting his winemaking journey fresh out of high school in 2017 at Rockcliffe Wines in Denmark, Western Australia, Callum’s path took him across continents, from the historic cellars of Domaine Pradelle in Crozes-Hermitage to the prestigious vineyards of Domaine Pavelot in Savigny-les-Beaune. His experiences abroad, coupled with his roles in various Australian vineyards, have imbued him with a profound understanding of viticulture and winemaking.
The essence of Fervor Wines is encapsulated in its two initial offerings, crafted in the esteemed Lethbridge Wines facility in Geelong, Victoria. These wines, a reflection of Callum’s journey and his grandparents’ legacy, are born from the revered Chalmers Merbein Vineyard in Mildura. The 2023 Fervor Nonna Diana, a Fiano and Vermentino blend, and the 2023 Fervor Nonno Lou, a Nero d’Avola and Sagrantino blend, are not just beverages but narratives in a bottle, echoing the family’s Italian roots and Callum’s winemaking philosophy.
“I love drinking wines that I can’t put down, itching to take the next sip. They are the wines that I love to make. “
With a steadfast commitment to crafting wines that resonate with the drinker, Callum’s creations at Fervor are a nod to his grandparents—Nonna Diana and Nonno Lou—imbued with characteristics that mirror their personalities and stories. These wines are a bridge between Callum’s heritage and his future aspirations, embodying a balance between variety respect and sheer drinkability. “Well balanced and respectful of the variety but, most importantly delicious wines”, says Garland. “I love drinking wines that I can’t put down, itching to take the next sip. They are the wines that I love to make. “
The latest chapter in Fervor’s journey sees Callum returning to his Western Australian roots, setting up in Denmark, a region burgeoning with viticultural promise. This strategic move marks a new phase for Fervor Wines, focusing on the unique terroir and climatic nuances of the Great Southern region. Here, Callum plans to delve deeper into the world of winemaking, aligning with the region’s viticultural renaissance and pushing the envelope in terms of style and sustainability.
“Fervor Wines, is a collaborative label with a few wines made by my dad, Mike, and some made by me. We had always talked and dreamed about making wines together under our own label. So, when a change in Dad’s work opened up just enough extra time to make it a reality, we took the leap.”
“Fervor Wines, is a collaborative label with a few wines made by my dad, Mike and some made by me”, says Garland. “We had always talked and dreamed about making wines together under our own label. So, when a change in Dad’s work opened up just enough extra time to make it a reality, we took the leap. One night, in the middle of winter I got a call from Dad and he just said ‘Let’s do this.’. Our original family winery, Garland’s in Mt. Barker was sold in 2007, so we know how hard it is to run your own label but, that’s also part of why it is so special being able to make these wines alongside each other today.”
In Denmark, Fervor Wines is poised to expand its horizons, exploring new varietals and refining its craft. Callum’s dedication to sustainable practices and his desire to foster a deeper connection with the land reflect in his approach to winemaking in this new setting. As Fervor Wines takes root in Western Australia, Callum’s vision is clear: “The plan is to focus on just Denmark as there is so much potential here in my opinion I think if we focussed on the viticulture here, it could produce something really really special. I’m ready to put that effort into it,” he says.
“Focusing on just pinot, chard, rizz and sparkles in Denmark and growing the Italian varietals just over the mountain in Denbarker where its slightly dryer and warmer but, still only 30kms from the home base. The want to be able to grow all of our own fruit is one that’s very important to me and almost essential to our brand to be able to have a sense of place. Then we can focus on making the best wines from our small area in Aus.”