10 minutes with… Camino Wine Co founder Jason Barrette
Jason Barrette is the founder of Camino Wine Co – a Barossa-based wine label that’s quietly shaking up the premium wine space. Business Insight asked Jason about his time at Penfolds, a past career in the army and the label’s debut collection.
Tell me about your pathway to starting Camino Wine Co?
After graduating from university in 2005, I was fortunate to join the esteemed Penfolds winemaking team at Magill Estate. Under the mentorship of Chief Winemaker Peter Gago, I spent 12 years crafting some of Penfolds’ most iconic super-premium wines, including Bin 707 and Grange, eventually serving as the Magill Estate Winemaker.
To broaden my experience, I also worked internationally as a “flying winemaker” and consultant, undertaking dual harvests across the Northern Hemisphere. I’ve had the privilege of working with outstanding wine producers in Portugal, France, the USA, and Canada, crafting a wide variety of styles, from red and white to sparkling, rosé, fortified, and ice wine.
After more than two decades of winemaking experience, I launched Camino Wine Co. in June 2024. The timing felt right to create something of my own. Camino, the Spanish word for journey, is the culmination of my global winemaking adventures.
What drew you to the industry?
My journey into winemaking began during my time in the Australian Army. While touring Europe and visiting historic World War I battlefields, I found myself drawn to the picturesque vineyards and vibrant wine cultures of France and Italy.
You might like
What fascinated me most was how winemaking brings together science, art and storytelling. Each bottle captures a sense of place, a season, and the people behind it. That was all the motivation I needed to retire from the military and enrol in a Bachelor of Agriculture (Oenology) at the University of Adelaide.
Tell me about Camino Wine Co and the label’s debut collection?
With Camino Wine Co, I set out to create something meaningful — wines that reflect my global winemaking journey, the dedication behind every detail, and the outstanding fruit we’re fortunate to have here in South Australia.
Our debut collection features seven wines: a Grüner Veltliner and Chardonnay from the Adelaide Hills, along with a Grenache Rosé, Grenache, Grenache Blanc de Noir, Tempranillo, and Shiraz from the Barossa Valley.
Each wine is crafted to be versatile, food-friendly, and easy to enjoy — styles that honour their variety and region. Whether it’s a casual Sunday barbecue or a special celebration, these are wines made to be shared with family and friends.
It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the collection so warmly received by both wine lovers and critics.
Stay informed, daily
The bottles are priced at quite an accessible price point. How do you keep it that way and why’s that important to Camino?
Making quality wine accessible and exceeding expectations is a core value at Camino. By keeping our operations lean and focusing on small-batch production, we’re able to manage costs while maintaining exceptional quality. It’s important to me that more people have the opportunity to enjoy outstanding wines without the barrier of high prices, encouraging a wider appreciation for authentic, well-crafted wine.
Jason is a former armed serviceman and worked at Penfolds before starting his wine brand. Photo: Supplied
Does your history with the armed forces give you an edge in this space?
Absolutely. The discipline, attention to detail, and resilience I developed during my time in the army have proven invaluable in winemaking. Crafting great wine requires precision, patience and a deep respect for process — all qualities ingrained in me through military service. Planning, adaptability, and executing under pressure translate directly to managing vineyards and production. My wife jokes that I run the winery like a military black ops unit — and she’s not wrong. From vineyard to bottle, I oversee more than 40 detailed touchpoints to ensure every element is consistently perfected.
You’ve started your business at an interesting time for the industry. How have these early years been?
Launching Camino during a time of global uncertainty wasn’t without its challenges, but it felt like the right moment for me. If anything, the tougher climate highlighted just how important authenticity and quality are. I’ve stayed focused on what I do best — crafting food-friendly, easy drinking wines that are true to their variety and region. The early response from critics and wine lovers has been very encouraging, with positive reviews and growing interest. It has been incredibly rewarding to see the brand connect with people in a meaningful way.
What’s your favourite varietal?
Grenache holds a special place for me. I’ve worked with this variety for over 15 years across Australia, France, and California, and it continues to impress me. While it’s often thought of solely as a red grape, Grenache is remarkably versatile. At Camino, we craft three distinct wines from the same 113-year-old Grenache vines in the Southern Barossa — a white, a rosé, and a red. It’s always a great conversation starter: one grape, one vineyard, and yet three unique expressions in the glass.
What wine brands inspire you at the moment?
I’m inspired by producers who prioritise authenticity and a sense of place in their wines. Brands that focus on sustainable practices and express the unique characteristics of their vineyards resonate with me. Their commitment to quality and innovation continues to influence my approach at Camino. My current favourites are Bindi and Giant Steps.
Where do you hope Camino will be in five years?
I hope Camino is recognised for producing exceptional, terroir-driven wines that tell a genuine story. I want our reputation to be built on meticulous craftsmanship and wines that consistently exceed expectations. While I plan to grow our portfolio with a few carefully chosen varietals, our focus will always remain on quality and authenticity. Just as important is building a community around Camino — a place where wine lovers can connect, share, and be part of the journey.
