Crafted by Craig.

Craig’s journey is one of resilience, innovation, and respect for both culture and craft. His influence is woven through Bidja, from the quality of the wine to the authenticity of the brand’s message. His leadership ensures that Bidja not only honors First Nations traditions but also creates opportunities to amplify First Nations voices in the wine industry.

Craig's Winemaking Journey.

  • A Reluctant Beginning.

    Craig Cromelin had worked in wheat farming, carpentry, landscaping, and horticulture but had never considered viticulture. When a TAFE instructor encouraged him to try, he initially resisted, but thankfully, he took the leap and became a viticulturist, paving the way for Aboriginal representation in the Australian wine industry.

  • Pioneering First Nations Winemaking.

    As co-founder of Murrin Bridge Connection Wines, Australia’s first First Nations-owned and operated vineyard, Craig played a vital role in paving the way for First Nations representation in the wine industry.

  • Putting Murrin Bridge on the Wine Map.

    With no previous experience in wine, Craig led the Murrin Bridge First Nations community in establishing Australia’s first and only First Nations-owned and operated vineyard. His work proved that First Nations people could succeed in the wine industry, challenging both external and internal stereotypes about First Nations perseverance and achievement.

  • Building a Vineyard from Scratch.

    With no funds to buy vines, Craig and the community took cuttings from a vineyard in Griffith, established a nursery, and planted 7,000 vines of chardonnay, shiraz, and semillon. The hands-on experience taught them valuable viticultural skills and saved significant costs.

  • Finding Their Style.

    By 2001, the community harvested its first vintage, producing a modest 1.8 tonnes of grapes. With the help of winemaker Domenic Piromalli, Craig refined the Murrin Bridge wine style by tasting and learning what he liked, without needing technical wine jargon. This hands-on approach allowed the community to develop wines that were fruit-driven, lightly oaked, and accessible

  • Crafting Bidja’s Story.

    After years of pioneering First Nations representation in the wine industry, Craig is now at the heart of Bidja, bringing his winemaking expertise and cultural storytelling to this unique collaboration. His journey—from a reluctant viticulture student to a leader in First Nations winemaking—continues with Bidja, where he crafts wines that celebrate connection, friendship, and heritage. Through Bidja, Craig ensures that First Nations voices in the wine industry are amplified, creating a lasting impact for future generations.

Murrin Bridge Connection.

The vineyard was established in 1999 by 16 men who were part of the First Nations unemployment program CDEP and TAFE. One of their teachers convinced them to try viticulture, and they became the first First Nations-owned wine business in Australia when they released their first vintage in the early 2000s. Murrin Bridge Wines was a pioneer project and will be a part of the continuing story of Indigenous winemakers in Australia and abroad.

Craig's Philosophy.

Craig’s approach to winemaking is rooted in respect for the land, tradition, and storytelling. He believes that great wine starts in the vineyard, with a deep connection to Country and an understanding of how the environment shapes each bottle. His philosophy blends First Nations knowledge with modern craftsmanship, ensuring that every wine he creates is an expression of place, culture, and community. For Craig, winemaking isn’t just about technique—it’s about bringing people together, sharing stories, and creating something that lasts beyond the glass.