Barossa Grenache

Grenache has been part of Barossa’s story for more than 175 years, first planted in the 1840s and once the backbone of Australia’s fortified wine industry. While it spent much of the 20th century in the shadow of Shiraz, today it is experiencing a renaissance, with old vines and a refined approach to winemaking delivering wines of exceptional depth, perfume and elegance.

Barossa is home to some of the world’s oldest continuously producing Grenache vines—ancient, gnarled survivors that weathered economic downturns, changing fashions and even the government’s vine-pull scheme of the 1980s. Once overlooked as unprofitable, these low-yielding vines are now among the most prized in the region, producing wines of intensity, complexity and finesse.

Traditionally, Grenache was blended into fortified wines or used to add aromatic lift and structure to Shiraz and Mataro in classic GSM blends. While these blends remain a signature of the region, a new generation of winemakers is championing single-vineyard Grenache, highlighting the incredible diversity of soils and microclimates across Barossa.

A shift in winemaking style has further elevated Grenache’s profile. Where it was once treated like Shiraz—heavily extracted and oak-driven—winemakers now take a lighter touch, embracing whole-bunch fermentation, gentle handling and seasoned oak to preserve Grenache’s natural vibrancy. The result? Bright, medium-bodied wines with lifted red berry fruit, spice and silky tannins, equally at home in a fine dining setting or alongside a casual meal with friends.

Barossa Grenache is more than a revival—it’s a revelation. With its history, resilience and newfound elegance, it’s a variety that continues to redefine itself, capturing the curiosity of winemakers and wine lovers alike.

Wineries offering Grenache

FILTER BY:

Vine Vale

Lyndoch

Discover

Other Barossa varieties

Learn more about our world-class wines

Barossa Wine School

Bike About - Barossa Bike Path

Subscribe to receive the best of Barossa, delivered straight to your inbox.

Name(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

We don’t share your details with anyone else.

Barossa Vintage Festival

85+ events | 23-27 April 2025