28, September 2022

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association
P: +61 8 8323 8999
E: [email protected]

Grenache & Gourmet – Celebrating McLaren Vale’s Secret Weapon

McLaren Vale’s inaugural Grenache & Gourmet kicked off this September and the region is invited guests from near and far to the Australian home of Grenache to celebrate in its favourite way – with a sumptuous meal and a glass of world-class wine.

The two week-long celebration of the region’s world-class Grenache and Grenache-blends, as well as its multitude of exceptional wine, food, and tourism experiences, launched on 16 September - International Grenache Day - and ran through to the Labour Day Long Weekend (1-3 October).

McLaren Vale has a long and rich history of Grenache and is home to some of the oldest vines in the country. This, combined with the region’s unique geology, idyllic Mediterranean climate and hotbed of awarded producers crafting exciting modern wines means McLaren Vale is fast becoming known as one of the world’s leading Grenache regions and the epicentre of new and emerging varieties and wine styles.

The region’s acclaimed Grenache wines were expertly matched to premium Fleurieu produce through personalised dining experiences at Chalk Hill Wines, the Currant Shed, The General Wine Bar, Heidrun Estate, Horta’s, Oliver's Taranga, The Victory Hotel and Victor’s Place.

Join d’Arenberg’s very own Chester Osborn in two bespoke dining experiences or enjoy a neighbourhood experience as four of the region’s boutique wineries – Bondar, Lino Ramble, Samson Tall and Sherrah Wines - join forces at Red Poles Restaurant for a series of matched wine luncheons.

Grenache & Gourmet offers the opportunity to learn how light, bright, juicy McLaren Vale Grenache pairs perfectly with diverse cuisines and flavours. To experience Grenache matched to locally handcrafted cured meats, join ‘The Charcutier & The Winemaker’ at Kay Brothers Wines. Or join Angove’s in exploring the delectable marriage of Grenache and Duck not one, but six ways!

Prefer Grenache matched to a delicious chocolate platter? Indulge at Wirra Wirra. Or a gourmet Aussie beef pie? Pop into The Kitchen at Bec Hardy. With fresh Coffin Bay oysters? Try Nick Haslegrove Wines. To learn how Grenache pairs with native foods, check out Gemtree. Or join Callum Hann as he matches Grenache to his signature lamb ragu at Lloyd Brothers.

Grenache & Gourmet also gives guests the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience tastings of rare and exclusive wines – including reserve and museum Grenache and blends - guided by the winemakers and vignerons at Hardy’s, Haselgrove, Penny’s Hill, Pannell Enoteca, Serafino, Silversands Beach Club, Shottesbrooke, Woodstock and Yangarra.

To get out amongst the vines, guests we Paxton Wines in a Grenache journey from ‘Vineyard to Barrel, Blending to Bottle’, a guided tour and tasting through their organic and biodynamic vineyards and winery, or join a guided donkey tour through the vineyards with Journey Home Wines.

And at the end of the week, relax at Friday night Grenache happy hours at Hither & Yon and Penny’s Hill.

The celebration encompassed over 35 diverse and exciting Grenache-themed experiences, allowing all the opportunity to learn why James Halliday calls Grenache “McLaren Vale’s secret weapon”.

www.grenacheandgourmet.com.au