Australia’s Best Pinot Grigio/Gris: Key Regions and Top Wines

If you are wondering about the best Pinot Grigio to bring out the best of your drinking experience, you’ve landed at the right place. Australia is one of the leading countries  that might also be referred to as the powerhouse for producing Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio white wines, with every different region producing unique European styles. From the cool-climate elegance of Tasmania to the rich and well-balanced flavors of King Valley, Australian winemakers are redefining what this versatile varietal can be.

Whether you’re looking to buy Pinot Grigio online or explore the finest bottles to buy white wine of your choice to enhance your collection, this comprehensive guide will navigate you through Australia’s most exciting Pinot Grigio regions, styles, and food pairings. Let’s uncork the secrets behind Australia’s love angle with this incredible grape and discover why passionate wine lovers are increasingly turning to Aussie producers for their go-to white.

What is the Difference Between Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris?

Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are actually the same grape. The difference lies entirely in the winemaking style and regional tradition, not genetics.

Pinot Grigio is the Italian term and usually hints towards a lighter, crisper Italian-style white wine that offers a refreshing acidity, faint citrus notes, and an impressive clean finish. These wines are usually fermented in stainless steel tanks, preserving their bright, zesty character. They’re basically crafted to be enjoyed young and fresh, taste the best when served well-chilled, an absolute perfect summer sipper or aperitif.

Pinot Gris, on the other hand, is the French name (from Alsace) and shows a richer and fuller approach. Alsatian-style Pinot Gris wines are often described as good for their texture, weight, and complexity. The occasional hints of stone fruit, honey, and spice, with a rounder mouthfeel and sometimes a touch of residual sweetness. These wines may see some oak ageing or lees contact, adding extra depth and character.

In Australia, winemakers love to experiment with both styles, and wine enthusiasts get to experience the best of both French and Italian wine styles. Some producers craft the best Pinot Grigio in the crisp Italian style, while others lean toward the textured French approach when making the best Pinot Gris in Australia. Many fall somewhere beautifully in between, creating uniquely Australian expressions that showcase regional characteristics.

What does Pinot Gris/Grigio taste like?- Understanding Style & Character

When exploring Australian Pinot Grigio/Gris, here are the key characteristics to understand:

Flavour Profiles:

• Lighter styles feature bright citrus (lemon, lime, grapefruit), green apple, and subtle pear notes

• Fuller-bodied versions showcase stone fruit (peach, nectarine), honeysuckle, and sometimes tropical hints

• Mineral undertones often appear, reflecting the terroir of cool-climate regions

Texture and Body:

• Italian-style wines are light to medium-bodied with crisp, refreshing acidity

• French-influenced styles give more depth, with a silky or creamy mouthfeel

• Some Australian versions split the difference, balancing freshness with texture

Sweetness Levels:

• Most Australian Pinot Grigio/Gris is made in a dry style

• Is Pinot Gris sweet? Generally, no, though some producers craft off-dry versions with subtle residual sugar

• The perception of sweetness can come from ripe fruit flavours or late harvesting of grapes, rather than actual sugar content

Best Drinking Window:

• These wines are typically best enjoyed within 1-3 years of vintage for maximum freshness

• Premium, fuller-bodied examples can age gracefully for 3-5 years, developing more complex characters

The Top Australian Regions to Find the Best Pinot Gris/Grigio

Australia’s diverse wine regions offer distinct expressions of Pinot Grigio/Gris, each shaped by unique climatic conditions and winemaking philosophies. Here are the best Australian regions to find your next favourite white wine.

Tasmania

Tasmania is Australia’s coolest wine region, and it turns out to be some of the country’s most elegant Pinot Grigio. Thanks to the island’s long, chilly growing season, the grapes soak up loads of flavour but still keep that zippy acidity everyone loves. Tasmanian Pinot Grigio usually bursts with citrus, crisp minerality, and this pure, clean fruit character that’s hard to miss. Most winemakers here lean into the Italian style, so you get wines that are sharp, focused, and seriously refreshing. The cool, pristine climate gives grapes extra hang time on the vine, so the wines pick up complexity without losing their spark. Honestly, if you’re having oysters or sashimi, these wines are a perfect match. If you’re seeking the best Australian Pinot Grigio with elegance and finesse, Tasmania delivers consistently outstanding bottles that rival anything from Alto Adige.

King Valley

Nestled in Victoria’s high country, King Valley has emerged as Australia’s Pinot Grigio capital, with Italian immigrant families leading the charge. The region’s elevation (200-800 meters) provides cool nights and warm days, creating ideal conditions for aromatic development. King Valley is known for producing both styles brilliantly, crisp Pinot Grigio and richer Pinot Gris. Many wineries here have Italian heritage, bringing an authentic understanding of the Grigio style, crafting wines with characteristic freshness, pear and apple flavors, and zippy acidity. However, some producers also experiment with skin contact and extended lees aging, creating more textured, complex versions. King Valley offers exceptional value, making it the place to find the best Pinot Grigio under $20 in Australia without compromising on quality.

Adelaide Hills

The Adelaide Hills, just 30 minutes from Adelaide, benefits from a higher elevation (400-600 meters) that provides a cool respite from South Australia’s generally warm climate. This region produces Pinot Grigio/Gris with a beautiful balance between fruit expression and acidity. Adelaide Hills wines often display more weight and texture than their Italian counterparts, with flavors leaning toward stone fruit, think white peach, nectarine, and sometimes hints of almond. The region’s slightly warmer temperatures compared to Tasmania allow for fuller ripeness while elevation maintains freshness. Winemakers here often employ a mix of techniques, using stainless steel for purity but sometimes incorporating partial oak fermentation or lees stirring for added complexity. The result is wines with personality and depth, offering excellent drinking pleasure and food pairing versatility. These bottles represent the best Pinot Gris that bridges European traditions with Australian innovation.

Orange

Orange sits high up in New South Wales, somewhere between 600 and 1,100 meters, and honestly, it’s become a bit of a hotspot for cool-climate Australian wines. The volcanic soils here, plus these wild swings between warm days and cold nights, do wonders for Pinot Grigio. You end up with a wine that’s intense, packed with mineral character, and just feels alive in the glass. Orange wines carry a real structure, and they age beautifully. You’ll find bold citrus and stone fruit, but there’s also this earthy edge, almost like you’re tasting the land itself. Thanks to the cooler weather, grapes hang out on the vine a bit longer, so flavors build slowly, and the wines keep their snap of acidity. Orange Pinot Grigio isn’t just about fruit, either. There’s a savory side: crushed stones, white flowers, a hint of spice. They’re fuller and more concentrated than a lot of other Aussie whites, perfect if you like your wine with some grip and depth. Lately, people are waking up to just how good the Pinot Gris from Orange can be. These bottles aren’t just delicious now, they get even better with ageing, showing off the region’s personality year after year.

Mornington Peninsula

Just an hour from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula’s maritime climate creates ideal conditions for elegant, refined Pinot Grigio. The region’s proximity to Port Phillip Bay moderates temperatures, ensuring a long, cool ripening period. Mornington Peninsula Pinot Grigio typically displays delicate aromatics, bright acidity, and subtle complexity. Winemakers here often favor a gentle approach, creating wines that emphasize purity and finesse over power. Expect flavors of citrus blossom, green apple, and pear, with a characteristic saline minerality reflecting the coastal influence. The region’s premium reputation means prices can be higher, but quality is consistently excellent. Many producers harvest by hand and employ minimal intervention techniques, allowing the fruit and site to speak clearly. If you’re seeking the best pinot gris under $20, look beyond Mornington, but for special occasions, this region delivers world-class expressions.

Top 10 Australian Pinot Grigio/Gris You Must Try

This Tasmanian white shows ripe pear, white peach, and subtle spice. The palate is full and textured with pear, fig, and a hint of citrus, lifted by cool-climate acidity for a clean, focused finish.

This fresh, vibrant white shows pear, crisp apple, citrus zest, and white florals. The palate brings nashi pear, lemon, and a light almond note, all carried by bright acidity and a clean, dry finish.

A crisp, crunchy Pinot Grigio with fresh green apple, nashi pear, and a clean, taut profile. A subtle saline mineral edge adds lift and precision, making it a refreshing, no-fuss crowd-pleaser.

Shining with pale straw with gold tones, this Pinot Gris shows rosewater, spice, and fresh pear. A creamy mid-palate, chalky minerality, and a soft talcy finish keep it elegant and refined.

Enjoy this pale straw white wine with aromas of pear, green apple, and citrus blossom. The palate is lively and bright with white stone fruit, lemon zest, and light mineral notes. Crisp acidity drives a refreshing, dry finish.

A great white drop with a green tinge, this wine shows pear, apple, honeysuckle, and citrus zest. The palate is fresh and medium-bodied with juicy pear, crisp apple, and a hint of spice, finishing soft, textural, and refreshing.

A lifted bouquet of pear, white nectarine, and citrus blossom with subtle floral-mineral accents. The palate is crisp and textured, featuring bright stone fruit and citrus over a fine mineral line. Clean, elegant, and refreshingly true to Adelaide Hills style.

A standout for Pinot Gris, and Printhie’s Topography range shows why. Cool-climate elevation keeps the wine bright and fresh while still delivering gentle weight and texture, making this Gris feel polished and beautifully balanced.

Bursting with white peach, pear, and lime zest. The palate is fuller-bodied for Pinot Gris, showing juicy tropical fruit, bright citrus, and a fine mineral line that carries through to a clean, detailed finish.

This Pinot Gris offers pear, white peach, and jasmine aromas. The palate is crisp and textural with nashi pear, citrus zest, and a light almond note, lifted by lively acidity and a clean, refreshing finish.

What Foods to Pair with Pinot Grigio/ Gris Wines?

Pinot Grigio’s versatility makes it one of the most food-friendly white wines available:

Seafood Excellence:

• Fresh oysters, prawns, and sashimi

• Grilled fish with lemon butter sauce

• Fish tacos or ceviche work

Light Poultry and Pork:

• Roast chicken with herbs

• Pork tenderloin or schnitzel

• Asian-inspired chicken dishes

Cheese and Charcuterie:

• Fresh mozzarella, burrata, or mild goat cheese

• Prosciutto and other delicate cured meats

• Light, creamy cheeses

Vegetables and Salads:

• Summer salads with citrus vinaigrette

• Grilled asparagus or zucchini

• Risotto primavera or pasta with light cream sauces

Aperitif Perfection:

• Serve chilled as a pre-dinner drink with light appetizers

• Pairs excellently with bruschetta, olives, and antipasti platters

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What’s the best way to serve Pinot Grigio?

Serve well-chilled at 7-10°C (45-50°F). Make sure to take it out from the fridge 5-10 minutes before serving to allow aromatics to express themselves while maintaining a refreshing and chilled character.

Q2: How long can I keep an open bottle?

Recork and refrigerate immediately after pouring. A properly stored bottle will maintain quality for 3-5 days, though it’s best enjoyed within 2 days for better taste and freshness.

Q3: Is Australian Pinot Grigio better than Italian?

They’re different rather than better or worse. Australian versions often show more fruit ripeness and can bridge Italian and French styles, while Italian Pinot Grigio typically offers more restraint and minerality.

Q4: Should I age Pinot Grigio?

Most are crafted for early drinking (1-3 years). However, premium, fuller-bodied Australian Pinot Gris can age gracefully for 3-5 years, developing honeyed, nutty complexity.

Q5: What’s the alcohol content typically?

Australian Pinot Grigio usually ranges from 10-13.5% ABV, making it a moderate-alcohol option perfect for daytime drinking or extended sessions.

Q6: Can I find organic or biodynamic options?

Yes! Many Australian producers are embracing sustainable viticulture. Look for certified organic or biodynamic labels when shopping for environmentally conscious options.

Discover Your Perfect Bottle at Just Wines

Ready to explore Australia’s exceptional Pinot Grigio collection? Just Wines offers an expertly curated selection of the finest bottles from Tasmania to King Valley and beyond. Whether you’re seeking the best pinot grigio for a weekend barbecue or the best pinot gris for a special celebration, Just Wines makes it easy to discover, compare, and purchase wine online. With exclusive wine deals, detailed tasting notes, and reliable wine delivery across Australia, finding your new favorite white wine has never been simpler. Browse our collection of the best white wines today and experience why Australian Pinot Grigio is capturing hearts and is on every table worldwide. From everyday sippers to cellar-worthy bottes, your perfect drop awaits. Order wines at Just Wines today and elevate your wine journey. Crisp, refreshing excellence is just a click away!