Best Grenache Wines in Australia That Deserve a Spot in Your Cellar

Australian red wine is often associated with Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, but Grenache deserves a place in the conversation too. It can be bright and juicy, fragrant and silky, savoury and spicy, or rich and structured enough to hold its own alongside a slow-cooked roast.

Australia is particularly interesting for Grenache thanks to regions such as the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, where the variety has a long history and some vineyards are home to exceptionally old vines.

If you're new to grenache wine, the best way to understand it is to taste it across different regions and producers. From approachable South Australian bottles to old-vine Barossa expressions and elegant McLaren Vale Grenache, these ten wines offer a good starting point.

Why Australian Grenache is worth exploring

Grenache is one of those varieties that doesn't fit neatly into one style.

It often brings flavours of raspberry, strawberry and red cherry, with spice, dried herbs and savoury notes adding complexity. The wines can have plenty of flavour without necessarily feeling heavy, and the combination of fruit, acidity and softer tannins makes Grenache particularly good with food.

It is also an important variety in Australian GSM blends, where Grenache is commonly combined with Shiraz and Mourvèdre.

But before getting into blends, it's worth trying Grenache on its own. That's when you really start to notice how much the region, vineyard and winemaking approach can change the character of the wine.

10 Australian Grenache wines worth trying

Rather than ranking these wines from first to tenth, we've picked ten that showcase different sides of Australian Grenache.

1. Murray Street Wines Greenock Estate Barossa Valley Grenache 2020

Murray Street Wines Greenock Estate Barossa Valley Grenache 2020

If you want to explore the old-vine side of Barossa Grenache, this is a great place to start.

The Greenock Estate Grenache comes from old-vine blocks planted in 1948 and 1970 at the Greenock Estate vineyard on the Western Ridge. The wine was bottled at 11 months to retain freshness and varietal character.

It has also received strong critical recognition, including 95 points from Wine Orbit, 93 points from Wine Pilot and 91 points from The Vintage Journal.

Expect a style that puts the character of the fruit front and centre while showing the depth and concentration that can come from mature Grenache vines.

Pair with: Roast lamb, grilled meats, Mediterranean vegetables or soft cheeses.

Good for: Exploring the depth and character of Barossa Grenache.

2. Tempus Two L2 South Australia Fleur Grenache 2020

Tempus Two L2 South Australia Fleur Grenache 2020

Tempus Two L2 South Australia Fleur Grenache 2020

Not every Grenache needs to be a serious cellar project.

The Tempus Two Fleur Grenache is an approachable South Australian style, with juicy red berry flavours, strawberry character, gentle spice and soft tannins. Its minimal oak influence allows the fruit to remain the focus, while a clean finish keeps things fresh.

It's the kind of Grenache that doesn't ask you to overthink it. Open it, pour it and let the food do the rest.

Pair with: Lamb, pork, barbecued food, chargrilled vegetables or tomato-based dishes.

Good for: Anyone trying Grenache for the first time.

3. Farm Hand South Australia Organic Grenache 2025

Farm Hand South Australia Organic Grenache 2025

For those who prefer organically grown wines, Farm Hand offers another way into South Australian Grenache.

The 2025 Grenache has a fruit-forward profile built around wild strawberry, raspberry and floral notes. It's medium-bodied, with juicy fruit and soft tannins that keep the wine approachable.

The result is an easy-drinking Grenache that works particularly well when you want something relaxed rather than overly structured.

Pair with: Grilled meats, roast chicken, Mediterranean dishes or a simple cheese board.

Good for: Casual dinners and relaxed drinking.

4. Yalumba Samuel's Collection Barossa Bush Vine Grenache 2024

Yalumba Samuel's Collection Barossa Bush Vine Barossa Valley Grenache 2024 - 6 Bottles

Bush-vine Grenache is an important part of Australia's wine heritage, and Yalumba's Samuel's Collection gives you a chance to explore that style.

The Barossa Valley Grenache brings together red cherry, wild strawberry, raspberry and redcurrant with dried herbs, floral notes and spice. Bright acidity and powdery tannins give the wine structure without making it feel overly heavy, while savoury and mineral notes add another layer.

It's a good example of how Barossa Grenache can be generous without losing freshness.

Pair with: Roast lamb, Peking duck, charcuterie, grilled vegetables or mushroom dishes.

Good for: Long lunches and food-focused dinners.

5. Yalumba The Tri-Centenary Barossa Valley Grenache 2024

Yalumba The Tri-Centenary Barossa Valley Grenache 2024 - 6 Bottles

This is where the history of Australian Grenache really comes into focus.

Yalumba's Tri-Centenary Grenache comes from vines planted in 1889. Those old vines naturally produce smaller quantities of fruit, allowing the resulting wine to show impressive concentration and complexity.

The 2024 vintage combines raspberry, red cherry and plum with liquorice, dried herbs and savoury spice. Fine tannins and fresh acidity provide structure and balance.

It is a fascinating example of what very old Grenache vines can contribute to a wine.

Pair with: Roast lamb, slow-cooked beef, grilled meats, game or mature hard cheeses.

Good for: Special dinners and anyone interested in old-vine Australian wine.

6. Wirra Wirra Flower Vineyard McLaren Vale Grenache 2025

Wirra Wirra Flower Vineyard McLaren Vale Grenache 2025 - 6 Bottles

Moving from the Barossa to McLaren Vale gives us a different perspective on the variety.

The Flower Vineyard Grenache showcases the more fragrant side of the grape, with raspberry, red cherry and strawberry accompanied by floral notes, dried herbs and gentle spice.

Fresh acidity and fine tannins help keep the wine lively, making it a good example of why McLaren Vale is such an interesting region for Grenache.

Pair with: Roast lamb, grilled chicken, charcuterie, Mediterranean vegetables or wood-fired pizza.

Good for: Anyone who prefers fresh, fragrant reds with plenty of food versatility.

7. Running With Bulls Barossa Valley Grenache 2025

Running With Bulls Barossa Barossa Valley Grenache 2025 - 6 Bottles

Running With Bulls brings another expression of Barossa Grenache to the table.

The wine is designed around the natural character of the variety, with regional fruit and a polished, balanced style. It's particularly well suited to foods that bring out Grenache's fruit and spice character.

This is a good reminder that Barossa Grenache doesn't always have to be big and powerful. There are plenty of bottles that offer generosity while remaining easy to enjoy.

Pair with: Lamb, pizza, charcuterie, grilled vegetables or Mediterranean dishes.

Good for: Barbecues, pizza nights and relaxed entertaining.

8. Two Hands Barossa Valley 'Aerope' Grenache 2021

Two Hands Barossa Valley ‘Aerope’ Grenache 2021 - 6 Bottles

For a more serious expression of Barossa Grenache, look towards Two Hands Aerope.

Part of the Two Hands Flagship Series, Aerope is a concentrated and expressive wine with dark fruit, red berries, earth, spice and savoury character. Despite its richness, the wine retains balance and elegance.

It's a bottle that demonstrates just how far Grenache can go when fruit quality, old vines and careful winemaking come together.

Pair with: Slow-cooked lamb, steak, rich pasta dishes or aged cheese.

Good for: Exploring the more powerful and structured side of Grenache.

9. Aphelion Brini McLaren Vale Grenache Noir 2024

Aphelion Brini McLaren Vale Grenache Noir 2024 - 6 Bottles

Grenache Noir is another name you'll come across when exploring the variety, and this McLaren Vale example shows off a more nuanced side of the grape.

The Brini Grenache Noir brings together red cherry, raspberry and pomegranate with spice and dried herbs. The palate is medium-bodied and silky, with juicy red fruit, subtle savoury notes and a long finish.

The wine also uses partial whole-bunch fermentation and seasoned French oak maturation, helping preserve the fragrance and texture of the fruit.

Pair with: Roast duck, lamb cutlets, Mediterranean dishes or chargrilled vegetables.

Good for: Discovering a more elegant and textural side of McLaren Vale Grenache.

10. Tread Softly Core Range South Australia Grenache 2024

Tread Softly Core Range South Australia Grenache 2024 - 6 Bottles

Tread Softly brings another perspective to South Australian Grenache, with a focus on a more sustainable approach to wine production.

The 2024 Grenache is medium-bodied and juicy, showing raspberry, red cherry and wild strawberry alongside spice and dried herbs. Soft tannins and a smooth finish make it approachable, while enough freshness remains to keep it food-friendly.

It's a straightforward example of how enjoyable South Australian Grenache can be without needing to be overly heavy or complicated.

Pair with: Mediterranean food, roast duck, lamb skewers or charcuterie.

Good for: Casual meals and relaxed weekends.

Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale?

If you're deciding where to start your Grenache exploration, these two regions are a good comparison.

Barossa Valley Grenache

The Barossa is particularly interesting for its old-vine Grenache. Warm conditions and mature vineyards can produce wines with generous fruit, concentration and depth.

The Murray Street, Yalumba, Running With Bulls and Two Hands wines in this list show just how much range there can be within the region.

McLaren Vale Grenache

McLaren Vale offers another side of the grape, particularly when producers focus on fragrance, freshness and texture.

The Wirra Wirra and Aphelion examples show how Grenache can be expressive and silky without relying entirely on weight or power.

Trying the two regions side by side is one of the easiest ways to understand the differences.

What does Grenache taste like?

If you've never tried Grenache before, start by looking for red fruit.

Raspberry, strawberry and red cherry are common characteristics, often accompanied by spice, dried herbs, pepper or savoury notes.

The variety can have relatively soft tannins and a silky texture, making it very different from the firm structure you might find in some Cabernet Sauvignon.

But don't mistake softer tannins for a lack of intensity.

Old-vine Grenache can be remarkably concentrated, with layers of fruit, spice and savoury complexity.

That's one of the reasons the variety is so enjoyable to explore. You can try a lighter, fruit-driven style one night and a powerful old-vine example the next, and both can still clearly be Grenache.

Grenache vs Shiraz

If Shiraz is normally your go-to Australian red, Grenache is an easy variety to explore next.

Shiraz generally leans towards darker fruit, fuller body and more pronounced structure. Grenache tends to bring brighter red fruit, floral aromas, spice and softer tannins.

Neither is necessarily "better". They simply bring something different to the table.

And the two varieties work particularly well together.

Grenache is one of the key components of GSM blends, alongside Shiraz and Mourvèdre. Grenache brings bright fruit and softness, Shiraz contributes depth and structure, while Mourvèdre adds savoury complexity.

So if you've enjoyed a GSM before, there's a good chance you already have an idea of what Grenache can bring to a blend.

What food goes with Grenache?

Grenache is an incredibly useful red to have around when you're cooking.

The fruit, acidity and softer tannins make it flexible enough for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, Mediterranean flavours and slow-cooked dishes.

Pair with:

• Roast lamb

• Lamb cutlets

• Grilled chicken

• Barbecue meats

• Charcuterie

• Wood-fired pizza

• Tomato-based pasta

• Mediterranean vegetables

• Roast duck

• Mushroom dishes

• Mature and soft cheeses

Good for: Sunday roasts, barbecues, long lunches, pizza nights and dinner parties.

How to choose your first Grenache

Not sure which bottle to open first?

Want an approachable introduction?
Start with the Tempus Two Fleur or Farm Hand.

Want to explore old-vine Barossa Grenache?
Try Murray Street or Yalumba.

Prefer McLaren Vale?
The Wirra Wirra and Aphelion bottles are good places to start.

Want something richer and more structured?
Look towards Two Hands Aerope or Yalumba Tri-Centenary.

Want something easy for a barbecue?
Running With Bulls is a natural choice.

Prefer a more sustainability-focused producer?
Take a look at Tread Softly.

Try Grenache as a tasting flight

One of the easiest ways to understand Grenache is to taste a few different styles together. Start with the Tempus Two Fleur for an approachable South Australian expression. Then move to the Wirra Wirra Flower Vineyard and compare its McLaren Vale character. Finish with the Yalumba Tri-Centenary or Two Hands Aerope to see how a more premium Barossa expression compares.

Don't worry about getting all the tasting notes "right". Pay attention to what you actually like. Which wine has the fruit you enjoy most? Which feels best with your food? Which one would you happily pour again? That's all you really need to know.

Why Grenache deserves a place in your cellar

Grenache may not always receive the same attention as Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon, but Australian producers have plenty of reasons to take it seriously.

From old bush vines in the Barossa to expressive vineyards in McLaren Vale, the variety can produce wines with freshness, fragrance, texture and impressive depth. And because the style can vary so much from one bottle to another, there's always another expression to discover. If your usual red wine choices are starting to feel predictable, give Grenache a spot at the table.

You might find that this underrated Australian variety deserves a much bigger place in your wine rotation. Explore the full Grenache collection at Just Wines.