Share
Tweet
Share
Share
Grenache from all around the country have gone head to head, with a South Australian wine taking the cake, being named Australia’s best. Angaston’s Yalumba proved why it remains one of Australia’s most respected winemaking names, taking home top honours at the 2025 James Halliday Grenache Challenge with its standout 2024 Vine Vale Grenache. Judged in McLaren Vale, the competition drew 153 single-varietal Grenache entries from across the country, with Yalumba’s 2024 vintage claiming the highest accolade in what judges described as an exceptionally close and exciting contest.
The annual James Halliday Grenache Challenge, now in its ninth year, celebrated the growing strength and sophistication of Grenache winemaking in Australia. Hosted by the McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association, the event brought together some of the most skilled winemakers and esteemed judges in the industry to set the benchmark for Australia’s take on the variety. Chair of Judges, Toby Barlow, said this year’s lineup showcased the “remarkable breadth and depth of Grenache being produced across Australia. The top three wines were all outstanding, each representing a distinct stylistic direction and intent. These ranged from finely structured and savoury to more expressive, fruit-driven interpretations. Predictably, the final decision was hotly contested, with some robust discussion.”
After much deliberation among the judging panel, the Yalumba 2024 Vine Vale Grenache came out on top. They praised the wine’s “exceptional red fruited freshness, purity, balanced winemaking influence and the persistence of flavour that carried effortlessly across the palate. It’s a very well-crafted and composed wine that speaks to both vineyard and sensitive winemaking.”
Yalumba’s Head Winemaker, Sam Wigan, expressed his pride in receiving the award. “I’m absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured that the Yalumba 2024 Vine Vale Grenache has been awarded the winner of the 2025 James Halliday Grenache Challenge.
“Vintage 2024 was an exceptional year for our Grenache wines – the vineyards delivered fruit with incredible purity, depth and character. Thank you to the judges and the organisers of the Grenache Challenge for this wonderful recognition, and to the entire Yalumba team from our viticulture and cellar crews through to the winemaking team for their passion, dedication and hard work. This award is a testament to everyone’s effort and to the beauty of Grenache in the Barossa Valley.”
Overall, the judging panel, were impressed sheer diversity of styles showcased, from delicate and perfumed to rich and brooding expressions. The variety’s adaptability is driving innovation, with producers experimenting with whole-bunch fermentation, extended maceration, and alternative maturation vessels, so it’s no surprise to see this picked up.
Pictured: Yalumba
Alongside Yalumba, the top three wines in the competition included the Thistledown 2024 Sands of Time Single Vineyard Blewitt Springs Grenache and the S.C. Pannell 2023 Old McDonald Grenache, two other South Australian wineries each bringing their own take of the varietal.
With awards like this, it’s clear to see that Grenache is continuing to captivate winemakers and drinkers all over the country. For Yalumba, the win is part of another exciting chapter in a near 175-year legacy.
2025 James Halliday Grenache Challenge Top 10
SA Hill-Smith Family Estates, Yalumba 2024 Vine Vale Grenache 97 Top Gold
SA Thistledown Wine Company Thistledown 2024 Sands of Time Single Vineyard Blewitt Springs Grenache 97 Gold
SA Pannell Enoteca, S.C. Pannell 2023 Old McDonald Grenache 96 Gold
SA The Usual Suspects Collective, Ox Hardy 2023 Mclaren Vale Grenache 95 Gold
SA Willunga Hundred Pty Ltd, Willunga 100 2024 McLaren Vale Grenache 95 Gold
SA Head Wines, Head Wines 2024 Ancestor Vine Grenache 95 Gold
SA Pauletts, Pauletts 2024 BMS Brielle Grenache 95 Gold
SA Pannell Enoteca, S.C. Pannell 2024 Little Branch Grenache 95 Gold
SA Aphelion Wine Co., Aphelion 2024 Wait Single Site Grenache 95 Gold
SA Z Wine Pty Ltd, Z Wine 2025 Rustica Grenache 95 Gold
For more information, click here.
Dining and Cooking