McLaren Vale’s Grenache & Gourmet Festival returns on Friday 19 September and will run until Monday 6 October, inviting visitors to explore the food and wine of the Fleurieu Peninsula.
The festival brings together winemakers, chefs, growers and producers to celebrate Grenache alongside local food through a program of events across the region.
The 2025 program features 32 events, grouped under three themes:
- Sip & Savour: Food and wine experiences that pair Grenache with dishes created by local chefs. Events range from long lunches to cellar door tastings matched with small plates.
- Learn & Explore: Workshops and activities that give visitors an insight into winemaking and grape growing. These include vineyard tours, blending sessions, and opportunities to meet winemakers and growers.
- Relax & Unwind: Informal gatherings combining wine, food and live music, reflecting the region’s coastal atmosphere.
“There’s no better place for Grenache in Australia than McLaren Vale, and we’re thankful to the South Australian Government for their support for this true celebration of our much-loved variety,” said Erin Leggat, chief executive officer of the McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association.
“Grenache & Gourmet is a fantastic showcase of how vibrant, expressive, and perfectly suited to the way we eat and drink today Grenache is.”
McLaren Vale is well known for Grenache, shaped by its coastal climate, soils, and long history of grape growing. From some of the country’s oldest Grenache vines to newer styles, the region has developed a reputation for this variety.
The festival is supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission through the Regional Event Fund, which aims to strengthen the state’s regional events calendar, expand existing events, and encourage new ones.
McLaren Vale is one of South Australia’s 18 wine regions and contributes to the state’s recognition as a Great Wine Capital of the world.