Grenache, gourmet and good times: McLaren Vale’s favourite spring festival is back
One of South Australia’s tastiest spring festivals is back, inviting visitors to explore world-class Grenache, incredible local produce and the relaxed hospitality that makes McLaren Vale so easy to love.
Spring in McLaren Vale comes with plenty of reasons to head south, but this year there’s one more to add to the list. Grenache & Gourmet is back for its fifth year, serving up 18 days of incredible wine, memorable dishes and laid-back experiences that celebrate one of the region’s signature grape varieties.
Running from September 18 to October 5, the festival stretches from International Grenache Day right through to the October Long Weekend, inviting visitors to eat, drink and explore their way across one of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions.
If you’ve ever needed an excuse to book a long lunch, linger over a wine tasting or finally learn why Grenache has become such a big deal, consider this your invitation.
Grenache has become synonymous with McLaren Vale. Thanks to ancient soils, cooling coastal influences and some of the world’s oldest Grenache vines, the region has earned an international reputation for producing elegant, expressive wines that continue to put South Australia on the global wine map.
But Grenache & Gourmet isn’t just about what’s in your glass.
The festival is designed as a celebration of everything that makes McLaren Vale worth the drive: passionate winemakers, talented chefs, local growers, artisan producers and the relaxed hospitality that keeps visitors coming back long after vintage season is over.
You might like
This year’s program unfolds across three distinct experiences, meaning there’s something whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply looking for a delicious day out.
Sip, savour and settle in
Food lovers will probably want to start with the Sip & Savour events, where McLaren Vale’s chefs and winemakers team up to create thoughtful food-and-wine pairings.
Expect everything from elegant long lunches and intimate cellar door dining to artisan dishes matched with carefully selected Grenache flights. It’s the kind of experience that reminds you just how well local produce and local wine belong together.
Rather than rushing between venues, these events encourage visitors to slow down, take another bite and perhaps order another glass while chatting to the people behind the wines.
Go beyond the cellar door
For those who like to know the story behind every bottle, the Learn & Explore experiences offer a deeper dive into the region.
Think vineyard guided walks, wine detective challenges and behind-the-scenes access to wineries where guests can meet the growers and winemakers responsible for shaping each vintage.
These hands-on experiences reveal how climate, soil and generations of expertise combine to create the distinctive character of McLaren Vale Grenache, making every sip feel just a little more meaningful.
It’s a chance to appreciate not only the finished product but also the craftsmanship and care that goes into producing it.
Embrace the McLaren Vale lifestyle
Of course, not every wine experience needs a masterclass.
The Relax & Unwind program captures the easy-going spirit that has become one of McLaren Vale’s greatest attractions. Picture live music drifting through cellar doors, relaxed outdoor gatherings, generous shared plates and glasses of Grenache enjoyed at a pace that feels distinctly removed from city life.
It’s less about ticking attractions off a list and more about settling into the rhythm of the region.
That welcoming atmosphere sits at the heart of the festival.
As organisers explain, the experiences are designed to celebrate “McLaren Vale’s premium wines, exceptional food and warm regional hospitality”.
It’s a philosophy that runs through every event, whether you’re sharing lunch with friends, chatting with a winemaker or discovering a boutique producer for the first time.
At its core, Grenache & Gourmet is about showcasing the people and produce who make McLaren Vale special.
“At the heart of Grenache & Gourmet is exceptional wine, brought together with the flavours, stories and warm hospitality that define the McLaren Vale wine region,” organisers say.
“Through a curated program of tastings, dining experiences and collaborations, the festival invites visitors to slow down, stay a little longer and experience the region one memorable moment at a time.”
Five years in, Grenache & Gourmet has grown into much more than a wine festival. It’s become a celebration of a region that continues to evolve while staying true to its roots, highlighting not just world-class Grenache but the producers, chefs and communities that make McLaren Vale one of Australia’s great food and wine destinations.
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape, gathering friends for a long lunch or simply looking for an excuse to spend a spring afternoon among the vines, Grenache & Gourmet offers plenty of reasons to head south.
The full Grenache & Gourmet 2026 program is available now, with events running from September 18 until October 5 across the McLaren Vale wine region.
Want to see more stories from InDaily SA in your Google search results?
- Click here to set InDaily SA as a preferred source.
- Tick the box next to "InDaily SA". That's it.
