Grenache Barossa Grown

In this book we explore the history, the soils, the growers and ultimately the wines produced across the full breadth of the Barossa Valley.

Discover Grenache - Barossa Grown

Grenache is truly the underappreciated, if not undiscovered, jewel in the crown of the Barossa. The Barossa is Australia’s premier wine region and has been for more than 170 years. Grenache was one of the founding red grape varieties for this legacy. For such a long period, Grenache has been the work horse of the Valley and the foundation variety for the region’s world renowned fortifieds. The chief victim of the government sponsored vine pull of the 1980s which decimated many old vineyards, Grenache became the key variety in the rebirth of dry reds, the now famous GSMs, before being overrun by Shiraz once more led by global export markets. But it is the tenacious old growers who need to be thanked for maintaining the faith and keeping so many of these precious old vines in the ground.

About the Authors

Brett Hayes, Proprietor Hayes Family Wines.

As a lover of the Barossa, its wines, vines and people, Brett established his Family Winery ahead of the 2014 Vintage with a focus on single vineyard and single block old vine Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro – the historically most important Barossa red varietals. Brett currently farms eight individual Grenache blocks that cover the full spread of the Barossa’s North, West and South. The diversity of the soils and sites he farms and the impact these have on his wines continue to amaze him. Brett is so very excited about Grenache’s future now that it has taken centre stage.

 Steve Leszczynski, Owner & Editor of QwineReviews.com

A writer who is passionate about Australian wines, Steve loves taking readers on the journey through the vinous wonderland. He established his website QwineReviews.com in 2011 and contributes to Salt Magazine, Wine Business Magazine, Halliday Wine Companion Magazine, Vinomofo, and Grapegrower Winemaker Magazine. As well as hosting wine dinners and events, working with wine and writing is not Steve’s full-time gig mind you, it is very much a passion after hours. But of all varieties, it is Grenache that he loves the most. It’s a variety that throws so many perspectives of light and shade. So, what’s stopping your exploration? As Steve says, drink more Grenache!