In a historic first for the National Wine Show of Australia, a Grenache from Willunga 100, a South Australian vineyard, has clinched the prestigious Prime Minister’s Trophy for Champion Wine of Show. The award ceremony was held at Australian Parliament House, marking the first time in the show’s 50-year history that this varietal has received the top honour.
Renae Hirsch, the winemaker at Willunga 100, proudly accepted the trophy for their 2023 McLaren Vale Grenache. The acclaimed wine narrowly surpassed West Australian label Deep Woods Estate’s 2023 Reserve Chardonnay, which secured the Len Evans Memorial Trophy for White Wine of Show.
Matt Harrop, Chair of the Judges at the National Wine Show said, “Grenache is riding the zeitgeist. It’s the hottest thing outside pinot noir.”
It appears the same dedication that brought Tasmanian wines to prominence has now shifted focus to grenache in South Australia’s warmer regions. Harrop pointed out that there has been a changed perception towards grenache, historically seen as a secondary grape.
“Grenache was always seen as just a workhorse – overcropped, turned into rosé, used in blends. However, there’s an amazing resource of old grenache vines, mainly in the Barossa and McLaren Vale,” said Harrop.
These vines, under careful cultivation, have begun to produce exceptional wines like the award-winning varietal from Willunga 100.
The winning drop originates from Willunga 100’s own estate vineyard in Blewitt Springs. But it was not the only wine from the vineyard in the spotlight. Their 2023 Trott Vineyard Blewitt Springs Grenache was also a finalist for the Grenache Trophy.
This year’s National Wine Show showcased an impressive range of varietals, regions, and vintages, celebrating producers across the nation.
Harrop continued, “Having trophies from as recent as 2024 all the way back to 2012 is extraordinary. It shows the level of expertise our judges bring to the table and reflects the exciting developments within Australian wine.”
The National Wine Show saw participation from 298 exhibitors, with a record 76 first-time entries. A total of 1,071 wines were judged by a 12-member panel in blind tastings over four days. South Australia had the most entrants this year, followed by New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia.
Following the competition, all wines, including trophy winners, will be available for tasting by the public at the inaugural National Wine Festival. The festival, to be held at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra from June 13 to 15, celebrates the 50th anniversary of the National Wine Show of Australia, an opportunity to sample some of the country’s finest offerings.
Enduring tradition and evolving tastes have both been honoured in this milestone year of the National Wine Show. As it draws to a close, participants and spectators alike look forward to next year’s event, with anticipation for what new surprises may be uncasked.
For more information, and access to the full winners’ catalogue, visit the National Wine Show website.
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