After its debut in 2022, the McLaren Vale ‘Grenache & Gourmet’ Festival is making a huge return in 2024. Set to coincide with the October long weekend, the festival will start on Friday, September 20th, marking International Grenache Day, and will continue until the end of the long weekend, on Monday October 7th.
One of this year’s stand out events is “Grenache in the Deep South,” at Shingleback, which is being held on the long weekend Sunday, the 6th of October. Shingleback, a staple in the McLaren Vale winemaking scene for over two decades, is hosting the gathering at their rustic cellar door, which will feature a BBQ feast courtesy of Howard’s Fire, complemented by the delicate flavours of Shingleback’s acclaimed Grenache. The event will also feature music all day, spanning blues, roots, and New Orleans jazz from DJ Es’Ay. And those heading along, will receive a glass of NX Gen Grenache in a souvenir picnic glass, all for $65 per person.
The famed Shingleback NX Gen Grenache was recently awarded a Gold Medal in the recent Royal Queensland Wine Show, so it’s the perfect addition to your long weekend Sunday!
Shingleback Winemaker Mark Jamieson describes the NX Gen Grenache as “A great wine which is perfectly suited to any occasion and a great wine to get new customers into drinking red wine with its rich strawberry flavours and mid weighted palate.
Shingleback has not only been instrumental in shaping the wine profile of McLaren Vale but has also been committed to producing wines that capture the true essence of the region. The winery is known for its quality Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, which benefit from the cool ocean breezes and the rich, ancient soils of the area, allowing grapes a longer ripening period on the vine.
“Our winemaking journey is a deeply personal affair, driven by a passion and a deep-seated connection to the land,” says Jamieson. His approach to winemaking is intensely collaborative, involving both the growers and the environment in a process he describes as magical when the grapes signal their readiness for harvest. Fermentation then becomes a storytelling moment, transforming grapes into wines that echo the characteristics of their origins.
Each Shingleback wine encapsulates this profound dedication and craftsmanship. The winery remains focused on environmental respect, community relations, and maintaining a quality that reflects McLaren Vale’s iconic status in the wine industry. Jamieson’s says, “My future plan for Shingleback is to maintain and enhance the customer confidence to provide wines that are the best representation of the region, variety, and the historical winemaking influences,” he states. His vision includes continuing to offer exceptional value across all price points while sharing the journey and joy of winemaking with their community.
Those visiting Shingleback for the upcoming event will have the chance to check out the newly renovated cellar door, which was completed in 2023 after the historic building was brought back to life.
The building itself is steeped in history, dating back to the 1800s when The Aldersey Farm was constructed by the original McLaren Vale residents.
The Aldersey Farm and its estates underwent several ownership changes before being lovingly restored to become the Shingleback cellar door in 2007. In 2023, nearly two decades later, Shingleback proudly unveiled the new cellar door, while preserving the unique history that they are a part of.
This year’s Grenache & Gourmet is set to deliver an array of curated experiences that highlight the exceptional quality and unique character of McLaren Vale’s Grenache wines. This festival not only celebrates the finesse of winemaking but also reinforces the region’s reputation as a premier destination for both wine connoisseurs and those looking to experience the vibrant culture of South Australia’s wine country.
WHAT: Grenache in the Deep South, Grenache & Gourmet Festival
WHEN: Sunday October 6th 1pm to 4pm
WHERE: Shingleback, 3 Stump Hill Road, McLaren Vale
PRICE: $65pp, includes a glass of NX Gen Grenache in a souvenir picnic glass
LINK: Grab your tickets here.
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