Willunga 100 is leading the charge on the national stage with their signature Grenache, taking home two prestigious honours at the 2025 Sydney Royal Wine Show. The McLaren Vale producer’s 2024 Trott Vineyard Grenache was named Best Grenache and also awarded the Trophy for Best Small Producer Wine, two accolades that confirm the winery’s reputation as a benchmark for quality and innovation in Australian Grenache.
The Sydney Royal Wine Show is a leading industry event, showcasing the passion and innovation that shape Australia’s wine landscape. To leave with two major trophies is no small feat, and it really is a reflection of the dedication behind Willunga 100’s wines.
Chair of Judges, Mike De Iuliis, shared, “The 2025 Sydney Royal Wine Show results were a testament to the incredible variety of outstanding wines that are on offer to consumers right now, whether you are looking for something to drink tonight or that special bottle that will reward you after years in the cellar.
“Just look for that Sydney Royal medal and you’ll know that what you are getting is the best of the best and has undergone rigorous assessment.”
This year’s show saw over 1500 wines assessed, with 103 gold medals awarded across five states and 23 wine regions, highlighting the exceptional calibre of wine being produced nationwide.
Willunga 100 took home a haul of awards, with their Smart Vineyard Grenache scoring a gold medal in addition to their two major awards.
At the heart of all this success is the Trott Vineyard in Blewitt Springs. Home to 72-year-old bush vines, planted in deep sandy soils, the vineyard provides the perfect conditions for producing high-quality Grenache. The 2024 vintage is yet another expression of this pedigree, continuing the tradition of producing elegant, distinctive wines.
Winemaker Renae Hirsch shared, “Hard to say exactly what made this wine stand out in the show, but I’m sure it has a lot to do with the fruit quality in the vineyard we source from. The Willunga 100 Trott Vineyard Grenache is grown on deep sand and planted in the early 1950’s these gnarly old bush vines in Blewitt Springs produce such beautiful pure fruit, the key is to get the harvest timing right and in the winery we aim to guide it through the winemaking process to keep all the purity of fruit from the vineyard with balance and finesse.”
These Sydney awards follow on from a historic triumph at the 2024 National Wine Show, where Willunga 100’s 2023 McLaren Vale Grenache claimed the Prime Minister’s Trophy for Champion Wine of Show. It was the first time in the event’s 50-year history that a Grenache had won the top honour, and it was a huge moment for Willunga 100. The same vintage from Trott Vineyard also collected a Gold Medal and was a finalist for the Best Grenache trophy.
“It’s such a great honour for our 2024 Willunga 100’s Trott Vineyard Grenache to be recognised as being the best Grenache at the Sydney Royal Wine Show, as this is one of the most prestigious wine shows in the country,” said Renae.
“It is so amazing to be recognised by the judges and our peers that the work we’re doing in aiming to make the best wines we can is paying off! After winning the Prime Minister’s Trophy for Best Wine of Show at the National Wine Show as well as earlier in the year for our 2023 Willunga 100 Estate Grenache, this is just a fantastic follow-up and encouragement that we’re doing something right.”
It’s clear to see that Willunga 100 is helping redefine what Australian Grenache can be, layered, complex, and absolutely world-class.
Shop the award-winning wine:
2024 Trott Vineyard Blewitt Springs Grenache $70
A mix of juicy red and black cherries, bergamot and rose water along with earthy spice and minerally ferrous notes give a savoury edge to the wine.
The palate has flavours of fresh red cherries, pomegranate, rose and lavender florals but also darker earthy spice and hints of red liquorice.
Willunga 100
When: 11am to 5pm, Friday to Monday
Where: 188 Moritz Rd, Blewitt Springs SA 5171
For more information, click here.
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