Images Ben Macmahon and Maya Chaudhry
A McLaren Vale Grenache has claimed the region’s highest wine honour, beating hundreds of entries to be crowned Best Wine of Show for 2026.
Big Easy Radio’s 2025 Perpetual Holidaze Grenache has taken out the top prize at the 2026 MGA Insurance Group McLaren Vale Wine Show, earning owner and winemaker Matt Head the prestigious title of 2026 McLaren Vale Bushing Monarch.
The announcement was made at the 53rd annual McLaren Vale Bushing Lunch on Friday, 30 October, where the region’s finest wines and winemakers were celebrated.
With an impressive 652 entries competing for honours, the winning Grenache stood out among a field of exceptional South Australian wines.
Chair of Judges Toby Barlow said the competition for the top prize was particularly fierce this year, with the winning wine continuing to impress throughout multiple rounds of judging.
“The vote was very close this year, however the winning wine just kept showing up and growing from the very first bracket as it moved through multiple call back tastings and trophy taste offs.”
“It’s both modern and classic at the same time, and very compelling. On top of that every element was in balance, nothing out of place, with a finish that kept drawing the judges back.
“It captures McLaren Vale at its very best.”
And while Grenache once again proved itself a standout variety for the region, McLaren Vale’s Shiraz wines weren’t far behind.
Chapel Hill’s 2024 The Parson McLaren Vale Shiraz took home Best Shiraz of Show, while Serafino’s 2023 Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded Best Cabernet Sauvignon of Show.
Aphelion’s 2025 Wait Single Site Grenache was named the Chair of Judges’ Wine of Show, while Thistledown’s 2025 Walking with Kings Grenache Blanc Roussanne received the International Judge’s Wine of Show award.
Other notable winners included Bondar Wines, named Best Small Producer of Show, and Vinarchy, which took home Most Successful Exhibitor.
Big Easy Radio also collected the Best Grenache of Show and Best One Year Old Grenache trophies for its winning Perpetual Holidaze Grenache, alongside Best Tempranillo and Blends for its 2025 Cosmic Antennae Tempranillo.
McLaren Vale Wine Region CEO Erin Leggat said the standard of wines entered this year reflected the region’s continued evolution, with approximately one in ten entries receiving a gold medal.
Alongside traditional favourites including Shiraz and Grenache, emerging Mediterranean varieties such as Fiano and Nero d’Avola are increasingly making their mark.
International judge Richard Hemming MW, Head of Creative, Asia for JancisRobinson.com, praised the strength of the region’s wines and the rigorous judging process.
“As an international judge, it was an honour to take part.”
“And the results speak for themselves, demonstrating a level of excellence that makes McLaren Vale one of Australia’s most exciting and dynamic wine regions.”
The celebration also recognised people who have made significant contributions to the region.
Karena Armstrong and Alex Marchetti of The Salopian Inn received the Trott Family Award, while the late Peter Fraser of Yangarra Estate Vineyard was honoured with the D’Arry Osborn Award.
With another year of outstanding results, the 2026 McLaren Vale Wine Show has once again highlighted why this celebrated South Australian wine region continues to attract international attention.
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