Willunga 100 Awarded the d’Arry Osborn Award at the 2025 McLaren Vale Wine Show

We’re incredibly proud to share that Willunga 100 has been awarded the d’Arry Osborn Award at the 2025 McLaren Vale Wine Show, a recognition that celebrates those who champion Grenache from our region.

Named in honour of the late d’Arry Osborn, the beloved and influential owner of d’Arenberg, the award acknowledges the work of individuals and producers who continue his legacy of advocating for McLaren Vale’s old-vine Grenache. It’s a legacy built on history, resilience, and deep respect for the region and its growers.

Previous winners include two people very close to our story:
• 2024: Bernard Smart, whose 1922 Smart Vineyard in Clarendon has been a cornerstone of our Grenache program since 2013
• 2023: James Halliday, one of Australia’s most respected wine voices

To be recognised alongside them is a true honour.

A Year Defined by Grenache

The award was presented by Chester Osborn, who highlighted our achievements over the past 12 month, particularly our results across major national wine shows. It has indeed been a milestone year for Willunga 100 Grenache:

• 2024 Estate Grenache – Winner of the Prime Minister’s Trophy at the National Wine Show in Canberra, the first Grenache ever to do so.

• 2023 Smart Vineyard Clarendon Grenache – Grenache Trophy winner at the Melbourne Royal Wine Awards.

• 2024 Trott Vineyard Blewitt Springs Grenache – Winner of the George Mackey Memorial Perpetual Trophyfor Best Grenache at the Sydney Royal Wine Show, where we also received the Best Small Producer trophy.

These awards are not just accolades, they reflect decades of commitment to sourcing from the right vineyards, nurturing grower relationships, and letting Grenache speak with clarity and authenticity.

The Grenache Room

Another highlight this year has been the opening of our Grenache Room in McLaren Vale, a dedicated space for people to experience the diversity and beauty of Grenache across vineyards, vintages, and expressions. We’re thrilled that this has also been recognised as part of our contribution to the region’s Grenache story.

Honouring the Journey

“We are so proud of winning this trophy, and especially honoured to be in the company of James Halliday and Bernie Smart,” says Willunga 100 co-founder David Gleave.
“We fell in love with Grenache from McLaren Vale during our first vintage in 2005 and are delighted it’s now receiving the recognition it deserves. It’s a credit to the strength of our current team and to everyone who has supported us over the past 20 years.”

More to Celebrate

We’re also pleased to share that at the 2025 McLaren Vale Wine Show, Willunga 100 received two Gold Medals:
• 2024 McLaren Vale Grenache
• 2024 McLaren Vale Tempranillo

From our growers, to our team, to everyone who has enjoyed a glass of Willunga 100 Grenache, thank you.

This award belongs to all of us who believe in McLaren Vale Grenache.