Recent Post
Archive
- February 2026
Tags
Custom Menu
Aphelion's Grenache Recommended on The Wine Blast Podcast
Louise Rhodes
Apr 06, 2026
The Bottle You Bring When You Want People to Ask, “What is this?”
Why 4 Aphelion Wines Just Got Called Out by UK Masters of Wine
You know the moment.
You walk into a dinner. Bottle in hand.
You pour. Someone takes a sip… pauses… looks at the label again.
Then comes the question you want:
“Wait - what is this?”
That’s the outcome.
Not just wine.
Not just another safe, predictable bottle.
Something with energy. Place. A story worth sharing.
And right now, that’s exactly what’s happening with Aphelion.
Recognised on the World Stage (Before Everyone Else Gets There)
In February 2026, The Wine Blast Podcast—hosted by UK Masters of Wine Peter Richards and Susie Barrie—released a three-part deep dive into McLaren Vale wine.
Episode 2?
“The Grenaissance.”
After tasting extensively - on the ground in McLaren Vale, judging at the 2025 Wine Show, and again back in the UK - they published a recommended wines list.
Four Aphelion wines made it.
- Aphelion Callow Grenache Blanc 2024
- Aphelion Brini Single Site Blewitt Springs Chenin Blanc 2024
- Aphelion Egg Grenache Noir Blewitt Springs 2023 (cellar door & member exclusive)
- Aphelion Old Vine Grenache Noir Rapture McLaren Vale 2024 (2023 available now)
If you’re searching for:
- Some of the best Grenache in McLaren Vale
- Premium Australian Grenache wines that are truly delicious
- Textural Australian Grenache Blanc
- The top McLaren Vale wineries to visit -
This is the shortlist you want to be holding.
The Shift Is Already Happening (Most People Just Haven’t Noticed Yet)
Around the 8-minute mark of the episode, Peter Richards MW calls it out:
Grenache Blanc is a white variety with huge potential in McLaren Vale.
That’s not trend-chasing.
That’s a Master of Wine signalling what’s next.
If you like to:
- bring something before it becomes obvious
- pour wines your friends haven’t seen everywhere yet
- discover varieties early
This is your moment.
Because once everyone catches on?
It’s already too late to be “the one who found it.”
The One That Almost Took the Trophy
At the 2025 McLaren Vale Wine Show, the Aphelion Callow Grenache Blanc 2024:
- Scored 95 points
- Won a Gold Medal
- Went head-to-head for Best Emerging White Wine
It came down to the wire.
While the trophy went elsewhere, Peter Richards was reportedly advocating for Callow to take top billing.
That tells you everything.
This isn’t just a “good white wine.”
This is a wine that stops professionals mid-flight.
What This Means When You’re Choosing a Bottle
You’re not buying a label.
You’re choosing:
- what gets poured at your table
- what people remember from the night
- what gets talked about after
Aphelion sits in that rare space where:
Winemaking craft × Place × Momentum
all meet at once.
- Old vine Grenache from McLaren Vale
- Blewitt Springs sites with real character
- Mediterranean varieties (Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc) hitting their stride
International validation is catching up to what’s already in the glass.
Listen, Explore, Then Taste It for Yourself
If you want to go deeper, listen to the full episode and explore the recommendations:
Listen to The Wine Blast Podcast Episode
Then do the more important thing:
Open a bottle. Pour it. Share it.
Ready to Be the One Who Brings the Good Bottle?
If you’ve read this far, you already know what you’re looking for.
- Wines your friends haven’t discovered yet
- Premium Grenache from McLaren Vale
- Something distinctive enough to start a conversation
Explore Aphelion Wines
Corporate Wine Gifting
Visit Our Cellar Door
FAQ: What People Ask Before They Buy
What makes Aphelion wines different from other McLaren Vale wineries?
Aphelion focuses on Grenache and Mediterranean varieties grown in specific sub-regions like Blewitt Springs. The wines are site-driven, expressive, and crafted to show energy and drinkability—not just power.
Is Grenache Blanc worth trying?
Yes—especially now. If you’re searching for alternative white wine varieties in Australia, Grenache Blanc offers texture, freshness, and complexity that surprises people used to Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
Which Aphelion wine should I start with?
- For something unique: Callow Grenache Blanc
- For Grenache lovers: Rapture Old Vine Grenache
- For something textural: Egg Grenache Noir
Are these wines good for gifting?
Absolutely. These are ideal for corporate gifting, dinner parties, and wine lovers who think they’ve tried everything.
Can I visit and taste these wines in person?
Yes—visiting the cellar door gives you the full context of place, people, and story behind the wines.
Do you ship Australia-wide?
Yes. Order online and have wines delivered across Australia—perfect for gifting or stocking up.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes - you can order Aphelion wines from 15 countries worldwide, all from the comfort of your home, with simple all-in pricing.
The price you see includes:
- Wine
- Shipping
- Insurance
- Taxes
- Duties & customs
No surprises. No extra invoices on arrival.
You’ll also receive an AUD $100 discount on your first international order (hurry—expires 30 June 2026).
Find out more and collect your discount code
← Older Post Newer Post →
