Grenache is a versatile and widely planted wine grape originating from Spain, where it’s known as Garnacha, though it has found a significant home in the Rhône wine region of Southern France, alongside Syrah. It thrives in the long Rhône River valley, where the terroir produces rich flavors. French Grenache often features notes of red berries, tobacco, and spice. However, in warmer climates like California, the grape develops more floral and herbal characteristics, sometimes accompanied by a slight earthiness. It’s prized for its ability to ripen fully in hot conditions while retaining balanced acidity, making it a favorite among winemakers.
Here on the San Luis Obispo Coast, Grenache is frequently used in blends, most notably in the classic GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre) blend, where it contributes bright fruit and elegance. In addition to blends, there are 12 wineries along the coast producing single-varietal Grenache, highlighting the grape’s adaptability and unique expression in our region. From savory, spicy profiles to fruit-forward, vibrant wines, San Luis Obispo offers a wide range of Grenache styles.
Read below for details on these 7 wineries from north to south, and don’t forget to celebrate International Grenache Day on September 20, 2024!
Points North Trail
Niner 2019 Reserve Grenache, Jespersen Ranch. The extreme coastal environment of Edna Valley produces a remarkable Grenache. It’s one of the least common grape varieties planted in the cool, narrow valley but we farm nine acres at Jespersen Ranch. To bolster concentration and color, we farm our Grenache at very low quantities by taking the vines down to one cluster per shoot. In 2019 we experimented with carbonic fermentation, foot stomping and concrete to craft this gorgeous wine and the result was spectacular.
Niner 2020 Grenache, Jespersen Ranch. We farm nine acres of Grenache at Jespersen Ranch, where the coastal influence produces a beautiful expression of the varietal. In 2020, we hand-harvested our Grenache and fermented them in nine different stainless-steel tanks. This small lot approach gave us the ability to use a variety of winemaking techniques to create layers that complement the characteristics of Grenache. We kept the percentage of new French oak barrels low (21%) to focus on bright fruit flavors and preserve freshness. The result is a lively and vibrant wine with hints of strawberry, white pepper and black tea. Drink now through 2028.
Urban Trail San Luis Obispo
Croma Vera 2018 Grenache Morro View Vineyard, SIP Certified Sustainable, 93 points, Wine Enthusiast; 92 points, Vinous. Tight, densely packed aromas, the kind you want to bury your nose in. We’re talking: dark cherries, hibiscus, mints and marjoram. Once the glass has moved from the nose to the lips, it’s cherries, cherries and more cherries. And, perhaps, if you’re wildly receptive, notes of black raspberry and white-pepper spice. Drink it alone. Drink it with someone. Or, drink it with Pad Thai, Green Curry, Drunken Noodles; anything Asian, anything spicy.
Stephen Ross 2021 Grenache, Jespersen Vineyard. This is a pretty, cool climate Grenache from Jespersen Vineyard located on the western edge of the Edna Valley. It has a deep ruby “black” color with aromas reminiscent of Montmorency cherries, rhubarb, and nutmeg from the French oak. The palate is medium to full body, showing enticing grippy tannins, with flavors of cherry, and cocoa on the finish. A powerful wine with backbone, balance, and aging potential.
Edna Valley Core of the Coast
Claiborne & Churchill 2020 Grenache, Spanish Springs Vineyard. Our Grenache is always the last of our Rhone-style wines to be released, and with good reason. Our grape source is Spanish Springs Vineyard, located just a stone’s throw from the Pacific Ocean, and an especially cool microclimate. There the Grenache grapes take their time developing ripe flavors during the growing season. When vinified, they produce a youthful wine that we age at least 20 months in barrel and an additional year in bottle. The result is a wine that offers layered aromas of pomegranate, coffee, and briary red fruit, with hints of tamarind and Herbes de Provence on the palate. With nice acidity, firm tannins, and a rich and complex mouthfeel, this Grenache would partner well with smoked short-ribs, barbecued tri-tip, or a hearty Mediterranean daube.
Edna Valley Back Roads
Kynsi 2020 GRENACHE Jespersen Vineyard Edna Valley. Planted a mere two miles from the ocean, the vineyard is fog-laden and ocean kissed. It offers scents of wild strawberries, pink peppercorn and blackberry tea with complex notes of cumin and bramble fruit preserves that saturate the palate with a rich, silky finish.
Southern Charm Arroyo Grande
Talley 2020 Grenache. As you drive up to the Talley Vineyards Tasting Room, the rolling hills of our Rincon Vineyard lined with vines of cool-climate Grenache welcome you home. The 2021 vintage is luscious yet focused finish with hints of dried hibiscus and white tea.
Timbre The Jam Grenache. The next vintage is coming soon!