International Grenache Day

Every year on the third Friday in September, International Grenache Day raises a glass to one of the world’s most widely planted wine grapes—known as Grenache or Garnacha—celebrating its heritage, versatility, and the people who grow and enjoy it.

History of International Grenache Day

International Grenache Day took shape as a community-driven wine observance, gaining traction through calendars and wine organizations that rallied around a single, easy-to-share rule for the date—the third Friday in September. As wineries, educators, and wine lovers began coordinating tastings and posts on that day, the observance steadily settled into the global wine calendar.

The grape at the heart of the celebration has deeper roots. Grenache traces back to Aragon in northeastern Spain, where it’s long been cultivated and admired for generous fruit and spice; from there, it spread widely, and today it shines in Spain, Southern France, and Australia, among other regions. That long journey explains why the day resonates across borders and styles, from old-vine reds to pale, refreshing rosés.

Why is International Grenache Day important?

Grenache is a friendly storyteller of a grape—ripe, approachable, and endlessly food-loving—so giving it a day spotlights a variety that quietly anchors countless beloved wines. Marking the date nudges us to look beyond celebrity labels and notice the growers and regions that make our weeknight bottles and special-occasion pours possible.

It also celebrates range. Grenache can be juicy and bright or layered and savory, equally at home in single-varietal bottlings and classic blends from places like the Rhône, Navarra, and McLaren Vale. An annual toast invites casual drinkers and curious students alike to compare regions and styles and find their own favorites.

• It gives unsung growers and regions a moment.
• It encourages tasting beyond your usual picks.
• It’s a low-pressure way to learn with friends.
• It highlights how one grape can wear many styles.
• It reminds us wine is culture, not just a beverage.

How to celebrate International Grenache Day

Keep it easy and social. Grab two bottles—say, a Spanish Garnacha and a Southern Rhône blend—taste them side by side, and chat about what you notice without any exam vibes. If you want to go further, add a rosé and see how the same grape feels in a totally different mood.

• Try two regions head-to-head at home.
• Add one Grenache rosé for contrast.
• Pair with a simple, herb-driven dinner.
• Invite a couple of friends and compare notes.
• Jot down what you liked so you can repeat it.

Make a small table spread that loves Grenache: roasted vegetables, herby chicken, or a simple charcuterie board. Share a photo and a quick note about your favorite bottle, or swap recommendations with a friend at a local wine bar—many post ideas and tasting invites around the observance.

International Grenache Day Dates Table