Vanguardist

Vanguardist Wines, led by winemaker Michael Corbett, is a renowned McLaren Vale-based label known for its world-class Grenache. Michael's journey with Grenache began in 2009 in the South of France, where he discovered the variety’s potential. After moving from the Hunter Valley to McLaren Vale, he established Vanguardist in 2014, as a place to start his own Grenache journey.

At the heart of Vanguardist is the Rende Vineyard in McLaren Vale's Blewitt Springs. This site, with its deep sandy soils and old bush vines, produces some of Australia’s finest Grenache. Planted in the late 1960s by Italian immigrant Michael Rende, the vineyard benefits from its proximity to the ocean and cooler climate, resulting in wines with freshness, structure, and complexity. Michael’s meticulous winemaking approach allows the vineyard to shine, focusing on gentle handling, small-batch ferments, and long skin contact to capture the purest expression of Grenache.

"I walked in this vineyard in 2015... I walked in here, and I felt alive... I feel lucky and blessed to be able to do it, and I don’t take it for granted."
- Michael Corbett on Rende Vineyard

Vanguardist's flagship, the V Grenache, is a wine that perfectly balances lightness and power. Known for its purity and length, it reflects Michael’s philosophy of letting the vineyard speak through the wine.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of Vanguardist, with the vineyard run on organic principles, nurturing both the land and vines. Michael’s deep connection to the site and his relentless pursuit of excellence have established Vanguardist as one of Australia's most exciting wine labels, with a growing presence in Europe through international distribution.

With over 30 vintages across 13 regions and four countries, Michael’s expertise and passion are evident in every bottle, making Vanguardist a leading name in contemporary Australian winemaking. Always walking the line between power and poise, the wines of Michael Corbett are excellent and should absolutely be on your hit list.

Read more about Michael Corbett & Rende Vineyard