Con-Greg Grigoriou is carving a new path through the Riverland. From the edgy, hand-drawn labels to his rebellious choice of Southern Italian grape varieties, everything about Delinquente Wine Co. is a playful nod to tradition with a wink of defiance.
Raised in South Australia’s Riverland, Grigoriou could’ve stuck to the script, producing the tried-and-tested wines that the region is known for. Instead, he took a sharp left turn—swapping out the safe and conventional for something with a bit more grit and a whole lot more personality.
The Riverland is a place that lives in contrast. It’s blisteringly hot, with vast stretches of red earth, yet tempered by the tranquil Murray River—a slow-moving artery that brings life to the land. For Grigoriou, this landscape isn’t just home; it’s the heartbeat of his winemaking. “The Riverland is where I grew up, so to me it’s incredibly special. The hugely open, bright blue sky. The heat rising up off the road and the red dirt. But then, the lush, calming, cooling Murray River... It’s a special place,” he told Young Gun of Wine in a recent interview.
"The Riverland is where I grew up, so to me it’s incredibly special. The hugely open, bright blue sky. The heat rising up off the road and the red dirt. But then, the lush, calming, cooling Murray River... It’s a special place..."
- Con-Greg Grigoriou via Young Gun of Wine
Ironically, it wasn’t the wines of his homeland that inspired him to make his own. Instead, it was a serendipitous encounter with wild, organic wines that captured his imagination. "I tasted wines that spoke to me. Small production, wild wines from organically grown vineyards that were super refreshing and really fun to drink. I gave it a crack myself," he told Young Gun of Wine. And so, in 2013, Delinquente Wine Co. was born—kicking off with just a tonne each of Vermentino and Montepulciano, in a corner of a 20,000-tonne Riverland winery.
Grigoriou’s winemaking philosophy hinges on more than just crafting a delicious drop; it’s about crafting wines that make sense for their environment. The Riverland’s scorching climate calls for grape varieties that laugh in the face of drought. Southern Italian varieties like Nero d’Avola, Vermentino, and Montepulciano fit the bill perfectly—grapes that are naturally suited to the heat, need less water, and retain a natural zing of acidity, making them ideal for low-alcohol, fruit-driven wines. These wines aren’t just sustainable—they’re a true expression of what the Riverland can offer when you think outside the (wine) box.
"We’ve always tried to keep it fun and accessible—wines that people can enjoy without breaking the bank.”
- Con-Greg Grigoriou via Young Gun of Wine
“We work with Southern Italian grape varieties that can handle the blazing heat,” Grigoriou told YGOW. “We pick early to keep alcohol levels low and preserve that natural acidity. It’s all about making wines that are fresh, vibrant, and easy to drink. And we’ve always tried to keep it fun and accessible—wines that people can enjoy without breaking the bank.”
Indeed, the wines from Delinquente are some of the best-value introductions you’ll find to these emerging Italian varieties. They’re faithful to their roots, offering an authentic taste of Italy with an Aussie twist. Whether it’s a zippy Vermentino or a juicy Montepulciano, these wines offer an approachable way for wine lovers to explore new flavours without stepping too far out of their comfort zone.
Beyond the wine itself, Delinquente’s distinct identity is unmistakable. The label’s visual branding, courtesy of artist Jason Koen, aka “Ankles,” is as irreverent as the wines within—each bottle is a piece of art that’s as likely to start a conversation as it is to be poured into a glass. These aren’t just bottles of wine; they’re statements of intent.
Since its humble beginnings, Delinquente has rapidly gained a loyal following, with fans from Australia to the UK and beyond. While the wines aren’t about pushing boundaries in a highfalutin sense, they do challenge the notion that serious wine needs to be serious. These are fun, easy-drinking bottles with a bit of attitude—perfect for those who like their wines with a side of irreverence.
As Grigoriou reflects on the journey so far, there’s a sense that he’s just getting started. “Vintage 2024 was just about the perfect vintage,” he muses. “Warm but not too hot, and bone dry during the growing season, was a welcome change from the past couple of years, allowing the fruit to ripen steadily. Meanwhile, cool nights kept acids and freshness high. With decent yields across the board, we had flexibility in our winemaking, selecting the best parcels and blending to make a suite of wines we are super stoked with, and excited to share with the world.”
“Vintage 2024 was just about the perfect vintage... A suite of wines we are super stoked with, and excited to share with the world.”
- Con-Greg Grigoriou
In a region often overshadowed by its more famous neighbours, Con-Greg Grigoriou and Delinquente Wine Co. are making waves—bold, colourful, and irresistibly drinkable waves. And if the growing cult following is any indication, these wines are here to stay, proving that sometimes, breaking the rules is the best way to make a lasting impression.