Here’s the latest I can share about Charles Melton Wines, based on recent public coverage:
Overview and current status: Charles Melton Wines remains a landmark Barossa producer known for reviving Grenache in Australia. The operation continues to pivot around estate-grown fruit and a strong line-up of Grenache, Shiraz, and blends, with Sophie Melton taking on winemaking duties in 2022 [source overview: WineWiki profile; Wikipedia summary].[1][2]
Recent leadership and vineyard focus: Sophie Melton has been the winemaker since 2022, and as of late 2025, about 95% of the fruit was grown on estate across multiple Barossa sites, including Krondorf, Lyndoch, Rowland Flat, and regional areas like Eden Valley and Clare Valley.[2][1]
Notable wines and recognitions: The winery is best known for Nine Popes (a Rhone-style Shiraz Grenache blend) and its Grenache-driven line; past vintages have earned international recognition, with mentions of award-winning releases such as Nine Popes in past decades and continued critical interest in its Grenache program.[6][1][2]
Historical significance and heritage: Charles Melton is credited with reviving Grenache in Australia during the late 1990s, preserving old-vine plantings and heritage fruit that remain central to the winery’s identity today.[1]
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Charles Melton Wines has produced premium Barossa red wines, at our winery on Krondorf Road, since 1984. It was in the mid 1980's that Charlie and a small band of Barossa winemakers turned their winemaking efforts to what was considered then to be a couple of unfashionable varieties; Shiraz and Grenache.
www.charlesmeltonwines.com.auStar Wine List is the guide to great wine bars and wine restaurants around the world. Find Charles Melton wines on thousands of wine lists around the world - subscribe to premium membership.
starwinelist.comCharles Melton - Specialists in en primeur, in bond and fine wine sales since 1854. Online wine shop with wines for investment, cellaring and drinking. Expert care and storage of fine-wine collections. Specialists in Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone, Champagne, Italy and Spain.
www.laywheeler.comCharles Melton Wines has produced premium Barossa red wines, at our winery on Krondorf Road, since 1984. It was in the mid 1980's that Charlie and a small band of Barossa winemakers turned their winemaking efforts to what was considered then to be a couple of unfashionable varieties; Shiraz and Grenache.
www.charlesmeltonwines.com.auCharles Melton Wine—detailed tasting notes, scores and expert reviews from Jancis Robinson (MW) and her team.
www.jancisrobinson.com80 year-old, dry-grown bush-vine Grenache on The Winery Block at Krondorf.
www.vintageandvine.comCharles Melton Wines is a landmark Barossa Valley producer credited with single-handedly reviving Grenache in Australia.
www.winewithseth.com