Thursday night is the new weekend and it's time to crack some Grenache from near and far with esteemed wine writer Huon Hooke.

An online wine tasting event will be held at 5.30pm this evening, featuring Grenache from McLaren Vale winemakers Yangarra Estate, Samuel's Gorge and Toby Bekkers. This is an excellent turnout from our local wineries, featuring among just eight top rating Grenache examples selected for tasting.

Grenache from the Barossa Valley also features on the list among Australian wines from further afield.

The wines have all been rated in the 90s. Most of the wines are quite affordable, with the cheapest retailing at $28 and the most expensive at $90.

Huon Hooke is a leading independent wine writer, judge, lecturer and educator. He's been writing about wine since 1983 and is best known for his weekly columns in the Sydney Morning Herald Good Living section, and regular articles and tasting notes in Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine and other wine publications.

The team at Samuel's Gorge is delighted to have their 2018 Grenache featured by Hooke among the "stellar lineup" of wines. According to the winery, "Grenache has been the heartbeat of Samuel's Gorge since the winery's inception in 2003".

"It began as Justin’s passion project, yet evolved into an integral part of who we are at Samuel's Gorge. Now, 17 years on, Grenache is welcomed and respected as a single varietal wine. Gone are the days of heavy-handed tannin and excessive oak of the 1990s; making room for lighter, fruit forward styles. They are both a staple on our dinner tables and wines that stand the test of time."

The free online event is hosted by The Real Review. Expect to be taken through a range of Grenache and Rhone-style blends while hearing stories and insights about the wineries.

Sign up for the event online here and make sure you head out and purchase some or all of the following wines prior to the event at 5.30pm.

Tonight's full tasting list:

• Yangarra Estate Vineyard Old Vine Grenache 2018 (92/100, $35)
• Samuel's Gorge Grenache 2018 (95/100, $40)
• John Duval Wines Annexus Grenache 2018 (95/100, $70)
• Elderton Western Ridge Grenache Carignan 2018 (96/100, $60)
• Bakkheia Tripartite Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre 2018 (96/100, $28)
• Sons of Eden Kennedy Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre 2018 (94/100, $29)
• Toby Bekkers Syrah Grenache 2018 (96/100, $90)
• Torbreck Vintners The Steading 2018 (94/100, $40)