Let’s Celebrate Fiano Day – 16th October 2026
The inaugural Fiano Day on the 17th of October 2025 was a hit! Now it is the countdown to Fiano Day 2026!!
If you’re a regular TC reader, you’ll know I love discovering (and drinking!) alternative grape varieties like Fiano.
Fiano Day will happen on the 3rd Friday of October every year going forward – woohoo! Don’t forget to bookmark my Wine Days Calendar for all the upcoming dates.
Because trust me, once you try this zesty Italian white wine, you’ll wonder how you ever got through summer without it.
What is Fiano?
Fiano hails from the Campania region of Southern Italy, think Naples, the Amalfi Coast and bowls of seafood pasta eaten seaside. It’s an ancient grape variety, but here in Australia, winemakers have been giving it a modern twist, and it’s thriving in our climate.
In fact, fun fact: Australia has the most Fiano plantings outside of Italy! There are now more than 70 Aussie wineries making it, and Wine Australia says Fiano production has grown a whopping 86% in the last year alone. And trust me, if you’ve tasted it, you’ll understand why!
What does Fiano taste like?
Here’s the fun part, Fiano is one of those wines that constantly surprises you with every sip. It really is up to the winemaker in terms of the style they want to create with the grape, much like Chardonnay.
Expect it to be lively, textural and oh-so-food-friendly. One sip might remind you of pine nuts and cashews, the next of kaffir lime, basil, or tropical fruit. It’s a wine that keeps your taste buds guessing (and smiling!).
It has been likened to unoaked Chardonnay, Semillon and Pinot Grigio.
If you love matching your wines with food like me, Fiano is a chef’s best friend. Pair it with:
- Seafood (oysters, grilled fish, spaghetti marinara)
- Pasta (think creamy or tomato-based sauces)
- Spicy dishes (Thai, Indian, Mexican – Fiano can handle the heat!)
- Ramen and dumplings – my personal favourite!
Basically, if summer lunches and long dinners are your vibe, Fiano will slide right into your glass perfectly.
Who’s making it in Australia?
One of the true champions of Fiano here is Oliver’s Taranga in McLaren Vale. Their winemaker, Corrina Wright (aka the Queen of Fiano), has been growing it for 20 years. So it’s safe to say she’s earned her crown.
And they’ve got the accolades to prove it. The 2024 Oliver’s Taranga Fiano not only picked up the Trophy for Best Fiano at the McLaren Vale Wine Show, but also scored rave reviews from some of the country’s top critics. (95 points from Wine Pilot and Qwine, just to name a couple!)
Oh, and it’s also vegan-friendly and Sustainable Wine Australia accredited. You’ll find it for approximately $29.
With low water needs, naturally high acidity and thick skins (meaning less disease pressure), it’s a variety that’s future-proof and good for the planet – all the more reason to pour a glass!
Why you should celebrate Fiano Day
Because any excuse to open a bottle of wine is a good one!
But seriously, Fiano Day on Friday 16th of October 2026 is the perfect chance to try this variety if you haven’t already.
Wineries across Australia will be doing special tastings and releases, and Oliver’s Taranga are leading the charge – check out @oliverstaranga for updates.
So stock up, chill a few bottles, and get ready to sip your way through summer with this exciting white.
Final sip
Whether you’re a die-hard Chardonnay lover or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc drinker, I reckon Fiano will win you over. It’s vibrant, delicious, and gives me all the summer-in-Europe vibes – without the airfare.
Fiano tasting notes
Here are some Fiano’s I have tried recently that you may want to give a taste:
Giammarino 2020 Fiano – Mornington Peninsula
We enjoyed this Mornington Peninsula Fiano at a local restaurant recently and it went down an absolute treat. Think vibrant aromas of juicy pear, lemon zest, and a and a creamy lick of almonds. On the palate, it’s both creamy and fresh, with citrus, subtle oak spice, and a savoury minerality that lingers long after the last sip. It’s the kind of wine that makes you crave sunshine, salty air, and another glass. Plus it went with my fish and chips perfectly!
$39 via giammarino.com.au
Rewild (Duxton Vineyards) 2022 Fiano – Murray Darling
I was kindly sent this bottle as a gifted sample to taste. Now, this is the perfect little Fiano for all the newbies to the grape variety out there. It’s fresh, juicy and dry and at only $10, it’s not going to break the bank – even if you don’t like it.
It’s a medium?bodied Fiano which is crisp, with juicy pear, vibrant citrus, and a clean, balanced finish that feels fresh and lightly textural. We had it with a tomato chorizo dish and it went down a treat.
$10 via rewildwine.com.au
Unico Zelo ‘Jade & Jasper’ 2023 Fiano – Riverland
We enjoyed the Unico Zelo Fiano at our local wine bar – Arlo in Portarlington. We were enjoying a multi-course ‘snack’ lunch and I choose this pocket rocket as I knew it would go so well with a variety of flavours and textures.
And I was right! This Riverland Fiano bursts with fresh citrus, ripe yellow apple, and a hint of tropical pineapple. The palate is crisp and lively with zesty lemon acidity, a touch of almond and light stone fruit sweetness, all balanced by a gentle, slightly textured finish.
$27 via unicozelo.com.au
Marnong Estate 2024 Single Vineyard Fiano
I whipped up some homemade dumpling ramen, and cracked open a kindly gifted sample of the Marnong Estate Fiano.
And OH MY, this was an epic wine and food match! I definitely patted myself on the back as it was pure heaven in my mouth.
In the glass this Aussie Fiano is a white gold with a citrusy lift, it’s bright yet textural, showing notes of pear, lemon zest and toasted almond. The kind of wine that makes food sing – especially my rich, spicy, salty-savoury dumpling ramen.
It’s the perfect reminder of why I adore Aussie Fiano: expressive, food-friendly, and quietly complex. And it’s exciting to see producers like Marnong championing the variety with such finesse.
Marnong Estate is just 35 minutes north of Melbourne in the Sunbury wine region. They are only 15 mins from Melbourne Airport. One to add to the list of cellar doors to visit in Victoria I think!
