Christmas in july: Absurd aussie fun - fill your wine rack!

how did christmas in july come about?

We think it started with a group of Irish tourists (and, more than likely, a drink or two). They were visiting the Blue Mountains in New South Wales in July sometime in the 1980s and saw snowfall, reminding them of an idyllic Christmas back home. So, they convinced a local hotel to hold a celebration with typical Christmas food and festivities.

It was such a hit, locals partied again on July 25th the following year. And it just kind of caught on with fun-loving Aussies right across the nation.

why should you celebrate christmas in july

Traditional Christmas indulgences such as roast dinners, mulled wine and sitting by open fires aren’t great options here on December 25th. But they make perfect sense in July.

And let’s face it, if there’s no footy on, there’s not too much to do in dreary July. So, let’s get friends and family over, pull a Christmas cracker, don paper hats and enjoy great wine with traditional Christmas food.

give them the gift of wine

Socks or scarves are not bad ideas here in July. But come on, we wine lovers want our Secret Santa present to be bottle-shaped!

Carefully chosen wine is a thoughtful gift, especially for Christmas in July when we want something to pair perfectly with hearty meals and cosy evenings indoors. Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz are both full-bodied red wines perfect for winter. They have bold tannins and complex dark fruit flavours, spice and often a touch of oak that make them great matches for hearty winter dishes. Or maybe Pinot Noir, the classic choice with roast turkey.

If you’re looking for a white wine, an oak-aged Chardonnay is also a great festive table choice. Plenty of weight and flavour. Alternatively, go for a sparkling wine or Champagne – perfect to share at celebrations with friends. And don’t forget our Aussie speciality, sparkling red – an essential on both December 25th and July 24th.

the mid season sales

There’s nothing more satisfying than finding the perfect present for a friend or loved one is on sale. Look out for seasonal offers on wine at Laithwaites, where you can pick up delicious wine gifts for friends and family.

at a glance christmas in july food ideas

All good get-togethers demand great food and wine. July’s cooler weather and darker evenings are the perfect setting for traditional festive favourites like roast dinners and Christmas pudding. So, if you’re planning a full Christmas feast, you’ll need the perfect wine pairings to match!

• Going all out with a traditional roast turkey? A full-bodied, buttery Aussie Chardonnay can complement the richness of the roast and any creamy side dishes.

• Try an Australian Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon for the perfect roast beef pairing. Their dark fruit and herbal flavours complement the natural flavours of the meat and sides like roast potatoes, glazed vegetables and pigs in blankets, while their more robust structure stands up to the richness of the food.

• If you prefer a low-key get-together, a cheese fondue and a charcuterie board can be a delicious alternative to a hearty roast. Dry white wines can work well – for example, a Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling would cut through the richness of cheese and cured meats and balance the palate.

• Reds like Sangiovese, Malbec and Tempranillo are also perfect pairings for cured meats.

And about that mulled wine. We reckon a Shiraz makes the perfect base. The spices in the wine – such as cinnamon, clove and nutmeg – enhance the flavours in foods with similar spices, such as honey-glazed ham or mince pies.

Explore our full range of premium wines to pair with your festive meal.

And Merry Christmas in July!