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Five must-try wines for summer entertaining
Summer’s here, surf’s up – and it’s time to party. But what wines should you choose to make the most of the season? And which styles will really shine at Christmas, New Year and every get-together in between? Read on to find out …
1. Let the lighter reds shine
In warmer weather, you might want to give those big, powerful Shiraz a rest and reach instead for something lighter and more refreshing.
The perfect choice? Grenache – especially from Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale. This fashionable grape produces soft, juicy reds with lovely freshness, making them ideal for summer sipping. You can even serve them lightly chilled.
Recommendation: Thistledown Gorgeous Old Vine McLaren Vale Grenache 2023
Thistledown are Grenache specialists, and their aptly named ‘Gorgeous’ red is a brilliant introduction to the style. Stuart Knox of The Real Review awards it 91 points, saying it “has a sense of fun and frivolity to it without falling away into sweet or simple”.
2. Do rosé drinkers have more fun?
Just because it’s a cliché doesn’t mean it’s wrong. Rosé is the ultimate all-rounder. Served well chilled, it’ll go down a treat with just about anything you can throw on the barbie.
Recommendation: Tahbilk Grenache Mourvèdre Rosé 2024
Grenache and Mourvèdre is a classic French rosé pairing – and it works brilliantly in Australia too. Jeni Port, writing in The Halliday Wine Companion, awards this bottle 94 points, calling it “an all-rounder at the table.” Expect cherries, strawberries and gentle spice – and order more than you think you need. This one disappears fast.
3. ’Tis the season for Sauvignon
If there’s one grape that really comes into its own at this time of year, it’s Sauvignon Blanc. With its aromas of freshly mown grass and exuberant tropical fruit flavours, it’s pretty much summer in a glass.
Recommendation: Avera Sauvignon Blanc 2025 – Adelaide Hills
If you’re after a homegrown alternative to Kiwi Sauvignon, head straight to the Adelaide Hills. Nicely balanced and super-refreshing, Avera is an elegant, cool-climate Sav with bright citrus and orchard fruit, plus lovely herbal notes. Chill it well and enjoy with chicken skewers or fresh seafood straight off the barbie.
4. And for your Christmas feast …
There’s a reason big, oaky Chardonnay was once everyone’s favourite. It’s rich, opulent and delicious, with green apple and tropical fruit wrapped in creamy vanilla oak – and it’s spot on with cold ham and turkey at Christmas.
Recommendation: Claymore Voodoo Child Chardonnay 2024 – Langhorne Creek
A single-vineyard white from dry-grown, 80+ year-old vines – Aussie Chardonnay doesn’t get much more classic than this. Expect a gorgeously smooth texture, spiced French oak, ripe citrus and apricot flavours, plus a savoury hint of dried herbs. And yes, the label rocks too.
5. Fireworks and fizz – the perfect NYE combo
There’s never a bad time for bubbles, but New Year’s Eve is the perfect excuse to open something special. You could shop local with a Tassie sparkling wine – or go traditional with a proper Champagne.
Recommendation: Laithwaites Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru NV
Our own Champagne is guaranteed to hit the spot. Made purely from Chardonnay and sourced from Premier Cru vineyards, it delivers bright citrus fruit, fine bubbles and lovely biscuity complexity. Everything you could ask for – and just the thing for toasting the New Year. Whatever you’re pouring this summer, keep it chilled, keep it simple and enjoy the good company. Ready to stock up?
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For over 50 years, we've gone off the beaten track to bring you great bottles from independent wineries around the world. We taste over 40,000 bottles a year to find the 800 or so that make the final cut. Juicy reds, refreshing whites, tasty rosés, thrilling fizz - you'll find all sorts of hidden gems in our handpicked wine collection.
