A guide to wine and occasion pairings

The right wine for each event in your festive calendar

By the time we reach the tail end of the year our diaries are practically bursting with festive lunches, dinners and get-togethers. December and January are all about celebrating together, and nothing says celebration like a glass of something special in-hand. Whether you’re playing host or heading somewhere to celebrate, there’s a bottle of wine you can bring to share with family and friends – these are our top picks for the best wines for every Christmas occasion. 

  

PRE-CHRISTMAS DRINKS

From catch-up drinks to office parties, you’d be amiss not to start your pre-Christmas celebrations with a glass of red wine. Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most approachable of the reds and is easily a crowd-pleaser. Canapés and light bites are also always on the menu at any event leading up to Christmas, making Rosé an equally great choice for wine. It's versatile enough to pair with anything the grazing table might offer; the light fruit balances rich cheeses and salty cold meats as well as complementing vegetables with subtle sweetness. 

We recommend: Reserve Limestone Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, Le Petit Rosé.

CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER

There’s something magical about a Christmas Eve gathering – sharing good food and great wine with those closest to you as the flickering lights of the Christmas tree twinkle in the background. If you’re preparing a dinner with all the trimmings, like beef or lamb, match it  with something deserving – a smooth Cabernet Sauvignon goes wonderfully with sweet, juicy red meats. 

We recommend: Double Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon

CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH

A share-plate of sumptuous seafood. A glistening glazed ham. A pork with the crispiest, golden crackling. A fruit-strewn pavlova. This is the setting for the perfect Christmas Day, paper crowns askew and all. If you’re keeping it classic this year, why not do the same with your wine? The saltiness of the seafood pairs with well with a Chardonnay, with its subtle oak flavours balancing the clean crispness of the shellfish, while a fruit-forward yet savoury Shiraz complements the sweet richness of your juicy pork. 

 We recommend: Classic Chardonnay, Double Barrel Shiraz

FESTIVE BRUNCH

The casual brunch is everyone’s favourite choice for a relaxed get-together during the festive season. Again you can’t go wrong with a Rosé, should your brunch need a little extra something. A French-style rosé pairs well with light savoury dishes and will make this in-between meal deliciously indulgent.

We recommend: Le Petit Rosé

NEW YEAR'S EVE GATHERING

Raising a toast to the past year and the one to come is more than just a celebration, it’s a rite of passage. New Year’s parties are always bubbling with the countdown excitement, so start the new year right with a glass of sparkling.

We recommend: Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir*

 

 

*special limited edition bottle only available in selected areas