The best Australian wines for summer entertaining

1 min read | article in Wines | 15 Dec 2025

Summer’s here, the calendar’s full and entertaining season is in full swing. Whether you’re hosting a family feast, pulling together a relaxed backyard BBQ, or welcoming friends who drop by, here are simple, no-stress Australian wine styles to make every moment feel effortless.

Best wine for Christmas lunch

Whether you’re serving seafood, roast meats or a bit of everything, these wines suit the full spread.

Top picks

Chardonnay  

  • Crisp, lighter, unoaked styles: great with prawns, fish, salads and lighter dishes.  
  • Richer, buttery styles: Ideal for roast chicken, turkey, glazed ham or baked vegetables.  

Cabernet Sauvignon  

  • A dependable red for roast meats. Full-bodied, structured and great on a classic Christmas table.  

Sparkling Shiraz  

  • A true Australian festive favourite. The dark fruit flavours and gentle fizz work with roast meats, fruit puddings and long lunches.   

Best wine when friends drop in

December and January are prime “pop by for a drink” months. A couple of chilled bottles on standby makes hosting easy – even at late notice.

Top picks

Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio  

  • Fresh, easy-drinking styles that are always crowd-pleasers. Great on their own or with whatever snacks you have in the fridge.  

Fiano

  • A warm-weather wonder, it’s vibrant, versatile and fast becoming a summer staple.  

Best wine for a backyard BBQ

The sun is out, the BBQ is sizzling, and you’re ready for a long, lazy afternoon. Choose wines that are refreshing and flexible to match the vibe.

Top picks 

Rose  

  • Crisp, refreshing, fruity flavours work well with a wide range of foods.  

Lighter reds (try Grenache or Gamay) 

  • Try chilling in the fridge or esky before serving for a juicy, vibrant wine perfect for warm afternoons. 
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With over 100 varieties from 65 wine regions across Australia, there is always an Australian wine to discover.  So next time you're choosing a bottle, think Australian wine – because ‘We make a wine for that.’