Cosy Up with Winter Wines: Your Guide to Savouring Wine in the Colder Months

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, there's something undeniably comforting about curling up with a good book, a roaring fire, and a glass of fine wine. While summer calls for light, refreshing whites and rosés, winter invites us to explore the richer, fuller-bodied wines that warm us from the inside out. Here’s your guide to the best wines to enjoy during the cosy winter months.

Embrace the Richness of Red Wines

Bold Cabernets

Winter is the perfect time to indulge in robust red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon. Known for its deep, complex flavors of dark fruits, spices, and oak, a good Cabernet can be wonderfully warming. Pair it with hearty dishes like beef stew, grilled lamb, or a rich mushroom risotto for a satisfying meal.

• Try the Evans & Tate 2019 Single Vineyard Cabernets - a perfumed and powerful Cabernet blend
• The Deep Woods Estate 2022 Single Vineyard 'G5' Cabernet Sauvignon is a delicious example of single site Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
• The Dalwhinnie 2020 Moonambel Cabernet Sauvignon is intense and elegant with spearmint, boysenberry, dark chocolate, woodsmoke and pure blackcurrant
• For something different, try the Deep Woods Estate 2023 Cabernet Franc, a highly perfumed, complex wine with a generous palate and fine, velvety tannins

Silky Pinot Noirs

For those who prefer a lighter red, Pinot Noir offers a smooth, silky texture with notes of cherry, raspberry, and earthy undertones. This versatile wine pairs beautifully with roasted poultry, baked salmon, and creamy pasta dishes, making it a great choice for winter dinners.

• The Lowestoft 2019 Single Vineyard Pinot Noir is bright, fragrant and lively, with tangy morello cherry, strawberry and raspberry fruits of the Tasman Peninsula
• The Dalwhinnie Three Valleys Pinot Noir displays graceful black and red cherry fruits, set off with silky tannins
• The Strelley Farm Estate 2023 Pinot Noir is bright and juicy, with cherry and plum flavours alongside savoury earthy spice
• The Smithbrook 2021 Single Vineyard Pinot Noir is packed with ripe Pinot character from rhubarb to raspberry with a dusting of whole bunch spice and regional smoky notes

Spicy Shiraz

Shiraz is another excellent winter wine, boasting bold flavors of blackberry, plum, and peppery spices. Its robust character complements grilled meats, spicy stews, and even dark chocolate desserts. The spice notes in Shiraz can add a delightful warmth to your winter evenings.

• The Deep Woods Estate 2022 Reserve Shiraz is fragrant with spice, licorice, plum and blackberry
• The Dalwhinnie 2019 Mesa Shiraz is spicy, peppery and earthy with delicious red fruit aromas
• The Evans & Tate 2019 Redbrook Estate Shiraz is thick and densely concentrated with lashings of dark plum, fruitcake and rich dark chocolate 
• For something a little bit different, try the Millbrook 2023 Regional GSM blend which has 43% Shiraz

Delicious Full-Bodied White Wines

Full-Bodied Chardonnay

While red wines often take center stage in winter, certain white wines can also provide the depth and richness we crave in colder weather. A full-bodied Chardonnay, with its creamy texture and flavors of ripe stone fruit alongside oak nuances, is an excellent choice. Enjoy it with roast chicken, creamy soups, or a hearty seafood chowder.

• The Millbrook 2019 Limited Release Chardonnay has gained complex and flavourful characters with cellaring time in bottle
• The richly flavoured Evans & Tate 2019 Redbrook Estate Chardonnay has a smooth texture, malt and warm toast from malolactic fermentation and extended barrel ageing on yeast lees
• The Smithbrook 2023 Single Vineyard Chardonnay has complex secondary flavours of nougat and pie crust derived from yeast lees autolysis and regular stirring
• The Deep Woods Estate 2022 Reserve Chardonnay is full-bodied, layered, creamy, concentrated and balanced

Aromatic Viogniers

Viognier is a lesser-known white wine that offers a lush, aromatic profile perfect for winter. With notes of apricot, peach, and honeysuckle, Viognier pairs wonderfully with spicy dishes, roast pork, and rich cheeses. Its fuller body makes it a comforting option for a cold night.

• The full-bodied Millbrook 2022 Estate Viognier is a rich, soft expression with a sticky texture and lush apricot and coconut scents and flavours 

Indulge in Fortified Wines

Pedro Ximénez

Fortified wines like Pedro Ximénez are ideal for winter. Pedro, with its rich aromas of raisins and toffee with a luscious, generous palate of caramel, creamed honey, dried fruits and chocolate pastry, is a perfect dessert wine. Enjoy it with a cheese plate, dark chocolate, or even on its own by the fire. 

• The delicious Millbrook NV Limited Release Pedro Ximénez is a deeply golden, sweet, silky-smooth drop, bursting with toffee, apricots, raisins and roasted hazelnut

Tips for Enjoying Wine in Winter

1. Serve at the Right Temperature: Red wines should be served slightly warmer than usual in winter, around 15-18°C, to enhance their flavors. Whites should be slightly cooler than room temperature, around 10-13°C.
   
   

2. Pair with Seasonal Foods: Winter is the season for rich, hearty foods. Pair your wines with seasonal dishes to enhance both the food and the wine. Think roasted meats, root vegetables, and creamy sauces.
   
   

3. Create a Cosy Atmosphere: Enjoying wine is not just about the drink itself but also the experience. Light some candles, put on some soft music, and settle into a comfortable spot to fully appreciate your wine.
   
   

4. Explore and Experiment: Winter is a great time to explore new wines. Don’t be afraid to try different varietals and regions. Get in touch with our friendly customer service team here and ask for recommendations that suit the season.
   
   

Winter is a wonderful time to explore the rich, complex flavors of wines that might feel too heavy in warmer months. Whether you’re a fan of robust reds, full-bodied whites, or luscious fortified wines, there’s a perfect winter wine waiting to be discovered. So, pour yourself a glass of one of our favourite winter wines, settle into your favorite cosy spot, and let the warmth of the wine enhance your winter experience. Cheers!

Plus, want to know what happens in the vineyard during winter? Check out our blog here.