Winter hibernation who? Ditch the snoozefest and turn up the cozy vibes with epic homebody nights! Think crackling fires, ultimate comfort food, and drinks that warm you from the inside out (wine and warming spirits, anyone?). PLUS, invite your besties for a hangout redefining “squad goals”. Our guide unlocks the perfect food & drink pairings to make your winter nights legendary!
The ultimate drink pairings for winter food
Best with a Cheese Board
Kick off your night in style! Pop the cork & say cheese!
Sparkling wines are the BFFs of charcuterie boards. Their bubbles cleanse your palate between bites, making every flavour pop!
Pairing ideas:
Prosecco: Calabria Belena Prosecco
Champagne: Piper Heidsieck
Cava: Freixenet Cordon Negro
Best with Beef & Lamb
Ditch the Bland, Embrace the Grand!
Rich Reds love comfort food feasts with bold beef or luscious lamb dishes
Pairing ideas:
Shiraz: PepperJack Barossa Shiraz
Cabernet Sauvigonon: St Hugo DR3
Malbec: Fat Bastard Argentinian Malbec
Best with Chicken & Pasta
Flavour Explosion!
Creamy wines are the secret weapon for delicious chicken & pasta nights.
Pairing ideas:
Chardonnay: Petaluma Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay
Viognier: dÁrenberg The Hermit Crab Viognier Marsanne
Pinot Gris: Oyster Bay Pinot Gris
Best with Dessert
Warm Your Soul & Light Your Fire!
Spirits & spiced desserts are the ultimate dessert duo
Pairing ideas:
Spiced Rum: Captain Morgan Spiced Rum
Brandy: Black Bottle Brandy
Whisky: Starward “Two Fold”
Recipes to Try – Favourite Winter Warmers
Ready to level up your food and drink nights in? These recipes are the perfect flavour partners for your favourite beverages!
The OG Comfort Food: Classic Beef Shepherd’s Pie
Traditional Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
An all-time classic winter warmer, a homemade Shepherd’s Pie is hard to beat! This Shepherd’s Pie recipe from Best Recipes is so simple, you’d be surprised how easy it is to make your own. Heads up, you will need a food processor for this version!
Pair with: PepperJack Barossa Shiraz for a rich, complementary experience that enhances the hearty beef filling.
Netflix & Chill: Ultimate Creamy Chicken & Mushrooms
Chicken Breast in Creamy Mushroom Sauce
This dish is perfect for a cozy night in. The creamy mushroom sauce perfectly coats tender chicken breasts, creating a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent. Pair with a Chardonnay to cut through the richness and add a refreshing note to your meal.
Pair with: Petaluma Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay. Its crisp and fruity profile balances the creamy texture of the dish beautifully.
Butterscotch Bombs: Molten Date Pudding Paradise
Sticky Date Puddings with Butterscotch Sauce
There’s nothing like a warm sticky date pudding drizzled with butterscotch sauce to finish off your winter feast. This recipe delivers a moist and rich pudding that’s perfect for those with a sweet tooth. The butterscotch sauce adds a luscious, indulgent layer that makes each bite pure bliss.
Pair with: Starward “Two Fold” Whisky. The caramel and spice notes in the whisky complement the sweet, rich flavours of the pudding, creating a harmonious and warming dessert experience.
Beat the winter blues with these yummy booze and food duos! Cheers to cozy nights and flavour-packed bites! Read more here.
