Wines to kick off the festive season

Dec 09, 2025

Become a member to view this article

The Real Review is editorially independent. We don’t sell wine. We are free of influence from vested interests such as wine producers and sellers, and proprietors with conflicts. We tell you what we think about reviewed wines, served straight up. Our articles cover topics our writers choose because of genuine interest.

We rely on our members to publish The Real Review. Membership provides access to thousands of articles, a growing database of more than 160,000 wine tasting notes, exclusive member discounts and more.

Join now Login here

Champagne can be charming but why not look for Australian sparkling wines this year. Pexels

In the immortal lyrics of the 1983 Class Action disco anthem Weekend (Larry Levan mix specifically), the chorus – “Tonight it’s party time, it’s party time tonight” – sets the tone for long, balmy nights of celebration.

We’re seeing many interesting styles across the market, including sparkling wines either vinified in tank or made from varieties other than chardonnay and pinot.

As the sun dips and the summer heat soaks in, there’s a good chance you’ll be inviting people over, cranking the Sonos, and cracking open a few bottles of something fun to get the party started. And once the playlist is sorted (you can thank us later for the tune recommendation above), what to pop in the ice tub to keep everyone refreshed and show that you are actually the life and soul of the party? Here are a few local Aussie suggestions to keep the energy flowing once the sun goes down and the sequins come out.

Wines that sparkle throughout the night

Champagne can be charming but why not look for Australian sparkling wines this year for their complexity and incredible value? We’re seeing many interesting styles across the market, including sparkling wines either vinified in tank or made from varieties other than chardonnay and pinot; look to these for fresh citrus acidity balanced with creaminess from ageing on lees in tank, or spiced fruitcake opulence from sparkling shiraz. The ‘traditional method’ wines below have had many years ageing in their own bottles on lees to create complexity, texture and layers of flavour, and are some of the most impressive and special sparkling wines on the market today.

Fun styles

Traditional method

Disco whites

For something a little different, it’s worth diving into the new wave of vibrant alternative white varieties turning heads this summer: fiano, vermentino, albariño and assyrtiko offer fresh, zesty flavours that bring energy and personality to the glass, while textural chenin blanc and this saline, oyster-shell take on pinot grigio adds depth and intrigue. Wrap your lips around falanghina if you dare, with its aromas of apple, peach and white florals, aided by green-almond notes and chalky acidity—you’ll never look back! Some of these wines are all citrus and lift, while others carry a savoury, saline edge that keeps you coming back for another sip. Bright and vibrant, they’re the perfect way to keep things interesting as the night warms up.

Skinsy delights

Skin contact white wines are almost their own category in between white wine and rosé—a Goldilocks genre of whites that don’t taste like it, not quite rosé, but made like red wine but definitely aren’t red… they have their own mystique of deeper orange/amber colours (hence the moniker of orange or amber wines), often unfiltered and cloudy, super-aromatic with floral aromas and often featuring ginger plant and dried apricot notes, and almost always have refreshing grippy tannins completing a mouth-feel you’d usually associate with red wines. Intriguing and excellent with salty foods like cured cheeses and antipasti—coincidentally just like you’d serve at a fancy gatho!

Rosé all day (and night)

Rosé was made for warm nights: fresh, easy to drink and full of personality. Provence has driven the recent pale-hued revolution, so you’ll find delicate rose-coloured local versions made with grenache and cinsault bringing bright strawberry-and-cream fruit and crisp acidity, while nebbiolo-based rosés add subtle cherry aromas with delicate tannin and a hint of spice. Deeper mataro or shiraz-based styles offer darker fruit, spice and a subtle mineral edge. These wines are lively and quaffable rather than fruity or sweet, and have enough texture and lift to make them a serious drink. Modern deeper-coloured rosés tend to be more textural and complex rather than sweet, and with savoury spice are excellent matches for richer, meatier foods. Serve all well chilled and enjoy as the night gets going.

Light and bright reds for the ice bucket

Reds for warm nights are all about balance: structured enough to be interesting, yet fresh and lively enough to enjoy chilled. In Australia, red wines are often served too warm, so pop your bottles in the fridge for 20 minutes or dunk them into an ice bath for five to bring out their freshness. For parties look for fruit-focused styles with little (or no) oak, as heavy cedary tannins can feel raspy when cool.

Grenache (AKA garnacha or cannonau) bursts with cherry and red-berry juiciness, pinot noir brings bright strawberry and subtle spice, and gamay presents as raspberry conserve with gentle floral aromas and often aromatic whole-bunch stem notes. Australia is also producing a whole smorgasbord of other Euro-influenced red wines, whether plummy, spiced montepulciano or juicy cross-style shiraz-pinot blends. Full of flavour but lightly chilled, these reds are a great choice for sunset celebrations and backyard dance floors—approachable for a crowd, but still engaging for wine lovers.

Whatever the style, the key is fresh, vibrant and approachable wines that get people talking and glasses clinking.

Whatever the style, the key is fresh, vibrant and approachable wines that get people talking and glasses clinking. From crisp and fragrant whites to expressive rosés, sparkling bubbles that set the tone, adventurous skin-contact orange wines, and lively, fruit-forward reds, there’s plenty to explore this season. Don’t be afraid to try something new—whether it’s an unfamiliar grape or a bold stylistic twist, these wines bring energy, flavour and fun to any gathering. Choose wines that can be lightly chilled or popped straight into the ice tub when you arrive, so every pour hits its best note. With a mix like this on hand, all that’s left is to pop, pour and let the party take over. Cheers!