Canberra Wines for the Christmas table

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Struggling to find the perfect wine pairing for your Christmas table? Forget about panic buying a few $10 bottles from Aldi – we have you sorted with some delicious local drops.
When planning a festive menu for family and friends, the question of what to serve with the meal always comes to mind (and if you don’t know your Merlot from your Marsanne, it can get a lot harder). Luckily, Canberra is in an amazing wine region and there are plenty of delicious pairing options that will make your meal the talk of the town.
So, what are the best wines to pair with Christmas food? From your classic mains to dessert (because who doesn’t love Christmas pudding?) here’s a quick guide to some of the best local wines, pulled together with the help of VAN DU VIN Canberra winery tours.
Seafood and prawns
Don’t know where to start when it comes to pairing wine with seafood dishes? According to the team at VAN DU Vin, you should go for a lighter-style wine that doesn’t overpower the delicate, sweet flavour of the seafood.
- Gallagher Wines 2015 Blanc de Blanc
- Brindabella Hills 2021 Marsane
- Pankhurst 2019 Arneis
- Capital Wines 2021 ‘The Whip’ Riesling 2021
- Linear Wines 2022 Blanc blend
Ham (with sweet glaze)
Is there anything that epitomises an Aussie Christmas more than ham? We have one (or five) local suggestions that will make it taste even better.
- McKellar Ridge 2022 Sauvignon Blanc
- Helm Half 2022 dry Riesling
- Eden Road 2021 Pinot Gris
- Gundog Estate 2015 The Chase Semillon
- Pankhurst 2021 Pinot Noir
Roast Pork
Who doesn’t love roast pork on Christmas day? Juicy, fruit-driven whites and lighter-style reds work well (so the experts tell us).
- Tallagandra Hill 2022 ‘The Diplomat’ Viognier
- Sapling Yard 2022 Sorella Ramato (Pinot Gris)
- Collector 2018 Rose Red City Sangiovese
- Barton Estate 2017 Sparkling Glen Malbec
- Ravensworth 2019 Hilltops Nebbiolo
Turkey
Turkey is a must-have—and apparently, you can have a glass of white or red with this main.
VAN DU VIN suggests trying a buttery creamy chardonnay or going for something more unique with a chilled sparkling shiraz. If you’re going to commit to a red, go for something light on the tannins – it will be more forgiving if the bird is a little dry.
- Eden Road 2022 Chardonnay
- Gallagher Wines 2017 sparkling Shiraz
- The Vintner’s Daughter 2022 unoaked Chardonnay
- Pankhurst 2016 Adele sparkling Merlot
- McKellar Ridge 2021 Merlot
Lamb
There are plenty of good wines that will pair well with lamb—but the team at VAN DU VIN advises that reds are more successful than whites as the tannins and flavours can hold up to the lamb.
- Eden Road 2019 Tumbarumba Pinot Noir
- McKellar Ridge 2021 Trio
- Helm Classic 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
- Gallagher 2018 Shiraz
- Tallagandra Hill 2021 Mac’s Block Cabernet Franc
Dessert
It’s not Christmas without dessert – and when going traditional (think Christmas pudding and trifle) it’s best to look for fortified or late-harvest wines.
Christmas pudding
- Gundog NV Gundog Estate Muscat 375ml
- Gundog NV Gundog Estate Tawny 375m
Trifle
- Capital Wines 2022 ‘The Treasury’ Late Picked Viognier
- McKellar Ridge 2021 Cherie d’Amour
- Shaw wines 2021 Shaw Wines Botrytis Semillon
Best wine for gifts
Looking for a bottle of wine that’s a little bit special to give as a gift? VAN DU VIN can help with that as well. Check out these options.
- Gallagher Wines NV Sparkling Duet
- Helm 2022 Premium Riesling
- McKellar 2021 Ridge Shiraz Viognier
- Mount Majura Vineyard 2021 Tempranillo Magnum
- Barton Estate 2012 Synergy Cabernets Merlot