Sunshine with Bryan’s Festive Six
Wine for the Christmas table - vibrant, expressive, and made for sharing.
Here’s how we’re pairing Bryan’s six wines for a truly memorable Aussie Christmas feast.
An Australian Christmas lunch is all about sunshine, fresh seafood, generous platters, and the kind of relaxed celebration that stretches far beyond the meal, and long into the evening. Each year, our Head Winemaker Bryan Currie curates his perfect companion: The Christmas Dozen, featuring his personal selection of standout bottles.
2022 Sparkling Dalliance Tumbarumba – For the First Cheers
There’s no better way to begin Christmas Day than with something that sparkles. The Sparkling Dalliance Tumbarumba is bright, crisp and celebratory, offering lifted citrus blossom, fresh apple and a fine bead. It’s the ideal wine to serve while opening gifts in the morning, or as family and friends arrive for lunch.
Pairing: Fresh Sydney rock oysters, prawn cocktails, smoked salmon blinis or a simple plate of chilled tiger prawns with lemon. The acidity of the Dalliance cuts beautifully through the brininess and richness of seafood, setting the tone for the day.
NV Cardinal Sparkling Shiraz – A Festive Crowd-Pleaser
The NV Cardinal Sparkling Shiraz, is filled to the brim with vibrant red fruits and subtle spice. A playful and versatile sparkling red—very Australian, very festive, and perfectly suited to Christmas lunch.
Pairing: Try this elevated take on the classic centrepiece – Gochujang-glazed ham with roast cherries. Cardinal NV loves sweet-savoury combinations, making it a fan favourite for the main event.
2024 Classic Fiano Hilltops – Summer in a Glass
The 2024 Classic Fiano Hilltops is fresh, textural, and sunshine-ready. With notes of pear, citrus, and gentle nuttiness, it’s a white that feels tailor-made for a warm Christmas afternoon.
“I love Fiano. Fiano, Fiano, Fiano. It originates from the Campania region of southern Italy – a place I was lucky enough to live (many moons ago). Fiano is a terribly underrated white wine – which is why I must insist it finds its way to as many Christmas tables as possible! It is so easy to pair with a plate of food – but equally as starring in a glass by itself.” – Bryan Currie
Pairing: BBQ scallops, herb-roasted chicken, grilled zucchini and asparagus, or a summer caprese salad. Fiano’s subtle complexity works wonders with herbaceous, green and citrus-driven dishes.
2023 Classic Pinot Meunier Tumbarumba
– A Light Red for a Long Lunch
Pinot Meunier rarely gets the spotlight, but this 2023 release is bright, supple and beautifully aromatic. It is THE perfect pairing for those who want a red wine that won’t weigh them down on a hot day (or overpower a lighter protein at the Christmas table).
“A unique and intriguing expression of this lesser-known grape variety. Pinot Meunier is one of the three main grape varieties used in Champagne production, and when crafted as a single vineyard wine, it can showcase the distinct characteristics of both the grape and the terroir.” – Bryan Currie
Pairing: Roast turkey (try playful iteration for a modern take; Brined barbecued turkey with spices and a piri piri sauce), mushroom tarts, grilled pork loin, or cold cuts for a Boxing-Day-style spread. Its red cherry lift and soft tannins make it an effortless table wine.
2022 Classic Shiraz Hunter Valley – The Christmas Centrepiece
A classic style with elegance and depth, the Classic Shiraz Hunter Valley brings dark berries, spice and that beautiful regional savouriness. It feels festive, generous and comforting—ideal as your lunch slows into golden hour.
Pairing: Roast lamb with rosemary, beef rib roast, or even a smoky Christmas BBQ. Hunter Shiraz amplifies the richness of red meats while offering a refined finish.
N.V. Liqueur Muscat – The Grand Finale
No Christmas feast is complete without dessert, and the Liqueur Muscat is pure indulgence—raisin, toffee, caramel and Christmas pudding in a glass.
Pairing: Pavlova with caramelised peaches, traditional pudding (there’s nothing more classic), mince pies, sticky date pudding, or a cheeseboard overflowing with blue cheese and dried fruit.
With Bryan’s Christmas Dozen on the table, your Christmas lunch becomes more than a meal, but a celebration of flavour, generosity and the joy of sharing good food and great wine. Cheers to a delicious festive season!