By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
When it comes to Christmas entertaining, there are two types of guests: those who arrive with a salad and a perfectly chilled bottle of something spectacular…and those who announce "I didn’t know what to bring,” while eyeing the esky.
This year, we suggest being the former. From cellar-worthy Pinot to patisserie-inspired pours, these curated drops are designed to dazzle at the table or tuck under the tree for someone truly special. Yourself included…‘tis the season for self-gifting, after all.
The showpiece of the Tamar Ridge portfolio, this Pinot Noir is the vinous equivalent of couture. Sourced from the finest parcels of Kayena Vineyard and crafted from more than 300 carefully evaluated barrels, it offers a layered, aromatic journey through the Tamar Valley.
Silky and ethereal, it opens with ripe raspberry and fragrant florals, before unfurling warm notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and cedar oak. Earthy undertones and umami richness add subtle gravitas, delivering a wine of remarkable precision, poise and depth.
Gorgeously golden in the glass and pure elegance in the hand, this iconic northern Italian Pinot Grigio is refreshingly crisp, impeccably clean and quietly confident. Expect delicate aromatics and a bone-dry palate that glides into a soft golden apple finish – beautifully restrained, impossibly versatile.
Whether paired with fresh seafood, a platter of creamy cheese or simply tucked into an esky for your Christmas picnic, it’s the sort of wine that never competes, only enhances. A foolproof gift for the white-wine purist, or the perfect pour for balmy Summer lunches that stretch effortlessly into dinner.
Sweet, whimsical and unapologetically playful, every bottle in the Patisserie Wines range reimagines the tasting experience with the charm of a Parisian dessert counter. Each varietal is delicately crafted to showcase vibrant fruit expression, lightly lifted with a subtle frizzante and finished with a whisper of natural grape sweetness.
From the juicy Raspberry Eclair Moscato to the butter-cream smoothness of Creme Brulee Chardonnay, these are wines made to bring joy to the table – whether poured at a girls-mas’ night, spritzed into Summer cocktails or slipped into a Secret Santa instead of a boring box of chocolates. Think sophisticated indulgence, with a ‘treat yourself’ twist.
Lively, zesty and served best over ice, this modern take on the classic Spritz is Summer in a glass. Featuring crisp Prosecco uplifted with bright orange zest and balanced whispers of aromatic bitters, it’s refreshingly vibrant yet refreshingly effortless.
Ideal for spontaneous balcony gatherings, alfresco lunches or Christmas Day when the ham’s still in the oven and guests are already arriving. Just add ice, a slice of orange and a side of sunshine. A fun-loving gift that promises instant cheer, no shaker required. (FYI: The Yuzu version is just as good!)
Sunlight in liquid form, this delicately pale rose captures the carefree spirit of an Australian Summer. Red berry aromas - think vivid raspberry and spiced cherry - leap from the glass, followed by a zesty burst of flavour and a crisp, clean finish.
Bright and youthful with just the right amount of sophistication, it’s designed for outdoor grazing tables, beachside Christmas spreads and long lunches with friends who know better than to rush. A joyful gift for the person who brings the vibes, not the stress.
Crafted using traditional Methode Champenoise and aged an impressive 48 months on lees, this sparkling by Bird in Hand is a masterclass in elegance and finesse. Notes of citrus blossom and red apple interplay with layers of brioche, lemon curd and roasted almond, while its fine bead pirouettes across the palate with refined mineral clarity.
Luxurious yet precise, it pairs beautifully with smoked salmon blinis or creamy cheese canapes. Named Joy for good reason – this is the bottle you bring when the moment matters, whether that’s a Christmas gift, New Year countdown or the quiet reward you give yourself once the guests have gone.
As decadent as it sounds, this unique alcohol-free sparkling blends the elegance of French Blanc de Blancs with the luxurious essence of Belgian dark chocolate and roasted hazelnut. The result is an opulent, dessert-like pour that feels like sipping liquid truffles, heightened with crisp, celebratory fizz.
Inclusive and indulgent, it caters to all lifestyles - vegan, gluten-free, halal and alcohol-free - without sacrificing sophistication. Chill to 3 C, pour into your finest flute and let the room fall silent for that first sip. A standout festive gift for the cocktail lover, the mindful drinker or the guest who deserves something truly memorable.
