With October underway, the Australian summer is close, and so are the Christmas lunches, backyard barbecues and long afternoons on the verandah that fill the calendar. This is the time of year when many of us start swapping heavy reds for something lighter, brighter and a little more refreshing.
If you're stocking up for the season, here's a simple guide to three of the best styles for warm-weather drinking.
Sparkling: for the moments worth marking
Nothing says celebration like the pop of a cork, and summer is full of excuses: Christmas morning, a New Year's Eve toast, an engagement, or a work function celebrating the end of a long and challenging year.
Rockcliffe makes two sparkling styles; the Méthode Traditionelle Sparkling is a fuller-bodied traditional method wine with a delicate mousse and attractive aromas of brioche, white peach and cashew, with hints of strawberry coming through, while for something a little different, the Rivage Sparkling Shiraz is a sparkling red, a classic Australian style that suits cheese, charcuterie and Boxing Day leftovers.
Good sparkling is one of the most versatile wines you can have on hand over summer. Its fine bubbles and crisp acidity work as an aperitif, but they also cut through rich, salty or fried foods, which makes it a surprisingly good match for Christmas ham, smoked salmon, oysters and a good cheese board.
Best for: Christmas morning, New Year's Eve, welcome drinks, gifting.
Serving tip: Chill thoroughly, ideally for a few hours in the fridge or 20 to 30 minutes in an ice bucket, and serve in a tulip-shaped glass rather than a flute if you want to appreciate the aromas.
Rosé: for easy, sun-soaked afternoons
If there's a single wine that defines Australian summer entertaining, it's rosé. Light, dry and refreshing, it's the wine you can pour for almost anyone, and it works with almost anything.
Rockcliffe has two to choose from. The 2025 Third Reef Rosé is dry, crisp and refreshing, with strawberry, guava and pomegranate fruit through a bright, lively palate, and it's made to be enjoyed now. It's the easy match for barbecue prawns, grilled chicken, summer salads and antipasto.
Step up to the 2024 Single Site Rosé for something with more presence: coral pink in colour, with white cranberry and cherry blossom aromas, refined acidity showing minerality and delicate floral notes, and a full mouthfeel that finishes clean and crisp.
Best for: Backyard barbecues, beach picnics, long lunches, anything with a platter.
Serving tip: Serve well chilled, at around 8 to 10°C, and keep the bottle in an ice bucket or wine sleeve so it stays cool in the heat.
Riesling: for those who love a crisp white
Riesling is often described as one of the great food wines, and the Great Southern is one of Australia's best regions for it. Cool sea breezes and slow ripening create wines with vibrant natural acidity and delicate, aromatic fruit.
Rockcliffe makes Riesling at two levels: the 2021 Third Reef Riesling and the 2025 Single Site Riesling. Both are good examples of the Great Southern style, and a brilliant partner for fresh seafood, prawns, sushi, light salads and anything with lemon, lime or fresh herbs.
Best for: Seafood lunches, light summer meals, drinkers who enjoy a dry, zesty white.
Serving tip: Riesling is at its best served cold, around 7 to 9°C, which keeps the acidity bright and fresh.
Not sure which to choose? Match the wine to the occasion
Here's our pick for each occasion over the festive season
- Christmas morning or New Year's Eve: Sparkling
- Backyard barbecue: Rosé
- Seafood on Christmas Day: Riesling
- A long, lazy afternoon with friends: Rosé
- A host gift or Christmas present: Sparkling
- A light summer lunch: Riesling
A few tips for summer wine buying
Buy a mixed case. Summer entertaining rarely sticks to one style. A mix of sparkling, rosé and white means you have something for every guest and every dish.
Order early. Christmas is one of the busiest times of year for wineries and couriers. If you're ordering online to have wines delivered for the holidays, placing your order in November rather than December helps avoid delays.
Keep a few bottles chilled. It's easy to run short of cold wine on a hot day. Keeping a couple of bottles in the fridge means you're always ready for last-minute visitors.
Don't forget the glassware. A tulip glass for sparkling and a standard white wine glass for rosé and Riesling are all you need. They'll make a noticeable difference to how the wines taste.
Whatever you're celebrating this summer, the team at the Rockcliffe cellar door is always happy to help you choose the right bottle, so call in or get in touch to put together a case for your Christmas table.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best wine to serve at an Australian Christmas lunch?
Because Christmas lunch is typically served in summer heat, lighter styles tend to work best. Sparkling is ideal for starting the day, while a crisp Riesling or Chardonnay pairs well with seafood and ham, and a dry rosé suits a mix of hot and cold dishes.
What temperature should I serve rosé, Riesling and sparkling wine?
Sparkling and Riesling are best served very cold, around 6 to 9°C, while rosé is ideal at around 8 to 10°C. In hot weather, keeping bottles in an ice bucket helps them stay at the right temperature.
Is rosé sweet or dry?
It depends on the producer, but many modern Australian rosés, including those from the Great Southern, are made in a dry style. If you're unsure, ask at the cellar door or check the tasting notes.
What does Riesling pair well with?
Riesling pairs especially well with seafood, sushi, salads, and dishes with lemon, lime or fresh herbs. Its natural acidity also makes it a good match for lightly spiced Asian-style dishes.
Which Australian wine regions are best known for Riesling?
The Great Southern in Western Australia is one of the country's leading Riesling regions, along with the Clare Valley and Eden Valley in South Australia. The Great Southern's cool, maritime-influenced conditions suit the variety well.
When should I order wine for Christmas delivery?
It's best to order by the end of November where possible, as courier services become much busier through December and delivery times can stretch.
