The best wines to bring to a dinner party, according to local wine bar owners
IMAGE VIA @lennyswineroom/INSTAGRAM
AS TOLD TO DAISY HENRY
“Just like a little black dress, a Pooley Pinot Noir is always a good idea.”
As much as I enjoy going out, I equally love a dinner party. Sitting around the table at your friend’s house, surrounded by home-cooked focaccia and pasta, with empty wine bottles scattered around the table evokes a special and intimate kind of joy.
Yet when deciding what to bring, I usually spend far too long wandering the aisles of various bottle shops, overthinking what to get. So far, my method has been to find something affordable, with an aesthetically pleasing label. It’s hit-and-miss – sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.
Interested to hear how others navigate the world? Head to our Life section.
However, I’ve always wanted to be the kind of person who knows exactly what type of wine goes with a white sauce pasta, or what pairs best with a spicy paella. There’s nothing more attractive than someone who knows wine.
To level up my sommelier game, I decided to seek the expert advice of the owners of my favourite wine bars. From a transeasonal white to a chilled red, these are the bottles they suggest bringing to your next dinner party.
Almay Jordaan, co-owner of Old Palm Liquor, Bahama Gold and Neighbourhood Wine
View this post on Instagram
Wine of choice: Bahama Gold’s Bright Red or Quinta do Ermizio Electric
“If you find yourself a lucky dinner party guest and someone else cooking, it’s probably a good idea to ask what’s on the menu, so you can really nail the wine pairing. However, for a no-fuss approach, I almost always recommend a chilled red wine. This gives you an easy drinking option that works for arrival drinks and onto dinner, and you’d be looking for extra to keep the post-prandial conversation going.
Our obvious go-to is Bahama Gold’s Bright Red in a re-fillable one-litre bottle. Made by Koerner wines in SA it’s served chilled and goes with just about anything your host would prepare. Plus, there’s lots to go around.
If red wine isn’t appealing, a citrusy vinho verde (Portuguese white wine) always hits the spot and complements most foods (bar meaty stews). A current favourite is Quinta do Ermizio Electrico – the name says it all. It’s got a slight fizz going that will appeal to everyone and get any party going.”
@oldpalmliquor, @bahama.gold and @neighbourhoodwine
Daniel Lewis, owner of Napier Quarter
View this post on Instagram
Wine of choice: Patrick Underwood 2021 ‘Malmsbury’ Chardonnay
“This is a great transeasonal white. It develops on opening, with citrus notes and a perfect minerality balanced with vibrant acid affirms this wine as a contemporary approach to chardonnay. It’s a wonderful expression of our central Victorian terrior, where I frequent during downtime and where Pat grew up, however I’m astutely aware that this European tradition takes place on unceded Aboriginal land.
It’s perfect for lunch or dinner, (even brunch!) and suits almost everything; oysters, charcuterie, salads, roast chicken and cheese – before, during and after a meal. It’s elegant enough to impress your friends without the stuffiness of classic chardonnay.
A step aside for Pat’s fun Little Reddie range – his namesake label shows his passion and dedication to evolving his craft. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that he’s a super lovely guy with a plethora of knowledge (and cute to boot).”
Get it here.
Kirra Pemberton, co-owner of Lenny’s Wine Room
View this post on Instagram
Wine of choice: Sabi Wabi Pet Nat and 2023 Tassie Pinot Noir from Pooley Wines
“Bringing the wine to the dinner party is always the job I’m assigned when it comes to contributing and honestly, I love it! What I bring really depends on the catch-up. If I’m heading to a feast with my girlfriends, I’ll get a bottle of Sabi Wabi Pet Nat, a fun, bubbly, adventurous wine that’s sure to please the chicks. If you know my friends, it’s likely they’re cooking a beautiful, fresh, organic, light-hearted feast, so a naturally fermented, tasty, bubbly wine is always a crowd-pleaser.
If I’m heading over to my brother’s house for our usual Sunday roast, his girlfriend is probably cooking a rich leg of lamb with roast potatoes and gravy, served in that stylish Le Creuset gravy boat my mum got her for Christmas last year. For this occasion, I’m bringing a 2023 Tassie Pinot Noir from Pooley Wines. It pairs perfectly with a rich dish and suits any classic gathering. Just like a little black dress, a Pooley Pinot Noir is always a good idea.”
Giulia Giorgetti, co-owner of Suze
View this post on Instagram
Wine of choice: Monferrato Chiaretto DOC from Crotin
“The wine I’m obsessed at the moment is the Monferrato Chiaretto DOC from Crotin, the ‘Malvento’. I love choosing my wines according to the season and I find this bottle perfect for a warm Autumn like the one we’re having in Melbourne this year.
This wine is a delicious rosato made from 100 per cent Freisa grapes in the hills around Monferrato, Piemonte. It’s vibrant and juicy, with great acid and a bit of structure and notes of strawberry, herbs, rose and violet. It’s super food friendly, it goes so well with everything snacky, like cheese and charcuterie but has enough body to stand up to pasta or risotto dishes and proteins, especially when prepared with a bit of spice and aromatics.”
Get it here.
For more on pairing food and wine, try this.
Liked this? You’ll love these...
