There’s plenty of value for money here, and every sip hits like a chord with a lengthy sustain Nigel Tufnel would be proud of – apologies to our younger Chardonnay lovers who don’t get that reference.

About Time Woodside Chardonnay 2022

Well-balanced sweetness. Dark berries and plums that sparkle, or bubble even. Notes are worth journaling because they’re mulberry and a stingy piece of dark chocolate – apparently, I break off too much and need to be ‘monitored’ at family functions when the block comes out. Don’t worry, it’s on my list of things to work through with my therapist.

Gudilly Sparkling Shiraz NV

Gudilly Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Aromatic and easy-drinking that’s one of those you open, pour, drink and forget about. This doesn’t mean it’s ambient, just that it’s agreeable with all the plush red fruits and berries you’ve grown up loving in Pinots. So good with dips and chips. Speaking of… how come people don’t have dip for dinner? Why is it always a snack and why can’t it be a meal?

Gudilly Pinot Noir 2023

Aromatic and easy-drinking that’s one of those you open, pour, drink and forget about. This doesn’t mean it’s ambient, just that it’s agreeable with all the plush red fruits and berries you’ve grown up loving in Pinots. So good with dips and chips.

Gudilly Rose Pinot Noir 2023

In northern Italy, it's often paired with fish dishes and creamy lunches. This SA version is pure refreshment and delicate with flowers and just a hint of crisp pear, you're going to love it.

Gudilly Pinot Bianco 2023

Pours pale but full of spice and lovely pears, and absolutely appropriate with so many white sauce pastas. Comparable with a north of Venice white blend, thanks to that fresh attitude and the inclusion of a little Bianco and Nero adding savoury elements, while ultimately feeling Grigio in ‘profilo’.

Sc Pannell Protero ' Pinots ' 2023

Paracombe is a small family-owned winery that’s working sustainably, organically, and biodynamically. Pouring a slight blush hue from spending a short period on skins, their Pinot Gris is crisp and lively with notes of fresh pear, honey blossom, and spice with lovely fresh acidity.

Paracombe Pinot Gris 2022

If she starts going on about her favourite Sparkling, which was the one she requested, just focus on the gentle sounds of the heavenly bubbles popping in your glass and know that there’s more for you. Tastes like lemon sorbet, but with an almost creamy texture.

The Other Right Bright Young Things Chardonnay Pet Nat 2023

First Drop The Real Time Chardonnay 2022

It’s all soft and plush red cherries entwined in a brisk acidity, like your friend who’s juicy but dry and sharp with some sass.

Hillbilly Single Vineyard Woodside Gamay 2022

It’s one of our favourite table Chardonnay’s every year. Always gets three votes at a park party, and loves to hang with Brie and crackers. If all that didn’t get you over the line, there’s also fresh stone fruit and a little lemon curd on the palate.

Chain of Ponds Chardonnay 2023

A charming wine from the second it hits the glass, pouring with a lovely pale pink hue—judging by eye alone, you'd think it's a Provençal rosé! Fresh strawberry aromas carry through to the palate, with cherry, peach, and a light herbaceous note. A smidge of sweetness balanced by bright acidity, giving a whole lot to love for less than thirty dollars.

Lambrook Spark Sparkling Pinot Noir 2022

Weaver Sauvignon Blanc 2023

If the words "easy-drinking BBQ wine" pique your interest, you're going to want to pay close attention to this! A Tempranillo with a splash of Graciano that's all cherries. Super bright red cherries and spice on the nose lead to cherry ripe characters on the palate, with a crack of black pepper and a nice smidge of tannin. Delicious.

Lobethal Road Tempranillo 2022

Dry and savoury in style with plenty of fruit cake spice. Here’s a Sparkling Shiraz that’s perfect for with so many divine snacks and meals. Has a good, tannic grip and finishes spicy, rather than sweet.

Patritti Lavoro Sparkling Shiraz NV

Excellent Pinot Blanc from the Adelaide Hills, with an almost Riesling-like character to it. Crisp and fresh, and delightfully dry. So, so good.

Paracombe Pinot Blanc 2022

A fantastic take on this Spanish variety made with Tempranillo sourced from the Kenton Valley vineyard in the Adelaide Hills. Berry notes spill from the glass before kola nut, sarsaparilla and hints of licorice that are swept up by a wash of bright acidity and a good push of tannin.

Coulter Wines Single Vineyard C4 Tempranillo 2022

XO Wines Small Batch Chardonnay 2022

Layers upon layers of white pepper intermingle with moreish vanilla laced cherry conserve and fine tannins, yet retains a freshness that really dials up the guzzlability.