Winter Reds: Our Top Picks for June–August 2026
There's something deeply satisfying about wrapping your hands around a glass of red wine on a cold Melbourne night. Winter is arguably the best season for red wine lovers — the food gets heartier, the evenings get longer, and the excuse to open something special gets easier.
Here are our top red wine picks for June through August 2026.
Go Bold: Shiraz & GSM Blends
Australian Shiraz is made for winter. Look for examples from the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale — full-bodied, spiced with black pepper and dark fruit, and built to stand up to slow-cooked lamb, beef stews, and charcuterie boards. A GSM (Grenache-Shiraz-Mourvèdre) blend adds a little more elegance if you want something slightly lighter on the palate.
Best with: Slow-cooked lamb shoulder, beef bourguignon, aged cheddar.
Go Italian: Negroamaro & Sangiovese
Italian reds are criminally underrated on Australian tables. Negroamaro from Puglia delivers deep cherry, tobacco, and earthy notes that pair beautifully with pasta, pizza, and antipasto. Sangiovese (the grape behind Chianti) is another winter staple: bright acidity, medium body, and incredible food versatility.
Best with: Pasta Bolognese, wood-fired pizza, charcuterie.
Go Elegant: Pinot Noir
Not every winter night calls for a powerhouse red. Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noirs offer silky tannins, red cherry, and earthy complexity — perfect for salmon, duck, or simply sipping by the fire. These are the wines that convert white wine drinkers to reds.
Best with: Duck confit, salmon, mushroom risotto.
Go Classic: French Reds
If you're looking to impress at a dinner party, a Burgundy or Côtes du Rhône never fails. French reds offer structure, terroir, and a sense of occasion that's hard to beat. They also age beautifully — so if you're building a cellar, winter is a great time to stock up.
Best with: Roast chicken, beef tenderloin, hard cheeses.
Our Winter Tip
Serve your reds slightly warmer than usual — around 16–18°C. A wine that's too cold loses its aromatics and can taste harsh. If your bottle has been sitting in a cool spot, give it 20 minutes at room temperature before pouring.
The Melbourne Wine Store delivers nationwide across Australia.