Celebrate Christmas in July: A Luxe Winter Entertaining Guide

You asked for bold reds this winter — and you shall receive! As winter takes hold and the chill settles in, there’s no better time to embrace the festive spirit than with a Christmas in July celebration. Whether you're planning a cosy dinner for two or a lavish feast with friends and family, this curated guide will help you impress your guests with exceptional Australian wine, decadent treats and nostalgic delights — all with a seasonal twist.

❄️ Centrepiece Wines for Winter Feasting

Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon 1990 – $1,000
Rare, refined and a true icon of Australian winemaking, the 1990 Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon is a piece of vinous history and a show-stopping centrepiece for any winter celebration. Crafted from the finest parcels of Cabernet in the Penfolds stable, this wine represents the producer’s relentless pursuit of excellence. At over three decades old, the 1990 vintage remains a benchmark for collectors and connoisseurs alike — a vintage that received critical acclaim upon release and has only grown more complex with time.

In the glass, it pours deep and commanding, with an aromatic bouquet of ripe blackcurrants, dark plum, cassis, prune, cedar, and layers of dark chocolate. On the palate, it’s richly concentrated yet incredibly balanced, delivering velvety tannins and a seamless interplay of fruit, spice and savoury notes. The finish is enduringly long and sweet, with a luxurious texture that unfurls slowly and seductively.

This is not just a wine — it’s a statement. Decant gently and serve with an opulent roast beef or wagyu prime rib, complemented by truffle mash and winter greens. It’s the perfect pour to anchor a grand Christmas in July table and toast to life’s finest moments.

Peter Lehmann Stonewell Shiraz 2018 – $120
Stonewell is Peter Lehmann’s flagship Shiraz — and for good reason. The 2018 vintage is a full-bodied stunner, layered with blue and black fruits, hints of spiced fruitcake, and graphite tannins that provide structure and finesse. Its oily, inky mouthfeel and exceptional length mark it as one of the label’s all-time greats. While built to age gracefully until 2046, it drinks beautifully now, especially when paired with chargrilled scotch fillet, creamy mushroom sauce, and duck-fat roasted potatoes. This is a wine that demands centre stage — a true festive showstopper.

Yering Station Reserve Cabernet 2021 – $130
Made only in exceptional vintages, this flagship Yarra Valley Cabernet delivers purity, depth and balance. With its structured tannins and refined finish, it’s ideal for winter roasts and celebratory cheese boards loaded with sharp cheddar and aged gouda.

Morris 2018 CHM Rutherglen Durif – $65
Big, bold and irresistibly rich, this Durif is a winter warmer with serious presence. Deep crimson in colour and bursting with fresh dark blue fruits, it combines intensity and elegance with notes of black cherry, plum and soft spice. A full-bodied palate reveals velvety tannins, a touch of oak, and a lingering finish that keeps you coming back for more. It's the kind of wine that’s made for hearty fare — think venison stew, beef cheek pie, or mushroom ragu with truffle oil. This is Rutherglen’s answer to indulgence.

Marnong Estate 2024 Single Vineyard Sangiovese – RRP $35
A vibrant and medium-bodied Sangiovese with lifted bay leaf and cherry aromas, leading into a bright cherry and red plum palate. Framed by fresh acidity and fine, grippy tannins, this wine sings with tomato-based Italian dishes or mushroom risotto.

Marnong Estate 2023 Single Vineyard Shiraz – RRP $40
A beautifully structured Shiraz with white pepper and charcuterie aromas, unfolding into layers of black olive, wood spice, Davidson plum and graphite tannin. The bold flavours make it an ideal match for roast lamb or a square of dark chocolate post-dinner.

Marnong Estate 2024 Estate Pinot Noir – RRP $25
This light-bodied Pinot delights with alpine herbs and wild strawberry on the nose, leading into a raspberry-rich palate layered with smoky mineral tones and silky tannins. Enjoy it casually with a classic Margherita pizza or as an elegant mid-week sip.

🥃 For Sipping and Sharing

36 South Whisky – $72
Crafted at the Morris distillery in Victoria, this smooth yet complex whisky is aged under the region’s dramatic climate. Expect dried red fruit, light oak and hints of honey-glazed pastry — ideal neat or in a festive Old Fashioned by the fire.

Morris Cellar Reserve Grand Muscat – $80
With a legacy of fortified winemaking excellence, Morris of Rutherglen presents a Grand Muscat that’s as rich and luxurious as Christmas itself. Aged for years in barrel, this fortified is decadently layered with notes of raisin pudding, toffee, fig, orange peel and sweet spice. The depth of flavour is exceptional, balanced by freshness and a velvety texture that glides across the palate. Awarded gold medals at both the IWC and IWSC, it’s perfect to serve after dinner with blue cheese, Christmas cake or a bowl of roasted nuts in front of a crackling fire.

🥧 Comforting Bakes and Festive Treats

Ferguson Plarre’s Bakehouse – From $3
Turn back the clock (and your budget) with Ferguson Plarre’s nostalgic 1990s pricing. Enjoy hot beef pies, sausage rolls and traditional Tiddly Oggies — perfect for grazing platters and casual fireside gatherings. Their fruit mince pies and dusted YoYo Biscuits add a sweet, festive touch.

Brunetti Classico Sticky Date Pudding – $13.50
No Christmas in July is complete without a decadent dessert, and Brunetti’s iconic Sticky Date Pudding ticks every box. Available for a limited time, this winter staple oozes with warm caramel sauce from the centre — just add thick cream or vanilla bean ice cream for dessert heaven.

This winter, embrace the magic of Christmas in July with rich reds, spirited pours and nostalgic nibbles — all designed to warm hearts and bellies. Whether you're toasting with Penfolds or finishing the night with fortifieds by the fire, there’s no better way to celebrate the season in style.