Conor Curran and the Dan's wine experts share their Christmas shopping list and best gift ideas.
Gifting: Colonial Brewing Co. Citrus XPA
“I’m getting my dad these beers so that he can restock the beer fridge out the back for the rest of summer.”
Hosting:
“I love Christmas! With my family being half-Irish and half-Greek, Christmas is like the perfect combination for both sides. We go big when it comes to festivities!”
Toasting: Serafino Orenji Project McLaren Vale White Blend
“For me this bottle is the perfect way to start the afternoon before you get into your food. I love any wine coming out of South Australia right now and this one is bright and crunchy with lots of character.”
What else I’ve got my eye on:
Starward Australian Whisky Tasting Explorer – “Dad’s obsessed with Starward so this is for us to sip on a few different whiskies together.”
Bundaberg Master Distillers' Collection Solera Rum – “A Christmas gift to myself because I’m fascinated by classic Australian producers."
The Gospel Solera Australian Rye Whisky – "One of my new favourite small batch Australian whiskies.”
Gifting: Tropapalooza Lime and Berry Brewed Seltzer
“I’ll definitely be adding on a pack of these seltzers for my sister’s gift. She loves seltzers and those styles of drinks — light, refreshing, and fruity. Perfect for summer!”
Hosting:
“I’m originally from Queensland so Christmas for us is very tropical. The main event is a late lunch but really it turns into all day grazing. There’s always lots of seafood and ham, not to mention plenty of beers and sparkling wine to go around.”
Toasting: Native & Ancient Pet Nat Sauv Blanc
“I think Pet Nat is fantastic. This particular one is like fruit salad, with very tropical fruit flavours. But it’s also got a bit of grassiness to it and it’s dry as well. Super refreshing."
What else I’ve got my eye on:
Bone Dry Rose 1.5L – “Bigger is better. Who wouldn’t love getting a magnum?”
Castelnau Champagne Brut Reserve – “There’s something special about gifting Champagne, it’s so celebratory.”
Fringe Societe Gamay – “This is a great Secret Santa gift, a bright French bottle of wine for less than $20.”
Gifting: Funkin Tropical Martini
“This is a superstar gift for my housemates. We love hanging out in the backyard, drinking cocktails, and chilling out with something fruity and fun. Being a cocktail in a can makes this really convenient too.”
Hosting:
“More often than not we end up at my mum’s place, a bush property with a big deck. We sit outside and it’s magic, lots of birds and the smell of eucalyptus in the air."
Toasting: Oakridge Hazeldene Chardonnay
“I can’t get enough of chardonnay at the moment. And I’m a Yarra Valley guy through-and-through so this Oakridge Hazeldene Chardonnay is the one for me. It’s modern, fresh, and just the very best of the Yarra Valley.”
What else I’ve got my eye on:
Lanson Black Label Champagne 200mL – “These are great stocking stuffers, small but premium.”
De Bortoli Noble One Botrytis Semillon 375mL – “You could give this to someone to open on Christmas Day or they could cellar it away for 10 years if they wanted.”
d'Arenberg The Peppermint Paddock Sparkling Red – “It works really well on a hot Christmas Day because it's both rich and refreshing.”
