Wines that are hearty or best sipped on by a fireplace; take your pick with our top wines for winter 2022!

If you’re hosting a dinner party at home or you’re just wanting something new to add to your wine collection, this list is for you.

Regardless of your reason, sometimes the biggest conundrum is choosing the right wine. Do you go red or white? Whatever you pick it is bound to be a good drop thanks to our list of the best Australian made wines for winter 2022.

These wines will warm you up and smooth your senses while adding the perfect accompaniment to your next dinner party. Bottoms up!

<strong>Escape Room</strong> Skin Contact Lo-Fi Vermentino
Image via Dan Murphy's website.

Escape Room Skin Contact Lo-Fi Vermentino

Teamwork makes the dream work. And that’s exactly what Bryn Richards and Rachel Steer have done with Escape Room’s Skin Contact Lo-Fi Vermentino. At first, this white wine seems like an unlikely contended for the best wines for this winter. But, as soon as you crack open and pour, wine lovers will be greeted by the smell of ginger, chamomile, lemon tea and a whiff of smoky whisky. Somehow encapsulating all the smells of a winter night at home, Escape Room’s Vermentino is savoury, textured and somehow perfectly balances grapefruit. A must try this winter 2022!

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<strong>The Ethereal One</strong> Fleurieu Sangiovese
Image via Dan Murphy's website.

The Ethereal One Fleurieu Sangiovese

Ethereal means something that is extremely delicate and light in a way that seems not to be of this world. And at The Ethereal One, a classic example of this is their Fleurieu Sangiovese. It is a remarkable Sangiovese, exploding with aromas of strawberries, raspberries and anise with hints of the earthy, forest floor. Dominated by red fruits, this hearty wine is best served with tomato-based spaghetti recipes.

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<strong>Grant Burge</strong> Filsell Shiraz 2019
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Grant Burge Filsell Shiraz 2019

If you’re looking for an Australian red wine for winter, you’ll fall in love with Grant Burge’s Filsell Shiraz. A full-bodied blend, this Shiraz is rich, dark and best enjoyed by a fireplace. Featuring layers of liquorice, black spice and juniper, the Filsell Shiraz by Grant Burge is intense in flavour with a long finish. Sourced from near century old vines, this winter red wine has notes of dark chocolate, mocha, plum and a lift of caramel and cacao nib. Pair with some truffle-infused cheese or lightly salted crackers with fig paste. One of the best Australian made wines for winter 2022!

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<strong>Kooyong</strong> Clonale Chardonnay
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Kooyong Clonale Chardonnay

This winter we’re loving South Australian wine, and Kooyong’s Clonale Chardonnay does not disappoint. Dry and medium bodied, this Chardonnay is best described as “pure and attractive.” Featuring notes of ginger, fruits and lime, this drop is rounded out by a subtle hint of white floral and honeysuckle. With hints of nectarine, orange and an acidic lemon present; this Australian made winter wine will have you feeling as if you’re running through fields of frosty orchids. Engaging, chalky and blissful, this is a must try!

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<strong>Pirramimma</strong> Reserve White Label McLaren Vale Petit Verdot
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Pirramimma Reserve White Label McLaren Vale Petit Verdot

Since 1892 and counting, Pirramimma has been famed as being one of McLaren Vale’s oldest family-owned wineries. And, of course with their longstanding line of winemaking comes irresistible wines. Just like the Reserve White Label McLaren Vale Petit Verdot. Although Petit Verdot’s are usually blended with other Bordeaux varieties, Pirramimma’s drop displays violets, blackberry and hints of cedar on the nose. With spicy plum, cherry and mulberry flavours on the palate, this winter wine can be enjoyed now and cellared.

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<strong>Robert Oatley Vineyards</strong> Signature Pinot Noir
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Robert Oatley Vineyards Signature Pinot Noir

Sample the flavoursome textures of the Yarra Valley through Robert Oatley Vineyards Signature Pinot Noir. This wine showcases varietal intensity thanks to wild strawberry and cherry, on a lightly savoury spectrum. The palate is vibrant and juicy, featuring a gentle French oak influence, making for  a perfect addition to any dinner party. Best served with a casserole.

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<strong>Smith & Hooper</strong> Merlot
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Smith & Hooper Merlot

A good merlot is dark and fruity, much like the Smith & Hooper Merlot which is deep cherry-red in colour. It’s a juicy concoction of morello cherry and blue fruits on the nose, followed by violets and dark chocolate. Even the tiniest sip can mark the bursting dark cherry and plum flavours, complemented with French oak. Enjoy now over a roast dinner or cellar for up to five years.

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<strong>St Hallett</strong> Faith Shiraz
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St Hallett Faith Shiraz

If you’re looking for a fruit driven red wine for the cold season, St Hallett’s Faith Shiraz is one winter wine you’ll love. Hailing from the Barossa Valley, this full-bodied red wine is easily described as juicy, lively and vibrant. The love child from winemaker Andrew Brookes, Faith Shiraz by St Hallett has won the South Australian Tourism Awards for Eco-Tourism in 2021. Infused with dark berry fruits, this hearty winter wine features pepper spices and chocolate tones with a long, savoury finish. We recommend sipping this wine by a fireplace.

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Warm up your winter with your newfound wine and our Guide to the 7 Best Wine and Cheese Pairings. Or, for something sweet, learn more with our Essential List to the Best Wine and Chocolate Pairings.

Feature image: Photographed by Kym Ellis. Image via Unsplash.
Editor’s Note: Our writers and contributors have independently selected and curated this article, and all opinions are their own. This article does contain affiliate links which allow us to make revenue off some purchases made by our readers.
This article was first published on May 21 2021. It was updated and edited by Hunter and Bligh on July 08 2022.