The Best Red Wines to Drink This Winter - Our Selections

TL;DR

The best red wines for the wintertime are those with the body, spice and savoury depth that are proportionate to the warmth, comfort and sense of snugness we crave against the cold, like Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Fuller reds with darker, lush fruit, textured tannin and earthy complexity tend to feel more satisfying alongside hearty cold-weather cooking; these characteristics are heavier in sensory experiences, which lends the sense of their insulating, comforting nature against the harsh cold of winter. But that doesn't rule out more elegant, medium-bodied styles for lighter dishes.

Our sommelier's picks below cover the full spectrum, from bold Shiraz to restrained Pinot Noir, along with food pairing logic for the dishes you love during this period of time.

Why Red Wine Shines in Cooler Weather

What makes a red wine feel right for winter?

Red wine suits cooler months because its core characteristics, body, tannin, darker fruit and savoury detail, are mirrors of what we crave when temperatures drop. 

Flavour profiles built around blackberry, plum, black cherry, spice, smoke and earth feel naturally at home, when we're beside slow-cooked meals and richer ingredients that cushion us from the cold.

A wine feels warming because of its texture, weight and spice notes, as opposed to alcohol alone. But with that being said, balance isn't a factor that we take for granted; this leads to bodies that are only indulgent, without the sense of moderation that keeps wines enjoyable for longer. The best winter reds hold freshness and drinkability alongside richness, so they complement a meal rather than overwhelm it.

Best autumn and winter red wine styles in Australia right now

In Australia, autumn often calls for a shift from lighter, brighter reds into more structured, savoury styles; think energetic combinations that are reminiscent of Austrian wines, for example, that still retain their sense of structure with harder, residual bodies; these middling temperatures work well with medium-bodied bottles that still carry some freshness and lift. As winter sets in, depth and power gradually become more and more welcome.

Wine enthusiasts are increasingly drawn to site-driven reds and savoury expressions from smaller producers, wines with character and a sense of place. Our approach at Cardwell Cellars reflects this: we select wines from thoughtful, often sustainable or organic producers who prioritise quality over volume. 

You can browse our full red wine collection to see what's in stock now.

Red Wine Varieties We'd Pick for Winter

Shiraz/Syrah: the classic winter warmer

Shiraz is a natural cold-weather pick. It ranges from peppery, savoury cool-climate styles to richer, darker-fruited expressions, and at its best delivers warmth and generosity without losing regional identity.

Our Craiglee Shiraz 2019 is a pick for newcomers and enthusiasts alike.

Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet blends: structure for hearty meals

Cabernet offers a more structured, classic option for those who enjoy depth, firm tannin and savoury detail. It's particularly suited to long dinners and richer meat dishes.

Explore our Xiao Pu Domaine de la Gyolthang Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 for more.

Sangiovese: the savoury autumn-to-winter all-rounder

Sangiovese is especially useful in autumn, offering warmth and savouriness without the weight of the boldest reds. Its food-first personality makes it a natural partner for tomato-based sauces, herbs and slow-cooked dishes.

Our Vinea Marson Sangiovese 2021 is a go-to here.

Nebbiolo: fragrant, firm and made for the table

Nebbiolo rewards drinkers who want complexity over pure power. Its perfume, tannin and savoury layers make it a rewarding choice for anyone looking beyond the obvious winter picks. 

Our Brovia Barolo 2018 is a fine example of the style.

Pinot Noir: for a lighter but still cosy winter red

Pinot Noir proves that winter reds don't need to be massive. Finesse, silky texture and subtle savoury notes make it a smart match for poultry, mushrooms and duck.

The Johanneshof Reinisch Pinot Noir Holzspur 2019 encompasses these principles well.

Zweigelt: Austria's juicy, spice-driven winter red

Zweigelt is Austria's most widely planted red grape, and it's a brilliant cold-weather option that sits between Pinot Noir's elegance and Shiraz's warmth. The variety delivers ripe dark cherry fruit, soft tannin and a distinctive peppery spice that feels festive for the cold night. It's approachable without being simple, and its natural juiciness makes it a crowd-pleaser at casual winter dinners.

Our Malat Furth Zweigelt 2022 is a lush, versatile offering in our cellars.

Blaufränkisch: savoury depth with real backbone

Blaufränkisch is the more serious, structured counterpart to Zweigelt within the Austrian red wine family. Where Zweigelt leans into fruit, Blaufränkisch brings darker, more savoury tones alongside firm tannin and a mineral core. It ages well and rewards patience, but younger examples still carry enough dark berry fruit to pair with rich winter meals straight away.

The Lichtenberger González Blaufränkisch Ried Edelgraben 2018 is an earthy, expressive pick from the shelves.

Food Pairings That Work Best with Winter Reds

Pairing seasonal food with the right red makes both taste better. Here's how our sommelier matches key winter dishes. For something to eat alongside your glass in store, check out our food menu.