The midweek dinner grind can get a bit same-same, especially in the depths of winter. So why not shake things up with a cheeky vino pairing or two?
We partnered with the legends at Australian Wine to help pair some of your weeknight faves with the wines to match. So round up your housemates, your fam, or the group of friends you’ve been meaning to catch up with, and pour one of these matches made in Aussie wine heaven.
Homemade Pizza And A Sangiovese Rosé
If you’ve always steered clear of rosé for fear of it being too sweet, give a sangiovese rosé a go. For proof that fruity and pink doesn’t always mean sugary, look for one from the Yarra Valley—it’s still vibrant, but dry at the same time. With just enough savoury bite, it's made to match your homemade pizza, complementing the salty combo of flavours without stealing the show.
It’s fresh and light enough to handle a tomato base, but won't get lost in your toppings (no matter how many you pile on).
Tacos With A Side Of Pinot
Both Tasmanian and Victorian pinots tend to be bright and aromatic, but still light, making them an easy choice for taco Tuesdays.
Whether you’re an everything-on-the-table kind of household, or getting fancy with birria tacos, those red cherry and cranberry notes hold their own against the boldest Mexican spice. If the weather calls for it, a pinot can even be lightly chilled for an al-fresco dining situation.
Hot Pot And A Grenache
Nothing beats a soup, broth—or if you’re organised enough (count us impressed)—hot pot after a long day at work. It’s a hard one to pair, as seasonings, spices, and stocks can differ a lot between recipes. For a milder broth, your go-to is a grenache.
Look for a McLaren Vale grenache; the juicy red fruit and soft tannins make for a surprisingly smooth match for hot pot, where it can cut through the richness without overpowering all those banging flavours, and with just a little sweetness, it balances the spices perfectly. Hot tip: grenache slaps when it's chilled, so this one brings a cool, juicy hit that gives your palate a much-needed breather.
Pasta With A Chardonnay
Chardonnay cops a bad rap for being too full-bodied—the oaky, buttery finish is not everyone's vibe. But a Granite Belt or Margaret River chardy can hit different—bright and fresh, with fruit doing the heavy lifting, and just a subtle hint of oak.
It can cut through the heaviest of pasta sauces without clashing (even the ones that go hard on the cream). That savoury edge? It makes a good chardy an easy match for whatever midweek sauce situation you've got going on.
Sushi And A Glass Of Riesling
If you’re levelling up your Wednesday nights with homemade sushi—firstly, respect—and secondly, you deserve the right drop to match. A crisp, dry riesling is a no-brainer.
Eden Valley and Clare Valley have been doing riesling right for decades—each with their own spin. Eden Valley’s grapes are grown higher up, so they're more floral and mineral-driven, while Clare Valley's warmer vibes bring bolder citrus and a little less bite.
And both lean into South Australian winemakers’ rep for a citrusy, fresh and crisp drop that punches above its weight. This easy drinker adds a vibrant, citrus punch that cuts through seafood—and stands up to a cheeky bit of spice.
Slow Cooked Dinner And A Shiraz
Slow cookers have copped a bit of bad press over the years—with many of us scarred by the ghosts of mum’s stews past—but when done right, they're a midweek hero.
Next time you flick on the slow cooker, pick up a bottle of Barossa shiraz. This full-bodied drop holds its own against a hearty stew, with a spicy warmth that matches the vibe of your dinner.
A Toastie And A Pet Nat
After a busy week, sometimes the best we can do is a piece of toast, or even better, a classic cheesy toastie to hit the spot. And with the right glass of sparkling, even the most humble of toast dinners can be spruced up.
The indulgent brioche notes of a Hunter Valley pet nat can cut straight through the cheesiness of a well-made toastie, and the tang lifts some of the richness of the butter and cheese (without completely compromising it). Trust us, this pairing slaps.
Feeling inspired? Turn your weeknight dinners into moments that matter with a killer lineup of Aussie drops here.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Australian Wine and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.