From familiar names to small family producers, wine writer Winsor Dobbin has some recommendations for fun summer drinking that will not break the bank.
Bargain Buy
Oxford Landing 2025 Sauvignon Blanc
This is perfect choice for summer quaffing on a budget, as are many of the wines under this label. It is fresh and crisp and offers zesty youthful refreshment. Made to be enjoyed in its youth – preferably well chilled – this would be ideal for a picnic on the Bay Run, or for an evening tipple on the back veranda. Oxford Landing always offers good value for money, and this would be perfect with some takeaway fish and chips. $13.
Family favourite
Renzaglia 2024 Wambuul Cabernet Sauvignon
From a family-owned producer with vineyards in the Wambuul Valley on the Macquarie River outside Bathurst, this is the star of a new range from the Renzaglia family. Cool-climate and made following organic practices, it is a delicious cabernet ready for immediate enjoyment. This is a modern, accessible style of cabernet rather than your fusty Claret style. Think dark berries, hedgerow brambles, coffee, and herb notes. Pair with a vegetable casserole, or maybe a Hungarian goulash. $44.
Reliable choice
Tahbilk 2025 Pinot Gris
Tahbilk is one of those producers that are reliably good across the board and have just celebrated 100 years under the ownership of the Purbrick family, Best known for its benchmark whites made from the marsanne grape, this is a very tidy and food friendly pinot gris. Think apple and pear flavours with some savoury notes. Located at Nagambie, Tahbilk is the oldest family-owned winery and vineyard in Victoria. Enjoy chilled, but not too chilled. $22.
Style and substance
Henschke 2025 Peggy’s Hill Riesling
Riesling remains under-valued in Australia, which means it can offer excellent value, as is the case with this wine from one of Australia’s most famous wine families, the Henschkes. The grapes come from the family’s vineyard in the Eden Valley, one of Australia’s best sources for the variety. A 20th anniversary release, this is a classic dry riesling with citrus flavours to the fore and a crisp acid finish. Zesty and pure, Pair with anything from oysters to lightly spicy Thai or Korean dishes. $28.
Organic fun
Pig In the House 2023 Shiraz
Pig In the House is a value range of organic wines from the O’Dea family who own the Windowrie winery at Canowinda in the NSW Western Ranges. It pays tribute the former owner of the family homestead, a devoted pig farmer, who welcomed his animals into his home. I liked this for its easy going, unpretentious charm; a wine you could enjoy with a backyard barbecue, a meaty pizza or while watching the cricket. Plummy, fruit-driven, and fun, Distributed by Single Vineyard Sellers. $25.
Tassie Treat
Holm Oak 2025 Arneis
Arneis is a white wine grape that originates in Piedmont in Italy that is very much at home in the Holm Oak vineyard in the Tamar Valley in the north of Tasmania – the only place it is grown on the island state. This is a wine that will appeal to those who enjoy whites with some complexity and mouthfeel alongside floral and crisp elements. Think tropical and stone fruit flavours and a brisk finish It is made by the Duffy family with wife Rebecca the winemaker and husband Tim the Viticulturist. Well worth looking out for. $32.
See more of Winsor’s wine news and reviews at www.gourmetontheroad.com
