Summer Entertaining Secrets: The ultimate wine lover’s guide to the festive season
The Aussie summer is here, and so is the whirlwind of Christmas parties, end-of-year break-ups, school concerts, and festive catch-ups. It’s the season of good times, great food, and endless reasons to raise a glass.
Here at Koonara Wines, we’re all about making summer entertaining simple, fun, and memorable, so we’ve crafted the ultimate guide to make your summer entertaining not just easy but unforgettable.
From the perfect host gifts to tips for stress-free entertaining and even ideas to keep your guests talking and dancing, we’ve got you covered. With vegan-friendly, low-sulphur wines, our limited-edition festive bottles, and not to mention free shipping on six or more bottles, your summer celebrations just got even better.
Festive Gifting Made Easy
Show your appreciation with gifts that are as memorable as the moments you share. Our limited-edition Christmas Wines are beautifully styled for the season, making them the ultimate gift for that hard-to-buy-for friend or family member.
This one also makes the perfect teacher gift as not only is it festive – what teacher doesn’t need wine by December! Choose from our:
- Sauvignon Blanc: Bright, crisp, and refreshing, this wine is perfect for summer afternoons and festive nibbles.
- Cabernet Shiraz: Rich, smooth, and full of festive warmth, it’s ideal for Christmas roasts and dinner parties.
These wines are more than delicious; they’re vegan-friendly, low in sulphur, and crafted with care in Coonawarra’s cool climate, ensuring every sip is a little extra special.
Pro tip: Pair our Christmas wines with a box of our Savor Glassware. It’s the gift that keeps on giving all year long.
Stocking Up for the Season: The Perfect Wines for Every Occasion
The secret to stress-free entertaining? A well-stocked wine rack! Whether it’s a casual BBQ or a more formal dinner, We’ve got you covered. Here’s your go-to guide for the season’s must-have wines:
- BBQs & Beach Days: Light and crisp options like Angel’s Footprints Sauvignon Blanc or Lucy & Alice Pinot Gris make perfect companions for seafood and summer salads.
- Festive Dinners: Elevate your Christmas roast with Angels Peak Shiraz or lighten things up with Pete Said No Pinot Noir.
- Poolside Sipping: Opt for sparkling options like Flowers for Lucy Moscato or Guardian Angel Sparkling Chardonnay—ideal for Christmas morning mimosas or balmy evenings by the pool
Our Summer Entertaining Essentials
Koonara Cocktails
Take your wine game up a notch with summer-inspired cocktails. Turn our Angel’s Footprints Sauvignon Blanc into a zingy white wine spritz or mix our Flowers for Lucy Moscato with gin for a Ginscato fresh berries and soda for a fruity fizz.
Salads That Sing with Wine
Fresh, vibrant salads are a summer staple, and we’ve got recipes to match:
- Watermelon, feta, and mint salad pairs beautifully with Sauvignon Blanc.
- Roasted beetroot and goat’s cheese salad is a dream with Pinot Gris.
- For a festive twist, try a quinoa, pomegranate, and herb salad with Moscato.
Playlists for Every Party
Set the mood with our curated Spotify playlists like Cocktail Party Dance Club or Summer 2025. Chill acoustic vibes (think Jack Johnson) or high-energy anthems from Harry Styles, Koonara’s got over 100 playlists to keep your party going all summer long.
Conversation Starters, trust us we know how to chat
Summer Entertaining just got a whole lot easier with our brand new Koonara Conversation Cards. Packed with icebreakers and laugh-out-loud games like “Name That Song,” they’re the perfect way to liven up any gathering.
With some deep probing questions to really get the conversation started and some silly charades to loosen up the crowd – this deck of cards will become your go-to game this summer.
Last-Minute Hosting Hacks
Summer entertaining doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few quick wins, you can throw together a memorable gathering that feels effortless. From pre-made drinks to self-serve charcuterie boards, these ideas will save you time and still impress your guests.
- Easy Drinks: A batch of sangria made with our Wanderlust Cabernet, fresh oranges, and berries is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Or try a sparkling spritz with our Guardian Angel Sparkling Chardonnay for a refreshing twist.
- Quick Snacks: Create a self-serve charcuterie board loaded with local cheeses, crackers, cured meats, and seasonal fruit. It’s easy to put together and always a hit.
- Simple Décor: String lights and fresh flowers instantly transform your space for summer entertaining. At Koonara events, we love using fairy lights and festoon lights to set the mood. When the heat makes fresh flowers tricky, we switch to colourful paper bunting or decorations to add vibrant touches to the space.
How to be a stellar guest! Don’t Show Up Empty-Handed:
When you’re the guest, show your appreciation and gratitude with a thoughtful gift. You know we are going to say that a bottle of Koonara Wines is always a winner. Here’s how to level up your gift game:
- Pair the wine with a set of our Savor Glassware for a practical yet elegant touch.
- Wrap it in a festive tea towel for a zero-waste gift wrap option.
- Add a handwritten card with a heartfelt message, it’s the little things that count.
No matter the occasion, one of our wines and a few thoughtful extras will ensure your host feels appreciated.
So whether you’re saying thank you with a personalised gift, hosting a BBQ with perfectly paired wines, or simply kicking back with friends, we hope this guide gives you everything you need for a season of fun and festivities.
No matter the occasion, one of our wines and a few thoughtful extras will ensure your host feels appreciated.
