BBQ, lazy Sunday, date night in. Simple wine picks for every kind of weekend, all available at FairPrice in-store and online.
Match your wine to your weekend
Choosing wine by occasion is the most intuitive way to shop. You already know what your weekend looks like, so let that guide your weekend wine pick. Think wine for BBQ, date night, or Sunday lunch.
Friday night in
The vibe: You've made it through the week. Dinner at home. Maybe a good show.
Go for: A smooth Malbec or a Shiraz-Cabernet blend. Both are food-friendly and satisfying without demanding your full attention. Not eating much? A light Pinot Noir works on its own.
Friday night wine should feel like a reward, so skip anything too serious.
Saturday BBQ or gathering
The vibe: People over, food on the grill, mixed crowd.
Go for:
- Reds: A Shiraz-Cabernet blend, Tempranillo or a GSM blend, Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre. Food-friendly and great with grilled meat.
- Whites: A bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and a Pinot Grigio to cover both camps.
- Sparkling: A Prosecco to welcome guests. Often priced like beer, but feels more special.
Pro tip: Buy two varieties and let people self-select. More welcoming than trying to pick one wine that works for everyone.
Lazy Sunday lunch
The vibe: Slow morning, good food, no rush. Maybe dim sum, maybe just a charcuterie board.
Go for: Pinot Gris is a natural fit for a lazy Sunday. Light, slightly aromatic and easy with food. A Sauvignon Blanc also works well if you want something crisper.
A Pinot Noir is worth considering too if you want a red that won't feel too heavy for the afternoon.
Date night at home
The vibe: Cooking something a bit more considered. Setting the table properly.
Go for: This is where you spend slightly more and pick something with a bit of a story.
- A Pinot Noir for something elegant and understated. The Francis Coppola or Rapaura Springs bottles are worth the step up.
- A Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay if you're doing seafood or a cream-based pasta
- A Champagne or a Prosecco if you're starting with something bubbly
Going from your usual $25 bottle to a $40 bottle on date night is an easy way to make it feel a bit more special, without spending that much more.
Hosting people you want to impress
The vibe: In-laws, your boss, that friend who always talks about wine.
Go for: Classic regions that carry their own credibility.
- A Bordeaux from France (Chateau Barit, Chateau Chillac or Cap Royal are good options)
- A Barossa or South Australian Shiraz
- An Ederra Gran Reserva Rioja from Spain
These are names people recognise, which does half the work for you. And they genuinely taste good.
Pro tip: Pick one white and one red from recognised regions. Serve them at the right temperature. Decant the red if you have 20 minutes. That's it.
Sunday evening wind-down
The vibe: End of weekend. You want something gentle and not too heavy.
Go for: Pinot Noir is the classic wind-down red. Lower tannin, silky texture, easy going. Prefer white? A Pinot Grigio or a Sauvignon Blanc is light enough for the early evening without feeling too serious.
Skip the big tannic reds late on a Sunday. Your Monday morning self will thank you.
