Autumn food and wine pairings

With autumn’s arrival, the lush green scenery in many states changes to bright colours like red, orange and gold. The cooler weather means it’s time to dig out your favourite jumper and rustle up a plate of hearty food that matches the season.

And what better way to enhance a comforting meal than with the perfect wine pairing?

The art of food and wine pairing lies in balance – selecting wines that complement the flavours and textures of your dishes. Whether savouring a creamy pumpkin soup or indulging in a rich lamb stew, the right wine can make your dish extra special.

Here are 12 delectable food and wine pairings to enjoy as the days grow shorter and the nights cooler. Cheers!

Pumpkin soup with Chardonnay

Pumpkin soup’s creamy texture and sweet notes make it an autumn favourite. Pair it with a Chardonnay from the Hunter Valley, which offers buttery notes and a hint of vanilla that beautifully complement the soup’s richness. This local wine adds an extra layer of warmth and comfort to the dish.

Our recommendation: Margan White Label Timbervines Hunter Valley Chardonnay 2021

Wild mushroom risotto with Pinot Noir

Mushrooms thrive in autumn, and their earthy flavours in a risotto are best matched with a Pinot Noir, especially one from the Yarra Valley. The wine’s light body, bright acidity and red fruit notes complement the risotto’s depth without overwhelming it, creating a harmonious balance.

Our recommendation: Terra Felix Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2018

Beef stew with Shiraz

The rich and hearty flavours of warming beef stew pair excellently with a Barossa Valley Shiraz. Known for its bold spice and dark fruit characteristics, Shiraz enhances the stew’s robust elements and adds a touch of elegance to the meal.

Our recommendation: Patronus Barossa Valley Shiraz 2023

Pork roast with apples and Riesling

A rustic dish that shines in autumn is a classic pork roast with apples. Pair it with a crisp Riesling, whose acidity and notes of citrus and apple mirror the dish’s flavours, providing a refreshing contrast to the savoury pork.

Our recommendation: Moonlake Clare Valley Riesling 2024

Sweet potato and chestnut ravioli with Viognier

A flavourful autumn dish is sweet potato and chestnut ravioli dressed in a light sauce. Pair it with a Viognier from South Australia, whose lush texture and floral aromas complement the sweetness of the sweet potato and the nutty richness of the chestnuts.

Our recommendation: Way & Cat Viognier 2024

Duck with plum sauce and Cabernet Sauvignon

A succulent duck breast with plum sauce demands a wine with structure, and a Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon fits the bill. Its dark fruit flavours and subtle oakiness enhance the duck’s richness and the plum sauce’s sweet tartness.

Our recommendation: Risky Business Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Lamb shanks with Grenache

Slow-cooked lamb shanks are a comforting autumn dish. Pair them with a McLaren Vale Grenache, whose red fruit notes and moderate tannins complement the lamb’s savoury depth while its acidity cuts through the richness.

Our recommendation: Marauding Vintners McLaren Vale Governor General Grenache 2021

Caramelised Brussels sprouts with pancetta and Vermentino

Vermentino is the wine to serve alongside this popular dish thanks to its bright acidity, which cuts through the richness of the pancetta and balances the sweetness of caramelised sprouts. Its citrus and herbal notes complement the nutty and slightly bitter flavours of the Brussels sprouts, while its light to medium body ensures it doesn’t overpower the dish.

Our recommendation: Zonte’s Footstep Lady Marmalade Vermentino 2021

Roast chicken and Sauvignon Blanc

Roast chicken with lemon and thyme is simple yet satisfying. Pair it with a Sauvignon Blanc, known for its zesty citrus notes and herbaceous undertones, which mirror the dish’s flavours and add a refreshing touch.

Our recommendation: Common Ground Coonawarra Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Pear and blue cheese tart with Muscat

Try a pear and blue cheese tart for a sophisticated vegetarian option. Pair it with a Muscat, whose honeyed sweetness and rich texture beautifully complement the sweet pears and the pungent cheese, creating a luxurious finale.

Our recommendation: Trentham Estate The Family Moscato 2023

Apple crumble with Tasmanian sparkling wine

With its sweet, spiced filling and crunchy topping, Apple crumble pairs beautifully with wines that complement its flavours without overpowering them. A sparkling wine from Tasmania can provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the crumble with its crisp acidity and delicate bubbles.

Our recommendation: Anon Tasmania Sparkling Cuvée NV 2024

Dark chocolate pots and Port

When pairing wine with chocolate desserts, look for wines that are similar in sweetness and intensity. Sweet, fortified wines generally match well with the richness of chocolate. Wines with fruity and spicy notes also work, as they can add depth to the chocolate’s taste. The number one choice for the intense flavours of dark chocolate pots is a rich and fruity Port.

Our recommendation: Baronesa de Vilar Port Finish Reserva 2021