The 2024 vintage is from cooler vineyards across Victoria, offering up strawberry and cherry aromas, while the French-oak influence gives it a little something extra.

Red wine doesn’t always have to be enjoyed around a fireplace. This tarrango (an Australian grape variety) is light, bright and full of berries, and is meant to be served chilled.

The price hovers around or slightly above our $25 benchmark, but we’re sneaking Artemis in because it’s a lovely example of a cool-climate pinot noir from an independent winemaker in the NSW Southern Highlands. It pairs well with everything, from pork belly to duck.

This South Australian winemaker has become synonymous with producing quality Mediterranean varietals. Its grenache has notes of raspberry, strawberry and dried herbs on the nose. Drink now, or cellar for five years to enhance the spice.

It’s the wombat wine! Little Giant labels feature a southern hairy-nosed wombat, which is said to be smaller than other wombats but still stocky and robust. The same could be applied to Little Giant wines, especially for their price point. This medium-bodied grenache is somehow both flavourful and light, making it perfect for cheese boards and also grilled meats.

Perfect for the price. Its translucent red colour gives way to hints of spice and tannins. A lovely pairing with poultry and pork.

A delicious example of the famous Piedmont grape, growing in our own backyard. This drop is intense, with rich cherry and plum notes, but not as heavy in tannins as the traditional Italian variety.

Malbec is a grape associated with Argentina and, after initially being used in blends, it’s now becoming a more standalone grape in Australian production. This plush red wine, with velvety smooth tannins from South Australian’s Langhorne Creek, is an award winner.

This producer from Orange makes a delightful pinot gris and its smooth merlot is also among its most popular wines. It’s a mix of blackberries and cherries with leather and spice. Add a leg of lamb, and you’ve got a great night in.

This McLaren Vale drop was awarded the winner in the Dan Murphy’s Best in Glass Wine Awards for 2025 for best value. It was judged next to a shiraz almost double its price. It’s got intense fruit aromas and is smooth on the palate.

Bottle shops frequently sell out of this beauty from the Riverina region of NSW because these wines punch well above their weight in regards to quality and price.

The famous Barossa winemaker is known for its cabernet and shiraz. For less than $25, this full-bodied, smooth organic drop offers up spiced plums, cherries, peppercorns and hints of Dutch licorice.

A beautiful example of a full-bodied shiraz from the home of the grape, the Barossa. It has an intense fruit profile with hints of chocolate and spice, followed by a long finish. Complements barbecued meats and veg.

Look out for the label with all the gold medals… With 65 percent shiraz to 35 percent cabernet sauvignon, mulberry aromas make way for a hint of pepper and a lingering finish.

Angove sources grapes from certified organic growers in the McLaren Vale region. Drink now, or hold on to it for three to four years to unearth some of those subtle oak characteristics.