Choose between white wines, reds and fancy fizz – from under $20 to a whole lot more.
Despite what the TV ads and catalogues tell us each year, it can be hard to find the right gift for many Dads. It might look as easy as handing over a new power drill, fishing rod or barbecue tool, but not every Dad fits the stereotypes. If your dad or father figure happens to appreciate wine, though, or maybe it’s time he tried something different, we’re here to help. There’s a whole world of wine to explore.
If you’re not sure which bottle to get him, we’ve gathered some top ideas. You won’t have to convince everyone else in the family to chip in, either – a couple of these wines even cost less than $20. Whether Dad is a chardonnay guy, loves his cabernet or never says no to good Champagne, we’ve got you covered (although you may need your siblings to go in on the French fizz below).
So, take your pick of the best wines to gift for Father’s Day, and we’ve also thrown in a couple extra that are bang on for sharing with him on the day.
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Wine gift ideas under $20
- The white wine for the red drinker
Robert Mondavi Private Selection Buttery Chardonnay
If Dad usually drinks reds, this is an excellent choice, even if he insists that he’s not into white wine. Rich Californian styles like this have many traits that should appeal – think a creamy texture, ripe fruit flavours and good acidity. This is a wine with body and complexity, which are two things he likely enjoys in his go-to reds, while layers of spice, vanilla and toasty brioche notes will absolutely win him over.
- The crowd-pleasing red blend
Wirra Wirra Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Merlot
Few words are overused like “crowd-pleasing” when it comes to wine, but that really is the best description for this Wirra Wirra red. Blending cabernet with shiraz and merlot, this rich wine demands to join you at the dining table. It has blackberry and leafy notes, concentrated plum flavours and wild herbs in the mix, too. Throw in some five spice, dark chocolate and ripe berry flavours, and this is a plush, balanced wine that punches well above its weight.
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Wine gift ideas under $30
- The red that goes with everything
Rua Central Otago Pinot Noir
It’s hard to find a good pinot at a good price, but this wine proves it’s possible. From New Zealand’s Central Otago region, this pinot is juicy and fruity, with soft tannins and bright acidity, so if Dad loves his food, this is a prime pick. You could treat him on the day to a spread of charcuterie and cheese, cook up a load of dumplings or order in some woodfired pizzas, and this wine will slot right in with the lot.
- The classy Tassie bubbles
Josef Chromy Sparkling Tasmanian Cuvee NV
Dads like sparkling wine, too. And the good news is that you don’t have to spend a heap to get seriously good Aussie bubbles. This wine ticks all the fresh and lively boxes, with flavours of green apple, lemon and hints of toasted biscuit, and it has all those delicate, crisp characters that Tassie sparkling does so well. You might even earn your place as the favourite child by pairing this with oysters or fresh prawns on the day.
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Wine gift ideas under $50
- The sauv that’ll change his mind
Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc
Yes, this is a New Zealand savvy b, but it’s not what you might expect – or Dad, for that matter. If you think he might appreciate a premium take on this vibrant style, Craggy Range is it. This wine is all elegance and freshness, with aromas of everything from white peach and lemon to fresh-cut herbs and the hallmark passionfruit. But there’s also crisp acidity, minerality and subtle salty notes that take this sauvignon blanc to the next level.
- The classic Coonawarra cab
Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
This is one of Australia’s most collected wines, and this 2019 vintage will show Dad just how well it ages. This one has been stored in the best conditions, thanks to the Cellar Release program at Dan’s. Long-time Wynns winemaker Sue Hodder has said that cabernet comes into its own with seven years of age, so this is your chance to treat Dad to a wine at its best. It’s full of rich fruit flavours with a hint of oak, and it’s approachable, elegant and delicious to drink now, or he could hang onto it for even longer if he’s the patient type.
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Wine gift ideas under $100
- The premium Barossa shiraz
Pepperjack Single Vineyard Series Shiraz
If Dad loves shiraz, and perhaps he’s already partial to Pepperjack, this high-end single-vineyard release is an obvious choice. It even comes in its own fancy gift box. Dad will be won over by the classic, rich and full-bodied style of Barossa shiraz, which showcases everything that’s so loved about this South Australian region and its flagship variety. All you need now is the steak to go with it.
- The ready-aged Margaret River cab
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
If Dad prefers his cabernet from Margaret River, this 11-year-old benchmark wine will make him very happy indeed. Another Cellar Release wine kept in mint condition, this is ready to be enjoyed – and hopefully shared with you, too. This is a complex expression of cabernet, loaded with notes of blackcurrant, cherries, bay leaf, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, lavender and fresh tobacco – in a good way. This is a special wine.
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Wine gift ideas over $100
- The fancy French fizz
Billecart-Salmon Blanc de Blancs Vintage
Keen to make a statement with Dad’s gift this year? You can’t go past this Champagne. Made from 100% chardonnay, this blanc de blancs is super elegant and lively, with citrus, nutty and toasted flavours, and a bright minerality. It’s the kind of Champagne that’s crying out for seafood, whether that’s oysters and caviar or Dad’s favourite local fish and chips. But this is also the best kind of aperitif to crack on arrival – if Dad lets you.
- The under-the-radar Penfolds shiraz
Penfolds RWT Bin 798 Shiraz
No, you don’t have to buy Dad a bottle of Grange – the RWT is always a highlight of the annual Penfolds Collection, and this year’s 2024 is no exception. This is a serious top-tier example of Barossa shiraz that’s aromatic and rich, with layers of dark fruit flavours and spice, while polished, fine tannins leave a soft feel on the palate with every sip. You’ll just have to make sure Dad opens this bottle when you’re around.
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Wines to enjoy on the day with Dad
- The overachieving white
Chapel Hill The Parson Pinot Grigio
When you rock up to join family and friends with a bottle of wine, you want it to be easy-drinking and super food-friendly, no matter what’s on the menu. And that’s exactly what you get with this pinot grigio. Made in the drier Italian style (pinot gris often has a touch more fruit sweetness), this wine has flavours of green pear and mandarin, and a vibrancy and freshness that everyone will enjoy, including Dad.
- The underrated bubbles
Bleasdale Vineyards Sparkling Shiraz
Why does sparkling shiraz only turn up at Christmas? This very Aussie wine style deserves to be at so many other occasions, including Dad’s big day. That’s especially true if there’s a roast on the table or a barbecue going on because sparkling shiraz loves rich meat. This wine is deep, dark, spiced, sweet and silky smooth. Served chilled, this will keep the red-wine people happy, as well as the sparkling fans, plus anyone else who likes to try something new. In other words, everyone.
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