From gluten-free to vegan dietaries: Hosting made easy

When it comes to which drinks to serve your mates who are vegetarian (those who don’t eat meat) and pescatarian (those who don’t eat meat but do eat seafood), you’re not really limited in the alcohol department. Just don’t serve them a Bacon-Washed Old Fashioned. Pretty standard stuff.

Vegan can be a little trickier. You can’t always assume wine is vegan just because it’s made from grapes. Most wines are filtered using fining agents, which traditionally include animal products like egg whites, casein (a milk-derived protein) or isinglass (derived from fish). While this process creates the crystal-clear appearance prized in old-world wines, it means many drops aren’t vegan-friendly. The good news? A growing number of producers are embracing alternatives like clay, charcoal and limestone, which are just as effective in clarifying wine. And more good news? At Dan’s, we make it super simple to figure out which wines are vegan – just tick the “vegan-friendly” filter on our site to see the selection. In store, check the back label: by law, producers must disclose egg and milk products, though not isinglass, so be sure you’re up to speed on what’s what.

If a red is on the cards, try 6Ft6 Pinot Noir. Silky and fruit-driven, it’s a fresh, expressive drop that shows off a spicy cherry charm that vegan (and non-vegan) pinot fans will love. For something with a bit more body, Glaetzer Amon-Ra Shiraz is rich and deeply layered, with balance that makes it just as enjoyable alongside a hearty, vegan-friendly meal as it is tucked away in the cellar for a few years.

It’s hard enough to pass on a fresh croissant, but beer? That’s tough. Most traditional brews are made with barley, wheat or rye – all grains that naturally contain gluten. But thanks to a wave of innovative breweries, you don’t have to miss out on a cold one, nor do your dinner party guests who have a gluten intolerance. Gluten-free beers swap out those grains for alternatives such as millet, rice or buckwheat, delivering the same crisp finish sans gluten. The best bit? The flavour is there.

Brewers are finding clever ways to keep all the hoppy bitterness, fruity notes and malty body that beer lovers expect. Take Wilde Brewing Co Gluten Free Pale Ale Bottles – brewed using sorghum grains, it’s gluten and preservative free. While Two Bays Brewing Co. Gluten Free Pale Ale Can is another great gluten-free drop: clean and easy-drinking with subtle citrus notes. Keep a few of these in the fridge and you’ll keep everyone happy.

Hosting dinner for friends with different dietary needs doesn’t have to be stressful. Remember, above all else, it’s about spending quality time with people you love, so don’t overthink it. There are a few ways to approach your menu. Keep it simple with a potluck dinner where everyone brings a dish they can enjoy, or order takeaway from a restaurant that caters to all.

Want to cook? Start with a versatile base (think jacket potatoes, roasted eggplant, or capsicum) and let guests build their own plates with a selection of toppings. Grazing platter? That’s a great choice so guests can choose their own adventure. Communication is also key: check in with your guests ahead of time to understand their requirements, and don’t be afraid to ask for suggestions if you’re unsure. With a little planning, you can host a meal that’s inclusive, tasty and hassle-free.