Home cook, Jessica Nguyen’s dinner party wine guide

Try it with: Plump and juicy pork dumplings

“I picked this sparkling because it’s an ideal way to start any dinner party and not just for special occasions. This delicious Tassie sparkling is one that you could toast on its own or pair with food. Oysters are a classic combo, but you could go the other way and do something on the fattier side like Chinese dumplings."

Try it with: Any coconut-based Asian curry

“Riesling is my favourite white wine varietal because it has breadth and range, from super dry to sweet. Generally the slightly sweeter styles match really nicely with spicy Asian food. When I’m having a dinner party and cooking Asian food I’ll normally default to a riesling.”

Try it with: Honestly, everything

“Pinot grigio is a great gateway wine for white varietals because it’s super versatile. You could have it on its own, or with a summer barbeque, or a cheese platter, and of course, with Italian food. I love Italian food — if I’m not cooking Asian food then I’m cooking Italian food, especially pasta. And a lighter style pasta goes really well with this pinot grigio.”

Try it with: Penne alla vodka

“The slightly higher price point for this beautiful New Zealand pinot makes it perfect to take along to a dinner party as a gift. It’s smooth, light, friendly, and highly drinkable. And it’s fun to explore a wine option from our Kiwi friends. If you’re going down an Italian route for your menu, a tomato-based pasta would compliment this drop beautifully.”

Try it with: Chargrilled beef steak.

“This is one of my favourite winemakers at the moment. And this Spanish-style Tempranillo that’s a little bit different is a real highlight. I picked this one because it’s great to pair with heavier foods like tapas, cured meats, or any grilled or barbequed red meat. It’s one that you should definitely drink with food rather than on it’s own to get the most out of it.”