Winter has officially swept through Melbourne this week, and with it comes the great annual migration from rooftop bars to roaring fireplaces, from Aperol Spritzes to full-bodied reds.
It’s the season for layering up, slowing down, and sipping on something that warms you from the inside out.
Whether you’re curling up on the couch or hosting a chic dinner party, these wintry pairings and playful pours from team TPO will help you drink your way through the cooler months in style.
Burnt Butter Old Fashioned at Nick & Nora’s
If winter has a scent, it’s the seductive wisp of smoke curling off a freshly torched orange peel. At beloved Melbourne bar Nick & Nora’s, the burnt butter old fashioned perfectly captures this feeling.
Featuring one of the world’s greatest aged rums, this twist on the classic is hugged by flavours of butterscotch, spiced honey and butter. The drink is flawlessly balanced.
Sip it slowly in a cozy velvet booth and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a 1920s noir. And heads up, their cheese and charcuterie board is the perfect winter sidekick.
French mulled wine with a Cheesy Twist at The Fondu Chalet
For a winter warmer with serious charm, head to Melbourne’s latest and greatest popup: the Fondu Chalet.
Their French mulled wine is a classy spin on the classic winter treat. Built with a bold French red, honey, house-made spiced syrup and infused slowly to perfection with orange peel and cinnamon, it’s perfect to sip besides their open fires or cozy cabins. The added bonus of this venue is that you can get your own personal cheese fondu!
It’s the kind of drink that makes you wish winter would hang around just a little longer.
Millon Wines paired with winter treats
South Australia’s Millon Wines are pouring serious magic into the colder months, with bottles to match your winter feasts. If you’re looking to impress (or just treat yourself). What we love about Millon is that they are great wines to sip on with friends, but are really elevated when paired with food. Here’s some no-so-obvious choices:
Forget basic pasta nights, pairing the Millon Chardonnay with a truffle Mac & cheese is peak decadence. The earthy truffle and gooey cheese demand a wine with structure. Millon’s version offers citrus and soft oak, cutting through the richness like a silk ribbon and enhancing every mouthful with finesse.
Spice and wine don’t always get along, but pairing Millon’s Eden Valley Riesling with its zingy lime, green apple and soft sweetness with the heat and creaminess of a classic Thai green curry is perfect harmony.
Nothing says winter quite like a cheesy toastie oozing with aged cheddar and caramelised onion. The rich, sweet onions and nutty cheddar are a perfect pairing with Millon’s Cab Sauv. Every bite-and-sip combo is like an edible warm hug.
Real McCoy: A Salted Caramel Whisky That Breaks All the Rules
Move over, mulled wine. There’s a new winter warmer on the scene and it’s made for fun.
Real McCoy’s Salted Caramel & Buttered Popcorn Whisky Liqueur just dropped in Australia and it’s turning heads for obvious reasons.
Smooth and sweet with a cheeky savoury twist, this one’s perfect for solo sipping, creative cocktails, or wild spins on your winter classics. We’d recommend it in an Espresso Martini for a buttery, salty-sweet upgrade, or neat with some savoury crisps as it really punches through with flavour.
Melbourne may be cold, but your drink game doesn’t have to be.
Whether you’re diving into truffle decadence with a Millon Chardonnay or cheekily subverting tradition with Real McCoy’s salted caramel whisky, this winter is all about bold flavours and unexpected pleasures. So rug up, pour a glass, and embrace the delicious side of hibernation.
– The Plus Ones
