If there’s one bottle tipped to dominate festive season drinking, it’s Sutton Grange’s Fairbank Rosé 2024. Fresh, vibrant and just a little bit fancy, this award-winning pink has been crowned Australia’s Best Rosé three years in a row by the Halliday Wine Companion – an unprecedented streak that cements its place as the country’s go-to summer sip.
Need to know
- Wine: Sutton Grange Fairbank Rosé 2024
- Region: Bendigo, Central Victoria
- Blend: Syrah, cabernet sauvignon, sangiovese, viognier
- Style: Pale, dry Australian rosé
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- Drink it with: Prawns, glazed ham, antipasto platters, friends
- Best served: Chilled, 8 to 10°C
- Accolades: Halliday Wine Companion Best Rosé 2022, 2023, 2024
- RRP: $35 from Sutton Grange and good retailers
Rosé’s rise: why Aussies can’t get enough pink wine
Once dismissed as sweet and simple, rosé has pulled off one of the biggest glow-ups in wine. Back in the 90s, Australia’s shelves were stacked with bright pink, syrupy shiraz rosés that fuelled the “cheap and cheerful” stereotype. Fast-forward to now and the style has been completely redefined.
Wine Australia reports show drinkers are moving towards lighter, fresher wine styles and rosé is leading the charge. It makes sense – nothing fits the Aussie lifestyle better than a pale, dry pink poured cold on a hot day.
Modern winemakers are now crafting rosé with intention, planting Mediterranean varieties like sangiovese and grenache to produce pale, dry, food-friendly styles. The result? Rosé has cemented itself as a summer staple, with Australians pouring more pink than ever. As for me, I’ve definitely joined the trend.
My go-to is Brad Pitt’s Studio, but if that’s not available, I’ll usually go for Whispering Angel. I’m no wine expert or sommelier, just a bit of a connoisseur and I loved the Fairbank.
It’s fresh, crisp and light, it doesn’t need to lean on food to make it delicious, but paired with seafood, charcuterie boards, pizza and desserts it does sing.
My only call out is – it’s incredibly drinkable, so watch those pours.
After tasting it, it’s easy to see why bottles like Sutton Grange’s Fairbank Roséare thriving. They’re local, high-quality and perfectly tuned to the way we actually like to drink: fresh, chilled and poured generously at long lunches, backyard barbecues and Christmas feasts.
Why this rosé?
Australia has quietly become a force in dry, elegant rosé, and Sutton Grange’s Fairbank shows why. Made from a lively blend of syrah, cabernet sauvignon, sangiovese and a splash of viognier, it brims with cranberry, strawberry and cherry, layered with spring blossom and a flick of savoury herbs. A creamy depth from seasoned French oak gives it lift and length without losing freshness.
Why Sutton Grange Rosé makes the perfect Christmas gift
Chris Smales, Winemaker from Sutton Grange said, “To win once is an honour – but three years in a row is beyond what we ever imagined. This recognition is a tribute to our vineyard, our team, and the unwavering support of our community. It proves our passion and precision can deliver excellence year after year.”
The Australian rosé winning awards year after year
Judge Jeni Port praised the 2024 vintage for maintaining “the pretty-as-a-picture salmon-rose hues and flavours that boast serious rosé cred” stating that “following on from the Halliday Wine Companion Rosé of the Year Award for the ’22 and ’23 vintages, the ’24 has big shoes to fill.”
“It doesn’t disappoint,” she added.
With 96 points and Best Varietal – Rosé, the Fairbank 2024 joins the ’22 and ’23 vintages in the winner’s circle.
And pedigree runs deep, Sutton Grange’s 2019 Fairbank Syrah also claimed the Prime Minister’s Trophy for Champion Wine of Show at the National Wine Show of Australia, along with Best Shiraz and the James Halliday Red Wine of Show.
Best food pairings for rosé this Christmas
It’s equally at home with prawns off the barbie, glazed ham, or even a casual platter of chips and dips in the back yard or on the backyard, balcony or verandah.
How to drink rosé
Serve it well-chilled, around 8 to 10°C, in generous glasses.
With its award-winning streak and beautiful salmon-pink hue, the Fairbank Rosé also makes a thoughtful gift. It’s festive, versatile and looks as good on the Christmas table as it tastes in the glass.
Sutton Grange Rosé, is it worth it?
Bright, refreshing and quietly complex, Sutton Grange’s Fairbank Rosé has hit the sweet spot: everyday drinkability with award-winning clout. Stock up now, because come Christmas this will be the bottle everyone’s reaching for.
FAQs Rosé wine
What does rosé pair with best?
Rosé is one of the most versatile wines. It pairs beautifully with seafood, charcuterie, grilled meats, salads and even simple summer snacks like chips and dips.
Is rosé meant to be served chilled?
Yes. The ideal serving temperature for rosé is between 8 to 10°C. Too warm and it loses its freshness, too cold and you’ll mute the flavours.
Is Australian rosé as good as French rosé?
Absolutely. Australia has embraced Mediterranean varieties like sangiovese and grenache to produce pale, dry rosés that rival Provence in quality while reflecting unique local terroir.
Why has rosé become so popular?
Over the past decade, winemakers have moved away from overly sweet, simple styles and focused on quality, dry rosés. Combined with rosé’s Instagram-friendly appeal and its food versatility, it’s now one of the fastest-growing wine categories globally.
What makes Sutton Grange’s Fairbank Rosé stand out?
It has won Halliday’s Best Rosé three years running, thanks to its vibrant fruit flavours, savoury lift, and impeccable balance. Plus, it’s made from estate-grown fruit in Victoria’s Bendigo region, crafted with a clear focus on quality.
