The Ultimate Guide to Footy Finals Food & Wine Pairings

⏱️ 3-minute read

We all know the feeling. The Footy Finals are here, and the group chat is buzzing with plans. For us, it’s always been about gathering with friends, cramming onto the couch, and settling in for a good game. And let's be honest, while the footy is the main event, the food is the real star of the show.

For years, our game-day spread was pretty standard—a few beers, some party pies, and a bag of chips. But as we've all gotten a little older, we've started to appreciate the finer things. In recent years, our get-togethers have become more of a wine-and-dine affair, and we’ve discovered that wine isn't just for fancy dinners—it’s for celebrating, sharing, and even getting a little messy.

We’ve done all the research (and a lot of taste-testing!), so here's our ultimate guide to nailing the food and wine pairings for your Footy Finals feast.

The Pre-Game Kick-Off: BBQ & Cheesy Dips

For our crew, the real action starts well before the first bounce. The BBQ is already sizzling and that gloriously gooey baked dip with artisan bread is already on the coffee table. We've found that this is the perfect moment for a wine that can handle a bit of everything.

• Our pick: For the BBQ, we love a bold Shiraz. Its peppery notes and dark fruit flavours are the perfect match for the smoky, charred meats. And to cut through the richness of the cheesy dip, we always have a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a bubbly Sparkling on hand. The bubbles act like a palate cleanser, so you can keep going back for more.

The Main Event: Party Pies & Pasties

Once the game starts, it's all about easy-to-grab snacks. That’s where the humble party pies and pasties come in. They are a staple, and for good reason! We just keep bringing them out all game long, with a bowl of chips on the side for good measure.

• Our pick: For these half-time heroes, we love a good Pinot Noir. Its juicy, light red fruit and earthy notes are a perfect match for the rich, meaty filling. If we're going with a heartier pasty, we’ll grab a fruit-forward Grenache or a soft Merlot. A little secret we've found is to slightly chill the red wine; it just makes it so much more refreshing.

No matter who you're cheering for, our secret to a winning party is good food, great friends, and even better wine. We hope our go-to pairings help you celebrate your Footy Finals in style. What are your favourite game-day pairings?