Cosy, elegant, and flavour-packed ideas for unforgettable winter gatherings
Winter in Melbourne is the perfect excuse to gather your nearest and dearest for intimate nights in — think glowing candles, hearty food, and the warmth of great company. Whether you're planning a dinner party, cheese and wine night, or casual drinks with friends, Gertrude Grocer has everything you need to entertain with ease and elegance.
We’ve pulled together our ultimate guide to winter entertaining — complete with cheese board styling tips, wine pairing suggestions, and winter cocktail ideas — all using premium products available at your local gourmet grocer.
How to Build a Cheese Board That Wows
Start your evening with a statement-worthy artisan cheese platter. Our rule of thumb? Think variety in texture, flavour and colour.
The Formula:
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1 Soft cheese – Try Triple Cream Brie or a local Goat’s Chèvre
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1 Hard cheese – Aged Manchego or 18-month Comté
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1 Blue or Washed Rind – Gorgonzola Dolce or Taleggio
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1 Wild Card – A truffled pecorino or ashed goat’s cheese
Add the Finishing Touches:
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Quince or fig paste
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Fresh grapes or sliced pear
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Marcona almonds
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Castelvetrano olives
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Sourdough crackers or pane carasau
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A drizzle of local honey over soft cheese = next level
What to Drink
While we don’t sell alcohol (right now), we love to recommend pairings that complement our gourmet range.
Some Winter Favourites:
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Triple Cream Brie → Sparkling wine or Chardonnay
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Manchego or aged Cheddar → Tempranillo or Malbec
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Gorgonzola Dolce → Moscato d’Asti or Tawny Port
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Taleggio → Natural orange wines or Pinot Noir
Winter Cocktail Inspiration (No Spirits? No Stress!)
Even if you're not shaking the cocktails yourself, here's a list of easy winter cocktails to serve or suggest to guests to BYO:
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Negroni Sbagliato – Use bitter red vermouth, sparkling wine, and a dash of orange zest
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Spiced Mulled Wine – Add cloves, cinnamon, orange and a touch of honey to red wine
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Amaro Spritz – Amaro, soda water, and a citrus slice for a lighter option
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Hot Toddy – Herbal tea with lemon, honey and a splash of whisky (if you BYO)
📦 Tip: Pair these with our gourmet nibbles, dried fruit, and premium nuts for easy, elegant grazing.
Dinner Party Must-Haves
Turn your winter table into a feast with these pantry and produce essentials:
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Don Antonio or Delverde pasta – perfect for baked pasta dishes
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Rosso or Italianveera tomato cans – for rich sauces and braises
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Premium broths, lentils & grains – for warming soups and stews
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Fresh herbs, citrus and leafy greens – to brighten winter plates
Hosting Tips From Our Team
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Pre-slice hard cheeses and arrange on room-temperature boards
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Use wooden boards, marble slabs and vintage plates for character
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Keep lighting warm and low – fairy lights and candles work wonders
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Batch prep your dishes, then just heat and serve when guests arrive
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Offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to suit all guests
Shop the Gertrude Grocer Way
At Gertrude Grocer, we make entertaining easier with:
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Hand-picked cheese and antipasto options
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Click & Collect for fresh fruit, veg and pantry staples
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Gourmet grazing essentials ready to go