While Moscato's refreshing sweetness makes it a natural choice for hot summer days, this versatile wine has something to offer in every season. From poolside sipping in January to festive celebrations in December, understanding how to adapt your Moscato enjoyment to the seasons opens up a world of possibilities throughout the year.
In this guide, we'll explore how to make the most of Moscato in each Australian season, with specific suggestions for serving styles, food pairings, and occasions that showcase the wine at its best.
Summer (December - February)
This is Moscato's time to shine. The wine's low alcohol content, refreshing bubbles, and chilled serving temperature make it perfect for Australia's scorching summer months.
Serving Suggestions
- Extra cold: Serve at 5-6°C, colder than usual to combat the heat
- Smaller pours: Frequent small pours stay colder than one large glass
- Ice bucket nearby: Essential for outdoor entertaining
- Frozen grapes: Use as "ice cubes" to keep wine cold without dilution
Summer Occasions
- Beach and pool parties: Moscato's low alcohol allows for extended afternoon enjoyment
- Barbecues: A refreshing counterpoint to rich grilled foods
- Christmas lunch: Perfect with ham and festive desserts
- New Year's Eve: An affordable, crowd-pleasing sparkler for toasting
- Australia Day: Celebratory bubbles for the national holiday
Summer Food Pairings
- Fresh fruit salads with mint
- Grilled prawns with sweet chilli sauce
- Pavlova with summer berries
- Vietnamese rice paper rolls
- Gelato and sorbet
- Christmas pudding (with fortified Muscat)
Create a Moscato spritzer for extra refreshment: fill a glass halfway with Moscato, add ice and top with sparkling water and fresh mint. Perfect for afternoon sipping.
Autumn (March - May)
As temperatures cool and summer transitions to autumn, Moscato adapts beautifully to the changing mood. The harvest season brings an abundance of produce that pairs wonderfully with sweet wines.
Serving Suggestions
- Standard chill: Return to the classic 6-8°C serving temperature
- Richer styles: Explore still Moscato and off-dry versions
- Late afternoon: Perfect for the golden hour as days shorten
Autumn Occasions
- Easter: Pairs beautifully with hot cross buns and chocolate
- Mother's Day brunches: An elegant, accessible wine for family gatherings
- Harvest festivals: Celebrate the wine season with wine!
- Cosy dinners: As evenings cool, intimate dinner parties become appealing
Autumn Food Pairings
- Pear and blue cheese salads
- Apple crumble with vanilla cream
- Roast pork with apple sauce
- Fig and mascarpone tarts
- Mild Indian curries
- Duck with cherry glaze
Key Takeaway
Autumn's stone fruits and orchard fruits are natural partners for Moscato. The wine's peach and apricot notes harmonise beautifully with seasonal produce.
Winter (June - August)
Don't put Moscato away when the cold arrives! Winter offers unique opportunities to enjoy this wine, particularly richer styles like fortified Muscat that suit the cosy season.
Serving Suggestions
- Fortified Muscat: Winter is the perfect time for Rutherglen Muscat, served at 14-16°C
- Still Moscato: Richer still versions work better in cooler weather
- Slightly warmer: Let sparkling Moscato warm a few degrees more than summer for rounder, softer impression
Winter Occasions
- Cosy nights in: Perfect with a good book and soft music
- Dinner parties: Sophisticated dessert wine pairing
- Birthday celebrations: A cheerful sparkle in dreary months
- Winter warmers: After hearty meals, a sweet finish
Winter Food Pairings
- Rich chocolate desserts (with fortified Muscat)
- Bread and butter pudding
- Spiced fruit cakes
- Strong blue cheeses
- Crème brûlée
- Dried fruit and nut platters
Try fortified Rutherglen Muscat slightly warmed (not hot) in a brandy snifter. Cup the glass in your hands to gently warm it—the heat releases incredible aromas of toffee, orange peel, and Christmas spices.
Spring (September - November)
Spring's sense of renewal and longer days call for wines that feel fresh and celebratory. Moscato's bright, floral character perfectly matches the season's optimistic mood.
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh and lively: Return to well-chilled sparkling styles
- Pink Moscato: The rosy colour suits spring's blossoming aesthetic
- Outdoor serving: As weather warms, take wine back outdoors
Spring Occasions
- Melbourne Cup Day: Elegant bubbles for Australia's biggest racing event
- Garden parties: Moscato's floral notes complement spring blooms
- Engagements and weddings: An affordable sparkler for celebrations
- Spring cleaning reward: A refreshing end to productive weekends
- Father's Day: A lighter alternative to the usual red
Spring Food Pairings
- Asparagus with hollandaise
- Fresh strawberries and cream
- Spring vegetable tarts
- Lemon desserts
- Light chicken dishes
- Goat cheese and herb salads
Year-Round Occasions
Some occasions call for Moscato regardless of season:
Brunch
Moscato's lower alcohol and gentle sweetness make it ideal for mid-morning entertaining. It pairs beautifully with both sweet (pancakes, pastries) and savoury (eggs Benedict, smoked salmon) brunch items.
Picnics
The wine's easy-drinking nature and lack of intimidating complexity make it perfect for casual outdoor dining. It doesn't require elaborate glassware or formal serving—just chill and enjoy.
Gift-Giving
Moscato makes an excellent gift for wine newcomers or anyone who enjoys sweeter beverages. A well-chosen bottle shows thoughtfulness without overwhelming someone unfamiliar with wine.
Aperitif
In any season, a cold glass of sparkling Moscato before dinner stimulates appetite and sets a welcoming tone for guests.
Keep one or two bottles of Moscato chilled in your refrigerator year-round. It's the perfect "always ready" wine for unexpected guests or spontaneous celebrations.
Seasonal Cocktails
Moscato's aromatic character makes it an excellent cocktail base throughout the year:
Summer: Moscato Sangria
Combine Moscato with sliced summer fruits (peaches, strawberries, oranges), a splash of brandy, and let macerate for a few hours before serving over ice.
Autumn: Spiced Moscato Cider
Mix Moscato with apple cider, a cinnamon stick, and star anise. Serve slightly warm for a cosy autumn evening drink.
Winter: Moscato Hot Toddy
Gently warm fortified Muscat with honey, lemon, and a clove. A comforting winter warmer that showcases the wine's rich character.
Spring: Elderflower Moscato Spritz
Combine sparkling Moscato with elderflower liqueur and sparkling water. Garnish with fresh mint for a fragrant spring cocktail.
Building a Year-Round Moscato Collection
To enjoy Moscato in every season, consider keeping a selection that covers different styles:
- Sparkling Moscato: The everyday choice, perfect for casual enjoyment and celebrations
- Moscato d'Asti: A step up in refinement for special occasions
- Pink Moscato: Adds variety and visual interest
- Still Moscato: For autumn and winter evenings
- Fortified Muscat: Your winter dessert wine, also great with chocolate year-round
This range ensures you always have the right Moscato for any occasion, any season.
Embracing Every Season
Moscato's versatility means it never needs to gather dust waiting for the "right" time. From scorching Australian summers to chilly winter nights, there's a way to enjoy this delightful wine. The key is adapting your approach—serving temperature, style selection, and food pairings—to complement rather than fight the season.
So whether you're toasting New Year's with sparkling Moscato or warming up with fortified Muscat by the fire, raise a glass to enjoying wine throughout the year. Cheers to all seasons!
Ready to stock up for the year ahead? Browse our curated selection of Moscato wines to find options for every season.