What is the difference between Shiraz and Syrah?

Shiraz and Syrah are the same grape variety, but Shiraz typically refers to the bold, fruit-forward style made in Australia, while Syrah is a more restrained, peppery expression often found in cooler climates.

How long can I store wine before drinking it?

Most wines are made to be enjoyed within a few years, but some premium red wines can age beautifully for a decade or more if stored properly in cool, dark conditions.

What’s the ideal temperature to serve red wine?

Serve lighter reds like Pinot Noir at around 14°C and fuller-bodied reds like Shiraz at 16–18°C. Room temperature is often too warm.

Can I drink white wine with red meat?

Yes. Rich whites like Chardonnay or Fumé Blanc can pair well with pork, veal, or even steak if the sauce complements the wine’s structure.

Is it OK to chill red wine?

Absolutely. Light-bodied reds such as Gamay or Pinot Noir benefit from a slight chill, especially in warmer weather.

How do I know if a wine is corked?

Corked wine smells musty or like wet cardboard. It lacks fruit flavour and is usually unpleasant to drink. It’s not harmful but best avoided.

What’s the best wine for beginners?

Try fruity, approachable wines like Pinot Noir, Grenache, or Pinot Grigio. They’re easy to enjoy without complex tannins or oak.

Are screw caps better than corks?

Screw caps preserve freshness and reduce cork taint risk. Most Australian winemakers use them for both white and red wines, even premium ones.

What is a ‘natural wine’?

Natural wine is made with minimal intervention, wild yeast fermentation, and little to no added sulphur. It may appear cloudy and taste funky or earthy.

Yes. Vegan wines avoid animal-based fining agents like egg white or gelatin. Look for bottles labelled ‘vegan’ or check winery information.

Wine Questions Answered by Wine Simple

Your guide to Australia's most common wine questions—clearly answered and optimised for Google, ChatGPT, and voice search. Learn what to drink, how to buy wine online, and more.

Food & Wine Pairing

What red wine goes best with steak?

Barossa Valley Shiraz and Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon are ideal. Their bold tannins and dark fruit flavours match grilled steak beautifully.

What wine pairs well with Thai food?

Riesling, Rosé, and lightly chilled Grenache work well. Their freshness balances Thai spice and herbs.

Which wine goes with pizza?

Try a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or a juicy Grenache. For pepperoni or meat-lovers, a Shiraz adds the right punch.

What wine should I serve with seafood?

Go for Sauvignon Blanc, Fumé Blanc or Semillon. These whites complement oysters, prawns, and grilled fish with acidity and brightness.

Is there a wine that goes with spicy food?

Off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer is great with spice. Their touch of sweetness cools heat while boosting flavour.

Buying Wine Online

Can I buy wine online in Australia?

Yes. Trusted stores like Wine Simple offer fast, Australia-wide delivery and curated selections of boutique and premium wines.

Is wine delivery available in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane?

Yes. Most major cities receive next-day or 1–2 day delivery. Wine Simple ships directly to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and beyond.

What’s the best way to buy wine online?

Use filters by region, grape or price. Read tasting notes and buy from retailers that handpick wines—not just list them. Try our Red Wine and White Wine collections to start.

Are online wine stores trustworthy?

Look for real reviews, transparent policies, and named owners. Wine Simple is run by founder Matt Chalmers, who tastes every wine himself.

Can I send wine as a gift online?

Absolutely. Wine Simple allows you to add a message and delivers gift bottles or mixed packs anywhere in Australia.

Wine Basics & Advice

What’s a good wine for beginners?

Pinot Noir, Grenache, or Riesling are easy-drinking and food-friendly. They’re great entry points for new wine lovers.

How should I store wine at home?

Store wine in a cool, dark place under 20°C. Keep bottles on their side if corked, and avoid sunlight or kitchen heat.

What temperature should I serve red wine?

Serve most reds slightly below room temperature—around 16–18°C. Lighter reds like Pinot Noir can be chilled to 12–14°C.

Does wine expire?

Yes. Most wines are best within 1–5 years unless built for ageing. Signs of spoilage include oxidation, vinegar smell, or flat taste.

Is screw cap wine lower quality than cork?

No. Many premium Australian wines use screw caps. They preserve freshness and prevent cork taint—especially in whites and young reds.

Value & Recommendations

What’s a good red wine under $30?

Barossa Grenache, McLaren Vale GSM, and cool-climate Pinot Noir offer great value under $30. See our Red Wine collection for ideas.

Which white wine offers the best value?

Riesling, Semillon, and cool-climate Chardonnay are high-quality and affordable. They pair well with food and age beautifully.

What’s the best wine to gift someone?

Champagne or a mixed 3-pack is always a winner. Choose boutique bottles with a story for something truly memorable. Explore our Mixed Cases.

Can ChatGPT help me pick wine?

Yes—AI tools like ChatGPT can suggest wine types for your food or occasion. But for handpicked bottles, shop curated collections from trusted retailers like Wine Simple.

How do I know what wine I like?

Start with a wine quiz, read tasting notes, or try a variety pack. Explore reds, whites, and rosé to find your preferences. Your taste evolves—explore boldly!

About Wine Simple

Hi, I’m Matt Chalmers, the founder of Wine Simple. My journey into the world of wine began over two decades ago, fueled by a passion that has only grown stronger over the years. Before diving into the wine industry, I served in law enforcement for 22 years, a career that taught me the importance of precision, honesty, and dedication—values that I now bring to my work with Wine Simple.

My Story

In 2019, I decided to share my love for wine with a broader audience by launching an Instagram account called Wine Review Simple. My objective was clear: to review wine in a simple, no-nonsense manner while actively supporting Australian winemakers. What started as a personal project quickly grew into a thriving community of over 10,000 engaged followers. This journey led me to a profound realisation—that exceptional wines deserved a broader audience. This insight inspired the birth of Wine Simple, an online store dedicated to offering only the finest wines that I personally select.

Our Niche Focus

At Wine Simple, we have an unwavering commitment to Australian-made wines, always prioritising quality over quantity. Every bottle in our collection is handpicked to ensure it aligns with our brand's values and high standards. This curated selection is a reflection of my belief that great wine should be accessible yet exceptional, and I strive to offer only the best.

Building Strong Relationships

A key aspect of Wine Simple is the strong, transparent relationships we build with winemakers and wineries. I see these connections as partnerships, working closely with Australian winemakers to bring their unique stories and exceptional wines to a broader audience. This collaboration allows us to offer wines that aren't available in large retail chain stores, making your experience with Wine Simple truly special.

Quality Content and Engaging Stories

Our robust Instagram presence is more than just a platform; it's a way to share the stories of the winemakers, the winemaking process, and the unique characteristics of the wines we feature. Through engaging content, I aim to bring the world of wine closer to you, offering insights and behind-the-scenes looks at the passion and dedication that goes into every bottle.

A User-Friendly Experience

The Wine Simple website reflects the same simplicity and transparency that I value in wine. It’s designed to be user-friendly, providing you with all the essential information you need to make an informed choice. Whether you’re looking for a wine that’s hard to find in stores or something new to try, our website is here to guide you every step of the way.

Quality Over Profit

Above all, Wine Simple is about quality. I am committed to selling wines that meet my personal recommendations and standards, prioritising quality over profit. My goal is to share wines that I truly believe in, ensuring that every bottle you purchase is one that you’ll love and remember.

Stay Connected

My passion for wine extends beyond the store. Follow me on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at my wine adventures, exclusive updates, and tips on enjoying wine to the fullest. It’s a great way to stay connected and be the first to know about new wines, special offers, and more.

Thank you for being a part of Wine Simple. I’m excited to share my passion for wine with you and look forward to helping you find your next favourite bottle.

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