There’s something special about Christmas in Australia, long days, warm nights and plenty of time spent outdoors with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, heading to the beach, packing a picnic or setting the table for a long lunch, the Aussie festive season is all about quality time with family and friends, good food and great drinks. 

There is nothing more quintessentially Australian than cracking open a beer or a cider on a hot day and having a laugh with mates. For many Victorians, that means reaching for a craft beer or cider from right here in the Yarra Valley. Our Coldstream Beverages have become a go-to this time of year, with our refreshing, easy drinks made for summer celebrations.

Festive Drinks for Sunny Days

Christmas lands right in the sweet spot of beer weather. Nothing hits quite like that first sip of crisp, cold bevy after a day in the hot Aussie sun. Our lighter styles and crisp ciders pair beautifully with hot days, warm nights, fresh produce and grilled favourites. A chilled Coldstream Lager or Pale Ale suits just about any spread, while our apple and pear ciders add a bright, fruity lift to any summer menu.

If you’re planning your Christmas Day drinks, stack your esky with a mix of crowd-pleasers so there’s something for everyone. 

Perfect pairings

  • Our Coldstream Lager pairs great with seafood, simple salads and grazing boards. 
  • Our Pale Ale is great alongside barbecued chicken, pork, or veggie skewers. 
  • Our Ciders are the perfect accompaniment for charcuterie boards with soft cheeses, fresh fruits and picnic lunches.
  • For something a little different, keep an eye out for small-batch or seasonal brews from our on-site nano-brewery, like our seasonal Apple crumble cider, perfect for offering guests a unique festive sip.

Easy Hosting Tips for a Relaxed Christmas

Aussies are known around the world for our laidback, chilled attitude and our Christmases are no different. Our Christmas celebrations are all about ease and atmosphere. We know that a few small touches go a long way and we want to share our Christmas tips with you:

  • Keep food simple and fresh:  A mix of grilled seafood, easy salads, local cheeses and bakery breads keeps prep time low and flavour high. 
  • Create ‘self-serve’ drink zones:  Set up an esky or drinks table stacked with Coldstream favourites and plenty of ice. This keeps guests happy and lets you enjoy the day instead of topping up glasses.
  • Add some local flair: Fresh herbs from the garden, eucalyptus branches, or linen in earthy tones bring that relaxed Victorian summer vibe to your table.
  • Plan for sunshine:  Pop up a shade umbrella or set out picnic rugs for when the sun is high. While a few citronella candles or lanterns are perfect for late afternoons and evening celebrations to keep those pesky mozzies away.

Local Gift Ideas for the Season

Aussies love handmade, local gifts. If you’re stuck for something thoughtful (and easy!), we have some suggestions for you:

  • We have Cider, Beer and Rose Cider gift packs. Each gift pack comes with a Coldstream Brewery beer glass and stubby holder, featuring the iconic Shivering Man.
  • A gift voucher for our brewery. Great for that person in your life that values quality time and memories over material things. 
  • A picnic set featuring Yarra Valley cheeses, olives and preserves
  • A locally made tote bag or cooler filled with festive treats
  • Or a personalised hamper with all the above.

Supporting local not only feels good, it makes gift-giving effortless and when you choose Coldstream, you’re supporting a proudly Victorian, independently run brewery built on mateship and local spirit.

Where Coldstream Fits Into Your Festive Plans

Coldstream isn’t just about what’s in the bottle, it’s part of the summer experience for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re grabbing a case on the way to a BBQ, stopping by the brewery with visiting family or gifting a mixed pack to a beer or cider lover in your life, it’s a little slice of the Yarra Valley you can share.

If you’re nearby during December, we would love to be part of your Christmas celebration. Whether you’re enjoying lunch with family from out of town, need a venue for a work Christmas party or if you just need a drink and a break from the silly season, we’re here. 

Cheers to a Warm, Relaxed Christmas

An Australian Christmas isn’t about perfection, it’s about sunshine, good food, easy conversation and the people you share it with. With a few simple hosting touches and a selection of Coldstream’s beers and ciders on hand, you’re set for a festive season that feels relaxed, local and full of flavour.

Cheers to good mates, great drinks and a local Christmas done right.