The Best Alcohol Pairings for BBQs, Seafood & Classic Aussie Meals in Busselton
From sizzling barbecues to fresh seafood and Sunday roasts, discover the best wines, beers and spirits to match your favourite Aussie dishes, plus where to find them in Busselton.
Why the Right Drink Makes All the Difference
There’s nothing more Aussie than a backyard BBQ, a plate of fish and chips by the beach, or a Sunday lamb roast shared with family. But if you really want to elevate the moment, it’s all about what’s in your glass.
The right drink pairing doesn’t just quench your thirst, it brings out the best in the food. A bold red with grilled steak, a crisp lager with seafood, or a citrusy gin with a summer cheese board can transform a good meal into a great one.
At Brew Plus, your local bottle shop in Busselton, we’ve helped countless locals match drinks to their favourite dishes. From weekend cook-ups to Christmas lunch, we know what works, and what’s just hype.
In this guide, you’ll find:
Easy food and drink pairings for classic Aussie meals
Recommendations for wines, beers and spirits that suit your style
Locally available bottles and brews you can find right here in Busselton
Let’s dig in, and discover how to pair like a pro, without overthinking it.
BBQ & Grilled Meats – Bold Flavours Deserve Bold Drinks
There’s a reason BBQs are a national pastime, flame-grilled food brings out rich, smoky, savoury flavours that deserve drinks with just as much character. Whether you're cooking for mates on the patio or firing up the Weber for a family dinner, here's how to match your meat with the right drop.
Red Wine and Grilled Steak
Steak off the grill calls for a wine that can stand up to its richness and char. Look for full-bodied reds with bold tannins and dark fruit notes, they’ll cut through the fat and elevate the flavour.
Top picks at Brew Plus:
Domain Naturaliste Rebus Cabernet Sauvignon – Elegant structure, ripe blackcurrant and firm tannins. Perfect with ribeye or sirloin.
Amelia Park Frankland River Shiraz – Rich and spicy with a smooth finish — ideal for smoky or peppered steaks.
Nannup Estate Rolling Hills Malbec – Dark fruit and velvety texture, made for marbled beef and grilled meats.
Why it works: Tannins + fat = balance. A big red handles the char and richness like a pro.
Beer and Snags – A Classic Combo
You can’t go wrong with beer and sausages, but some brews work better than others. Look for lager or hoppy pale ales that are refreshing and not too heavy.
Local favourites stocked at Brew Plus:
Beerfarm India Pale Lager – Crisp with a dry hop punch, perfect for spicy or herby sausages.
Rocky Ridge Crisp Hoppy Mid – Sessionable, local, and just hoppy enough to lift grilled flavours.
Eagle Bay Brewing Wheatbelt Lager – Smooth and malt-forward with great balance for pork snags.
Tip: Lighter beers let you taste the sausage seasoning without overwhelming it.
Bourbon or Smoky Scotch with Ribs
For sticky, saucy ribs, skip the wine and go straight to the spirits. A sweet bourbon or a smoky Scotch can mirror the caramelisation and elevate the deep BBQ flavours.
Worth a try:
Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon – Caramel, vanilla and spice with a smooth finish, a winner with glazed pork ribs.
Talisker 10yo Single Malt – Big, smoky and savoury, amazing with beef ribs or smoky BBQ rubs.
Johnnie Walker Black Label – A balanced Scotch with gentle smoke and a touch of sweetness.
Best served: Neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of water after dinner.
Seafood & Shellfish – Keep It Light, Crisp and Fresh
When you’re serving prawns, oysters, or classic fish and chips, the goal is to complement the freshness, not drown it. That means reaching for drinks that are zesty, light-bodied, and refreshing, with enough acidity or fizz to lift the flavours without overpowering them.
White Wine and Prawns
Prawns love crisp, aromatic white wines that cut through their natural sweetness and briny richness. Look for styles with citrus, herbaceous notes, and high acidity.
Perfect picks from Brew Plus:
Shaw & Smith Sauvignon Blanc (Adelaide Hills) – Clean, citrus-driven and mouthwatering, made for garlic prawns or prawn cocktails.
Vasse Felix Classic Dry White – A WA staple with lively acidity and subtle tropical fruit notes.
Lenton Brae Semillon Sauvignon Blanc – blend that’s super versatile with grilled or chilled seafood.
Why it works: Sauvignon Blanc enhances prawns the same way lemon juice does, it brightens, sharpens, and refreshes.
Sparkling Wine with Oysters
Few pairings are as classic, or as elegant, as oysters and sparkling wine. The bubbles cleanse the palate while the acidity cuts through the creaminess of fresh oysters.
Top bubblies to try:
La Cache Blanc de Blanc – Locally made and boutique, with crisp minerality and soft citrus notes.
Borgo San Pietro Asolo Prosecco Superiore NV – Lively, light and a little floral, great for platters or canapés.
Taittinger Brut Reserve NV – French finesse with a creamy bead and bright finish, perfect for a special occasion.
Tip: Keep the bottle chilled and serve oysters as fresh as you can get them, they’re both best ice-cold.
Beer with Fish and Chips
Greasy, salty, and golden, fish and chips need something cold, clean, and crisp to go with them. Think lager, wheat beer, or a citrusy pale ale.
Tried-and-true options from Brew Plus:
Corona Extra – Clean, lightly hoppy and best with a wedge of lime. A beachside classic.
Hoegaarden Witbier – Belgian-style wheat beer with hints of orange peel and coriander, great with battered fish or calamari.
Why it works: You’re resetting your palate between bites and letting the beer carry the crunch and salt.
Roast Meats – Hearty Dishes Call for Structured Drinks
From slow-roasted lamb to golden chook and crispy pork belly, classic Aussie roasts deserve drinks that bring structure, richness, and balance. These meals are all about comfort, and the right pairing adds depth without overpowering.
Lamb Roast and Red Wine
Lamb is bold, earthy, and often herb-crusted, which calls for a red with body, spice, and savoury complexity.
Top red wine picks from Brew Plus:
Nannup Ridge Firetower Shiraz Malbec Tempranillo – A robust WA blend offering dark fruit, spice, and structure. Perfect with rosemary lamb.
La Violetta ‘Bilingue’ GSM – Grenache, Shiraz, and Mourvèdre blended into a beautifully aromatic and balanced red, ideal for slow-roasted shoulder.
Woodlands Wilyabrup Cabernet Merlot – A true Margaret River classic, this elegant red blend from the renowned Woodlands vineyard offers plush dark berry fruit, fine tannins, and a smooth, structured finish.
Why it works: Tannins in red wine bind with the protein in lamb, softening both for a smoother mouthfeel.
Roast Chicken with Chardonnay
Chicken might seem neutral, but with crispy skin and buttery juices, it’s best matched with a textural white wine, and that means Chardonnay.
Chardonnays to try:
Leeuwin Estate Prelude Chardonnay – Creamy, oaked, and citrus-driven with a touch of minerality. A Margaret River gem.
Clairault Chardonnay – Subtle oak, white peach, and a round finish – great with herb stuffing or roast veg.
Vasse Felix Filius Chardonnay – Balanced and modern, with stone fruit and integrated oak.
Tip: Go oaked for richer roasts, unoaked for lemony, herby styles.
Pork Belly and Apple Cider
The salt, fat, and crackling of pork belly pair beautifully with drinks that bring acidity and a touch of sweetness. That’s where dry Riesling or apple cider shine.
Perfect pairings:
Singlefile Great Southern Riesling – Zesty, crisp, and slightly off-dry, a brilliant contrast to rich pork.
Yallingup Cider Co. Apple Cider – Crisp, dry, and refreshing with a clean apple finish – perfectly cuts through rich meats or hearty roasts.
Willie Smith's Organic Apple Cider – Fun, festive, and lightly sweet with natural acidity – a crowd-pleaser for any celebration or BBQ spread.
Why it works: Sweet and acidic drinks balance out pork’s richness and elevate the crackling crunch.
Aussie Sides and Snacks – Underrated, But Pair-Worthy
It’s not just the mains that deserve attention. From sausage rolls and cheese boards to the humble lamington, these classic Aussie bites can really shine with the right pairing, and you don’t need to overthink it.
Sausage Rolls, Meat Pies & Lager
Whether you’re at a footy final or a casual lunch, these savoury pastries pair best with something crisp, clean, and easy-drinking.
Brew Plus recommends:
Shelter Brewing Lager – Local, refreshing, and made for flaky pastry and tomato sauce.
Rocky Ridge Draught – Clean, crisp, and sessionable with subtle malt – a local favourite that pairs perfectly with beefy fillings or a hearty snag.
Swan Draught – A true WA classic. Easy-drinking and reliably refreshing – the perfect match for a proper Aussie feed.
Why it works: Lager's light bitterness and carbonation help cleanse the palate after rich, salty bites.
Cheese Platters and Rosé or Gin
Whether it’s a grazing board or a pre-dinner snack, cheese deserves a drink that can stand up to fat and flavour, but stay light and lively.
Great pairings include:
Tripe Iscariot Grenache Rosé – Dry, savoury, and ideal for soft cheeses like brie or camembert.
Margaret River Classic Botanical Gin – Floral and herbaceous, this gin is stunning with aged cheddar or goat cheese, serve with soda or tonic.
Rosé Spritz (DIY) – Rosé + soda water + citrus = perfect summer platter drink.
Pairing tip: Match soft cheese with acid and fruit, hard cheese with structure or botanicals.
Lamingtons and Dessert Wines
Yes, dessert has a drink too, especially when it's chocolatey, coconut-covered, and full of nostalgia. Pair with something lightly sweet and fruit-driven to finish the meal in style.
Brew Plus favourites:
Alkoomi Late Harvest Riesling – Sweet without being syrupy; citrus and apricot notes match well with chocolate sponge.
Moscato (Brown Brothers or local WA picks) – Lightly sparkling, low in alcohol, and beautifully playful with lamingtons.
Frangelico or Baileys (on ice) – A cheeky creamy liqueur is always a welcome dessert sidekick.
Why it works: Sweet drinks help mirror the dessert, while acidity keeps it from being cloying.
Brew Plus Recommends: Locally Available Pairings
We’ve talked flavour, now let’s get practical. Whether you’re planning a casual BBQ, a seafood feast, or a Sunday roast, here’s a curated list of wines, beers, and spirits stocked right here at Brew Plus in Busselton to match each meal type.
Wine & Beer Recommendations by Meal
| Dish | Drink Pairing | Product Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Steak | Full-bodied red wine |
- Domain Naturaliste Rebus Cabernet Sauvignon - Amelia Park Frankland River Shiraz - Nannup Estate Rolling Hills Malbec |
| Snags on the BBQ | Crisp lager or pale ale |
- Beerfarm India Pale Lager - Rocky Ridge Crisp Hoppy Mid - Eagle Bay Brewing Wheatbelt Lager |
| BBQ Ribs | Bourbon or smoky Scotch | - Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon |
| Prawns | Crisp white wine | - Shaw & Smith Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc |
| Oysters | Dry sparkling wine |
- La Cache Blanc de Blanc - Borgo San Pietro Asolo Prosecco Superiore NV - Taittinger Brut Reserve NV |
| Fish & Chips | Light beer or wheat beer |
- Corona Extra - Hoegaarden Witbier |
| Roast Lamb | Structured red wine |
- Nannup Ridge Firetower Shiraz Malbec Tempranillo - La Violetta Bilingue (GSM) |
| Roast Chicken | Oaked Chardonnay | - Leeuwin Estate Prelude Chardonnay |
| Pork Belly | Dry Riesling or cider | - Singlefile Great Southern Riesling |
All of these are regularly stocked at Brew Plus, or can be ordered ahead for your next gathering.
Spirits to Try with Your Next Meal
Not into wine or beer? Spirits can pair surprisingly well when matched thoughtfully, especially for slow-cooked or richly seasoned dishes.
| Dish | Spirit Pairing | Try This |
|---|---|---|
| Sticky Ribs | Bourbon | Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon |
| Hard Cheeses or Cured Meats | Botanical gin | Margaret River Classic Botanical Gin |
| Chocolate or Sweet Desserts | Dessert liqueur | Alkoomi Late Harvest (sweet wine) |
Ask in-store about pairing spirits with food, our team’s always happy to recommend something special (or help build a cocktail around your meal).
Build Your Own Mixed Pairing Case
Entertaining or planning a special event? We’ll help you put together a custom 6-pack or mixed wine case with your menu in mind, or a bundle that covers all bases for a dinner party.
Local beer for starters
A white and red for mains
Something sparkling or sweet for dessert
Drop by the store or get in touch with us, we’ll do the planning, you do the pouring.
Entertaining? How to Plan Pairings for a Crowd
Feeding a group is one thing, finding drinks that please everyone is another. Whether it’s a birthday BBQ, seafood spread, or a full roast dinner with the family, here’s how to keep your guests happy (without overbuying or overthinking).
Offer Variety, But Keep It Simple
You don’t need a dozen drink options to cater for everyone, just cover the key styles:
Beer – At least one crisp lager and one hop-forward or mid-strength option
Wine – A white, a red, and something sparkling
Light spirits – Think gin or bourbon with mixers for those who prefer to build their own
Pro tip: Think in flavour categories (fresh, rich, sweet) rather than specific bottles, it makes planning easier.
Looking to build a custom mix? Ask the team at Brew Plus, we’ll help you curate a balanced range that suits your food and your crowd.
How Much to Buy Per Person
Here’s a general guide for estimating quantities, adjust based on your group’s preferences:
| Drink Type | Standard Serves per Bottle | Per Person Estimate (3–4 hr event) |
|---|---|---|
| Wine (750ml) | ~5 glasses | ½ to ¾ bottle per person |
| Beer (375ml) | 1 per can/stubby | 2–3 per person |
| Spirits (700ml) | ~22 standard drinks | ~4–6 people per bottle (with mixers) |
| Sparkling Wine | ~6 flutes | 1 bottle per 4 people (for a toast) |
Tip: Always grab a few non-alcoholic options, soda water, tonic, or alcohol-free beer and wine. They help pace the evening and give guests choice.
Ask the Experts at Brew Plus
Not sure how much to buy? Trying to please a picky crowd? Hosting your first big dinner party?
That’s where we come in.
At Brew Plus, we’ve helped plan everything from beach BBQs to Busselton weddings. We’ll help you:
Match drinks to your menu
Estimate how much you’ll need (without overbuying)
Recommend seasonal specials or event-friendly bundles
Create a custom wine or beer case for your event
Just bring your guest count, food plan, and budget, we’ll sort the rest.
Make Every Meal Memorable with the Right Drink
The right drink doesn’t just fill a glass, it completes the meal. Whether it’s a bold red with grilled steak, a cold beer with crispy fish, or a sparkling wine with oysters, thoughtful pairings elevate your food and your moment.
From weekend BBQs and seafood lunches to slow-roasted Sunday dinners, you don’t need to be a sommelier to get it right. Just focus on balancing flavours, staying local when you can, and choosing drinks that complement the people and the plates in front of you.
At Brew Plus, we make it easy to pair like a pro. As your trusted liquor store in Busselton, we stock:
An extensive range of local wines, craft beers, and premium spirits
Seasonal pairing-ready recommendations
Weekly specials to help you stock up smart
A team who genuinely loves food and drink, and helping you find the perfect match
Drop in for expert advice, tailored picks, or to build your own mixed bundle for your next get-together. Whether it’s a backyard lunch or a full celebration, we’re here to help you pour the right drop, every time.
