October inches us closer to balmy summer days, and we’ve got a few occasions which are perfect to entertain friends in the warmer weather.  So keep reading and be inspired...food and alcohol pairings never tasted so good!

Mad Hatter’s Day - 6th October

Although the phrase 'Mad as a Hatter' actually pre-dates the 1865 Lewis Caroll fantasy novel which celebrates 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland', it was this classic tale which brought the three zany characters to life, and we agree that it’s definitely worthy of a whole day dedicated to them. A variety of hats and variety of drinks is all you need to make this occasion a success, and the more random the collection, the better!

Don a pâpier maché mask and summon the voodoo within with Baron Samedi, a unique blend of Haitian and Jamaican rum. Baron himself is the Haitian enigma who escorts the dead from the world of the living to the underworld, but is known to have a good time while hanging around on Earth, just like those at the Mad Hatter's tea party. If something light, fun and playful is more appealing, a bottle of Yellowglen would complement a ladylike bonnet, or perhaps a crown of butterflies?  Or to keep your cool, there's always Carlton Dry coupled with an Akubra for that Aussie outback feeling.

National Dessert Day - 14th October

A great excuse to linger a little longer around the dinner table this month is National Dessert Day.  We all have our favourite recipes, but have you ever tried pairing particular wines with their sweet, after dinner counterparts?

Sticky sweet white wines have always been the go-to when it comes to desserts, but consider one these wonderful reds and even a sparkling.

Pair something light with a bottle of Sterling Vineyards Sparkling.  Made from pinot noir and chardonnay grapes, it has hints of citrus and apple and goes hand in hand with light and buttery desserts.  Try custard or vanilla-based desserts.  

On the other end of the spectrum, a concentrated red wine with velvety texture, oaky spice, and dark-berry fruit is perfect with chocolate mocha flavours. Rich, lush cabernet sauvignon from warmer climates such as ours here in Australia goes well with chocolate (especially dark). Try Evans & Tate Breathing Space Cabernet Sauvignon with chocolate cake, or just a nice square (or four!) of a premium chocolate such as Lindt.

Bosses Day - 16th October

Whether you’re one of those wonderfully infectious morning people who brings the office to life each day, or a quiet achiever who inspires the team with your sheer brilliance, you’re sure to be in the good books with a strategically placed bottle of your boss’s favourite drink with a simple ‘thank you’ note.

The day Cellarbrates leaders of all ages and positions and for those who enjoy the finer things in life then a bottle of Grey Goose Vodka will certainly make them feel special.   If your boss is more inclined to dine with wine, then a bottle of Pepperjack Shiraz would be the perfect gift.

And if you are your own boss, then an Aperol Spritz is the perfect cocktail for you. And it couldn’t be easier – just mix 3 parts Aperol, 2 parts Prosecco and 1 part soda water. A refreshing and delightful way to end the day. Or if you like something a little stronger, Wild Turkey has done all the hard work and premixed their bourbons – treat yourself to the fresh taste of Wild Turkey and Dry or there’s always the tried and true Wild Turkey and Cola.

World Pasta Day  - 25th October

Any day which embraces the devouring of our favourite carbohydrate is a winner in our books.  Sometimes the Italians really do do it better, so let’s Cellarbrate our Mediterranean  friends with a toast to their love of food.   Italians are known and loved for their zest for life and warm approach to family and friends, so embrace the Italian way and invite your nearest and dearest around for an Italian feast.

Grab a bottle of an Italian varietal, either imported from Italy, or grown right here in Australia in the Italian style. The Sangiovese grape (which comes in the form of a Chianti) goes best with a or tomato based pasta sauce such as a ragù or a lasagne. A bottle of Pinot Grigio will complement a pasta based on olive oil, such as pesto or a fresh seafood pasta dish.

Alternatively, you can look towards some our finest home grown reds.  Wynn’s Coonawarra Shiraz Cabernet Merlot’s blend of three red varieties creates a versatile wine suited to many occasions, including polishing off two helpings of spaghetti bolognese. Penfold’s Koonunga Hill Shiraz is bursting with spicy notes and depth of flavour. If you can bear to part with it, add a splash of this wonderfully smooth red to you next batch of arrabiata (spicy tomato) pasta sauce. For a brilliant quality wine at an unbeatable price, Wolf Blass Red Label Cabernet Merlot has a juicy fruit finish which will make a pork and fennel fettuccine really sing!

And don’t forget to add a healthy dose of salt to your boiling water before you drop your pasta of choice in, it will help prevent a tangled mess of tagliatelle.

Halloween - 31st October

This classic American holiday has grown in popularity on our shores in recent years, and it’s definitely no longer reserved for those young trick-or-treaters. Instead of hitting the streets in search of lollies, bring the spookiness to your own backyard or living room.

Create costumes as crazy as you dare, offer prizes for best dressed, and kick back with some kitsch Americana snacks.  Orange capsicums stuffed with rice and mince resemble Jack O’Lanterns, melted marshmallow drizzled over brownies suddenly looks like cobwebs. Halloween jelly shots with Skyy vodka and layers of assorted jelly flavours and condensed milk are sure to give a little shock to the system. Try a classic American Bud, or perhaps a Campari with soda to combat the sweetness of the jelly shots. Wild Turkey American Honey is also a tasty alternative to the original, with a rich, natural sweetness (unlike the kilograms of sugar the kids will be carting home in their sack of treats! Don’t forget to have a stockpile of lollies by the front door for the trick-or-treaters to make sure you maintain favourite neighbour status.)

So that’s another month of occasions to enjoy!  For all your liquor needs, your local Cellarbrations has got you covered.