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Things to do on Father’s Day that will make Dad feel extra special

A guide on how to make this Father's Day extra special.

10 Aug 2021

Father’s Day is a special time of year; it’s a day dedicated to celebrating the father-like figures in your life, showing them how much you love them, and thanking them for everything they do for you. But finding things to do on Father’s Day to truly honour Dad can be a challenge, particularly if you’re unable to meet together this year. If you’re wondering how to make Father’s Day special, read on for some unique activities that you can do in person or virtually, and discover how to choose the perfect wine to mark the occasion.

 

father's day

Learn your family history

Take a walk down memory lane by learning about Dad’s family history, exploring ancestral locations online or on foot, and spending the day sharing your favourite memories of Dad. Tracing your family history can help you learn more about Dad’s past and can be a meaningful way to build past and present family connections. Learning as much as you can about your family history could even reveal sites and locations significant to Dad’s history. If you discover some new locations, you could spend the day touring the sites virtually (or, if you’re able to, in person) in a day entirely dedicated to Dad.

You can also get crafty by building a memory box together, and filling it with your favourite photographs and items. You’ll be able to pull it out and add to it each year to help Dad feel loved and appreciated.

 

Enjoy games and movies virtually or in-person

For another Dad-friendly thing to do on Father’s Day, try rounding up Dad’s favourite movies and games for a family game or movie day that continues into the night! Cozy up on the lounge, make some popcorn and settle in for a special Father’s Day to celebrate Dad.

Let Dad spend the day munching away, feet up with no cares in the world, by cooking all Dad’s favourite foods and keeping the wine glass full. Looking for wine for Father’s Day? Check out our top 5 choices!

If you don’t live with Dad and aren’t able to visit, host a virtual movie night by setting up a Zoom or Google Hangouts meeting or using built-in-watch-party features in streaming services like Amazon Video, Disney+, Netflix (Teleparty) and Hulu. For bonus points, order Dad’s favourite takeout online and get it delivered just in time for the movie.

 

father and daughter

Host an at-home or virtual wine tasting event

For wine-loving dads, the ultimate thing to do on Father’s Day is hosting an at-home or virtual wine tasting event. Order a selection of wines with a delectable spread of cheeses, fruits, and cured meats with a scorecard to track flavours and fondness - Dad just might find a new favourite, and you’ll be the one to thank!

If you’re not sure where to start when planning your event, a variety of wineries across the Hunter Valley offer virtual wine tasting experiences. They’ll send you sampling kits, and you’ll get to learn about some of the greatest wine collections from the comfort of your couch!

 

Make a goodie box with Dad’s favourite things

Take the time to package up a thoughtful goodie box with all Dad’s favourite things to express your love and appreciation. Depending on what Dad likes, try throwing in some favourite snacks, sauces, and wine to mark the occasion. If you’re unable to visit Dad this father’s day, deliver your goodie box in time to surprise Dad on father’s day morning.

 

How to choose wine for Father’s Day

When choosing wine for Father’s Day, consider what Dad usually drinks; past wine choices are a good indicator of future wine preferences. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a new or alternative wine for Dad to try! If you’re looking for alternatives, start with something similar in style - perhaps a different variety from the same region, or the same variety from a different region.

You should also consider if the wine for Father’s Day is a drink-now type of wine or a wine that will continue to benefit from age. If Dad enjoys collecting wines, a wine for ageing could be a perfect choice, so look for one with good structure and complexity and enough freshness and fruitiness to hold up over time.

If you’re planning activities and things to do for Father’s Day that involves dining with good food and wine, consider how your gift might match Dad’s favourite meal or the foods they’ll be eating. Not only does it show Dad just how much you’ve thought about it, but you’ll also give Dad an excellent excuse to indulge in favourite foods with the perfect wine for Father’s Day to accompany it.

 

Top 5 McGuigan wines for Dad

1. 2019 McGuigan Cellar Select Summer Barossa Valley Vineyard Shiraz

This McGuigan Cellar Select Shiraz sources its grapes from the vineyards in the Hunter Valley region of NSW, with the 2019 season noted for producing a superior quality red wine. Its sweeter style is full-bodied with a wonderfully opulent structure and fruit-driven aromas combined with pepper spice, chocolate and earthy characters for a smooth and lingering finish.

Peak drinking: Drink now

Food pairing: A perfect match for a Father’s Day barbeque or roast - enjoy with beef or pork.

 

2, 2020 McGuigan Bin 9000 Semillon

The McGuigan Bin Semillon is our most awarded wine and is the perfect example of why the Hunter Valley is world-renowned as the premier region for Semillon wines. This particular Semillon ages gracefully to become rich and succulent, with succulent honey-suckle and citrus overtones emerging to delight the palate for a well-deserved reward for patience.

Peak drinking: Drink now or enjoy over 20 years

Food pairing: A perfect match to full flavoured seafood and refreshing salads

 

3. 2019 McGuigan Personal Reserve Bainton Vineyard Shiraz

Small berries and light yields have resulted in an intensely flavoured, full-bodied Shiraz with fragrant shitake mushroom, cedar and iodine aromas. A rich, syrupy palate provides strong tannin with good acidity and persistence.

Peak drinking: Drink now or enjoy over 10 years

Food pairing: A perfect match to a Father’s Day barbeque. Pair with beef and hard cheeses.

4. 2021 McGuigan Shortlist Premium Cuvée Sparkling

Premium Chardonnay handpicked, whole bunch pressed. Brilliant clarity, fine beads supporting lifted stone fruits balanced by fresh acidity.

Peak drinking: Drink now or enjoy over 5 years

Food pairing: Enjoy with an antipasto platter and cured meats.

 

5. McGuigan Personal Reserve Tawny

Our Personal Reserve Tawny is a classic style with oak maturation over 15 years, giving an attractive amber colour combined with raised fruit, vanilla and coffee notes to deliver a distinctive nutter character and soft, smooth palate.

Peak drinking: Drink now or cellar 10+ years

Food pairing: Enjoy this wine for Father’s Day with a charcuterie board full of hard cheeses