One of the best perks of having a fiancé who frequently travels for work is the chance to enjoy the Qantas Lounge experience when we fly together. As a Qantas Club Gold member, he’s able to bring a guest (and up to two children) into the lounge, allowing me to sample all that the Qantas Lounge has to offer—including complimentary wines!
On a recent Sunday, we arrived at Sydney Airport early for our flight home to Brisbane. With time to spare, I decided to taste and rank each wine available in the Qantas Lounge, sharing my personal reviews for fellow wine lovers and lounge guests.
Note: In the lounge, wine bottles may vary in freshness and temperature as they are kept open for guests. These factors can affect the tasting experience.
Qantas Lounge Wine Reviews and Ratings
Levantine Hill Glen Garvald GSM 2021
Region: Yarra Valley, Victoria
Cost: $25.00 per bottle
Rating: 3.5/5 - This GSM blend had a lovely aromatic nose, good body, and a medium finish. Of all the reds, we enjoyed this the most—it’s definitely a wine I’d go for again.
Region: Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Cost: $17.99 per bottle
Rating: 3.3/5 - With a dry finish and hints of strawberry, this rosé was surprisingly well-balanced and refreshing—not too fruit-forward like some budget rosés. A delightful option for rosé fans.
Swanning Around Pinot Noir 2021
Region: Riverland, South Australia
Cost: $22.99 per bottle
Rating: 3.2/5 - A light-bodied pinot noir with strawberry and cherry on the nose, though a bit too light for my preference. If you enjoy delicate, softer reds, you may appreciate this more than I did.
Taylors Estate Pinot Noir Chardonnay Brut Cuvée NV
Region: Clare Valley, South Australia
Cost: $19.00 per bottle
Rating: 3.1/5 - This sparkling wine had hints of green apple and toast with a quick finish. A solid option for a sparkling, though nothing particularly memorable.
Lindeman’s Gentleman’s Collection (Batch No.5) Shiraz 2020
Region: South Eastern Australia
Cost: $17.99 per bottle
Rating: 3/5 - This shiraz was a bit too sweet for my taste. It had bold black fruit notes, but I prefer a more tannic and drier shiraz. Still, it might appeal to those who enjoy fruitier reds.
Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay 2022
Region: South Australia
Cost: $13.99 per bottle
Rating: 2.9/5 - Light oak notes with strong citrus and high acidity. It’s a dry Chardonnay, which I appreciate, though the oak was still present. A decent choice for Chardonnay lovers.
Grant Burge GB19 Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Region: South Australia
Cost: $11.99 per bottle
Rating: 2.5/5 - The aromas were classic Sauvignon Blanc, but the flavor was softer than expected. It lacks the vibrant acidity of Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs but may suit those looking for a gentler sip.
Region: Mornington Peninsula
Cost: $19.99 per bottle
Rating: 1/5 - This Pinot Grigio was too light for my taste, with minimal aromas or flavor. Some may appreciate the simplicity, but I was hoping for more complexity and vibrance.
Final Thoughts: Best Wines in the Qantas Lounge
From the refreshing rosé to the bold GSM blend, the Qantas Lounge wine selection offers something for every palate. While quality varies, I found a few enjoyable options, particularly the Levantine Hill GSM, which was the standout.
If you’re a Qantas Lounge guest or planning to experience the Qantas Club soon, I hope this guide helps you choose a wine that elevates your lounge experience!
Let’s Connect!
Did you find these reviews helpful? Agree or disagree with my rankings? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment below or message me on Instagram at @winoonabudget. Cheers to discovering new wines—wherever you’re flying next!
Chelsey—The Wino on the Budget
