Winter Warmers: The Slow Art of Our Savoury Sourdoughs

Winter calls for bread that does more than fill the plate, it should comfort, nourish, and bring people together around the table. Our sourdoughs are made the way bread has always been at its best: with time, care, and no shortcuts.

Our loaves are crafted using a long, natural fermentation process. Flour, water, salt, and patience are the only essentials. This slow rise develops complex, layered flavours, creates an open, airy crumb, and makes the bread easier to digest. The natural acids produced during fermentation help break down proteins and phytic acid, while building structure and that signature subtle tang.

It’s the same philosophy behind our Slow Rise Club, taking the time to do things properly so the result is genuinely better. No commercial yeast, no additives, no preservatives. Just real bread, baked fresh to order in the early hours and delivered across Auckland, Waikato, and the Bay of Plenty (or available for store pickup).

Here are three of our savoury sourdoughs that shine brightest in the cooler months. Each one brings its own character to winter meals, from hearty soups and stews to cheese boards and simple, satisfying toast

Roast Onion Sourdough

Sweet, savoury, and deeply comforting. We roast onions until they’re caramelised and jammy, then fold them through the dough along with a touch of olive oil and oregano. The result is a golden boule with pockets of sweet onion that melt into the crumb.

Why it’s perfect for winter: The natural sweetness of roasted onion pairs beautifully with rich, warming dishes. It adds depth without overpowering.

Try it with: Pumpkin or root vegetable soups, cheese toasties, roast chicken or beef, or simply toasted with good butter. It also makes an excellent base for a winter grazing board with aged cheddar or blue cheese.

Shop the Roast Onion Sourdough

Cumin, Onion & Turmeric Sourdough

Warming, earthy, and golden. Onions are combined with fragrant cumin and vibrant turmeric, giving this loaf a beautiful colour and gentle spice that feels like a hug on a cold day.

Why it’s perfect for winter: The spices bring natural warmth and comfort, ideal when the temperature drops. The onion adds savoury backbone while the turmeric and cumin create an inviting aroma as it toasts.

Try it with: Lentil or chickpea soups, curries, spiced scrambled eggs or shakshuka, or alongside slow-cooked lamb or beef stews. It’s also fantastic with hummus for a simple lunch.

Shop the Cumin, Onion & Turmeric Sourdough

Olive & Thyme Sourdough

Classic Mediterranean flavours in a rustic loaf. We use plump Kalamata olives and fragrant dried thyme, scattered through a well-structured sourdough crumb.

Why it’s perfect for winter: The briny olives and herby thyme bring brightness that cuts through richer winter foods, while the hearty crumb stands up to soups, stews, and roasts. It feels both comforting and a little special.

Try it with: Minestrone or tomato-based soups, roasted vegetables, antipasti platters with cured meats and cheeses, or simply toasted with a drizzle of good olive oil and a pinch of sea salt. Excellent with eggs or as the base for a winter bruschetta.

Shop the Olive & Thyme Sourdough

The Volare Difference

Every one of these loaves is made slowly using natural fermentation. That extra time isn’t just about flavour, it improves texture, digestibility, and shelf life naturally. The result is bread that tastes better, feels better, and pairs effortlessly with the hearty, comforting meals we crave when the weather turns.

These aren’t mass-produced loaves. They’re handcrafted in small batches, baked fresh each morning, and delivered with care so you get them at their best.

Available in our stores and online. Shop our full Sourdough collection for home delivery or click & collect (Tuesday or Friday delivery windows). Free delivery on orders over $60.