Easter is a time for celebration, bringing together family, friends, and, of course, a delicious feast. Whether you’re preparing a classic Easter brunch, a festive dinner, or simply indulging in sweet treats, the right wine can elevate your holiday meal. From fresh and lively whites to elegant reds and even a touch of bubbly, pairing wine with Easter dishes doesn’t have to be complicated.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best wines to serve with traditional Easter foods, from roasted lamb and ham to spring vegetables and chocolate desserts. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or enjoying a quiet holiday meal, these perfect pairings will make your Easter feast even more delightful.

Wine Pairings for Classic Easter Dishes

1. Easter Brunch Pairings

Brunch is a popular way to celebrate Easter, featuring a mix of sweet and savory dishes. The key to pairing wine with brunch is choosing light, refreshing options that won’t overpower the meal.

• Mimosas (Sparkling Wine + Orange Juice)
  • The classic brunch cocktail, mimosas pair beautifully with fruit, pastries, and egg-based dishes. Use a dry sparkling wine like Brut Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, or Sparkling Wine to balance the sweetness of the juice.
• Rosé
  • A dry, crisp Provence rosé is perfect for a brunch spread, pairing well with smoked salmon, quiche, and fresh fruit. Its bright acidity and delicate flavors complement the lighter fare without overwhelming the palate.
• Chardonnay (Unoaked or Lightly Oaked)
  • A bright, citrusy unoaked Chardonnay pairs well with eggs Benedict, frittatas, and buttery croissants. If your meal has richer dishes like hollandaise sauce, a lightly oaked Chardonnay will add a touch of creaminess to match.

2. Honey-Glazed Ham & Wine

Ham is a staple of many Easter tables, and its combination of saltiness and sweetness calls for wines that balance acidity and fruitiness.

• Riesling (Off-Dry or Dry)
  • A dry or off-dry Riesling is a top choice for ham. Its bright acidity cuts through the richness, while its touch of sweetness complements the glaze.
• Pinot Noir
  • If you prefer red wine, Pinot Noir is a fantastic option. Its red fruit flavors and smooth tannins provide balance without overpowering the ham’s sweetness.
• Grenache or Zinfandel
  • For those who enjoy a bolder red, a fruit-forward Grenache or a juicy Zinfandel can enhance the smoky, caramelized notes of the ham.

3. Roast Lamb & Wine

Roast lamb is another Easter favorite, and its rich, savory flavors pair well with structured, medium- to full-bodied red wines.

• Cabernet Sauvignon
  • With its bold tannins and dark fruit flavors, Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic pairing for lamb. It complements the meat’s richness while enhancing the herbs and seasonings.
• Syrah/Shiraz
  • A Syrah (France) or Shiraz (Australia) brings a mix of spice, dark fruit, and smoky notes that work beautifully with roasted or grilled lamb.
• Malbec
  • If you want a wine with a velvety texture and deep berry flavors, Malbec is a fantastic choice for lamb, especially if seasoned with rosemary and garlic.

4. Spring Vegetables & Wine

Spring vegetables like asparagus, peas, artichokes, and roasted carrots bring fresh, earthy flavors to an Easter meal. Since these greens can sometimes clash with bold reds, it’s best to opt for crisp, high-acid white wines.

• Sauvignon Blanc
  • With its zesty citrus and herbal notes, Sauvignon Blanc is a natural match for asparagus, peas, and fresh salads.
• Chenin Blanc
  • A versatile option, Chenin Blanc offers bright acidity and subtle fruitiness that pairs well with roasted carrots and herbed potatoes.
• Vermentino or Albariño
  • If you’re looking for something unique, a Vermentino or Albariño will bring crispness and minerality to your vegetable dishes.

5. Easter Desserts & Wine

No Easter meal is complete without dessert! Whether you’re enjoying chocolate eggs, carrot cake, or a light fruit tart, there’s a wine to match.

• Chocolate & Port or Zinfandel
  • Dark chocolate pairs beautifully with Ruby Port, while milk chocolate goes well with a fruit-forward Zinfandel or even a sparkling Brachetto d’Acqui.
• Carrot Cake & Late Harvest Riesling
  • The warm spices and creamy frosting of carrot cake are best paired with a Late Harvest Riesling or a Gewürztraminer, both of which bring honeyed sweetness and floral notes.
• Lemon Tart & Moscato
  • The bright citrus flavors of a lemon tart shine when paired with a slightly sparkling Moscato, enhancing the dessert’s refreshing quality.

Bonus: The Best Wines for Easter Entertaining

If you’re hosting a large gathering and want to keep things simple, here are a few crowd-pleasing wines that will pair well with a variety of dishes:

• Sparkling Wine (Brut or Rosé) – Great for brunch and toasts
• Off-Dry Riesling – Versatile and refreshing for ham, salads, and vegetables
• Pinot Noir – A light red that pairs well with ham, lamb, and poultry
• Chardonnay – Perfect for creamy dishes and buttery pastries
• Zinfandel – A fruity, smooth option for bold flavors like ham and BBQ

These wines offer flexibility and will keep your guests happy throughout the meal.

Easter is a time for joy, family, and delicious food—and the right wine can make your holiday feast even more memorable. Whether you’re sipping on a bubbly mimosa at brunch, enjoying a glass of Pinot Noir with ham, or indulging in a sweet Riesling with dessert, wine enhances every part of the Easter experience.

As you gather around the table this Easter, raise a glass to good company, great food, and the perfect wine pairings to make your celebration even more special. 

Cheers,

Natalie