Introduction
Easter is also a dream holiday for food lovers, ranking among the most celebrated culinary occasions after Thanksgiving and Christmas. And wherever there is good food, wine is naturally part of the experience—especially when you understand a few essential wine storage tips. During Easter, both brunch and dinner are important, though the dishes served at each differ. For this reason, different types of wine should be paired with brunch and dinner.
What wines pair well with Easter brunch?
Many families enjoy hosting a more formal brunch on Easter. The dishes are often quite varied, including eggs, roasted meats, and a range of side dishes. Each household tends to have its own unique menu.
However, regardless of what is served, one wine that pairs well with almost any brunch is Champagne. Pairing Champagne with Easter brunch is a widely popular tradition around the world. Its fresh, elegant, and crisp profile—when served at the ideal serving temperature for wine—makes it an excellent match for a variety of classic brunch items
That said, Champagne comes in different styles—so how should you choose? Brut Champagne is highly versatile when it comes to food pairing and is also the most popular and widely available style. In many stores, you can find a good non-vintage French Brut Champagne for around $40. If Champagne feels too expensive, you can consider other types of sparkling wine, such as Italian Prosecco or Spanish Cava.
If you are not a fan of sparkling wine and your brunch table includes a wide variety of dishes, you may consider serving both red and white wines. The more diverse the menu, the more wine options you can offer. A lighter-bodied Zinfandel pairs well with roasted chicken or ham, while fuller-bodied reds like Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon are better suited for beef or lamb.
What wines pair well with Easter dinner?
The main focus of an Easter dinner is usually meat—most commonly ham and lamb. Ham can be a challenging food to pair with wine, as its type, cooking method, and seasonings all influence the pairing.
Honey-glazed ham:
Many experts recommend pairing it with Riesling. Gewürztraminer is also a good choice.
Simply roasted ham:
Pinot Noir is an excellent option. It offers red berry (cherry) flavors and also works well with ham sandwiches.
Spicy ham:
For slightly spicy ham, a fruit-forward red wine is ideal. Beaujolais is a good example, with its light body and vibrant fruit flavors that can balance the spice and saltiness of the ham.
Ham with pineapple or orange glaze:
If you prefer white wine, a full-bodied Pinot Gris pairs well with this style of ham. If you prefer red wine, consider Lambrusco from Italy, which has a rich texture and abundant fruit aromas.
If your Easter dinner centers on lamb, keep in mind that different cooking methods call for different wines. Most chefs prepare roasted lamb chops for Easter, often seasoned with garlic and other herbs. This style of lamb pairs best with full-bodied red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.
For milder-flavored lamb dishes, you can choose softer wines such as Pinot Noir or Spanish Rioja.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is red or white wine better for Easter dinner?
A: Both can work depending on the main dish. Red wines are commonly chosen for meat-based meals, while white wines can be a refreshing option for lighter or sweeter dishes.
Q: Do I need special storage for wine before Easter gatherings?
A: You don’t necessarily need special equipment, but proper storage conditions do help. For short-term storage, keeping wine in a cool, dark place away from heat is usually enough.
If you’re storing multiple bottles or preparing a few days in advance, a more stable environment can make a difference. Some people prefer using a wine fridge, as it helps maintain a consistent temperature before serving.
Q: How can I keep wine at the right temperature during a long meal?
A: Using ice buckets for white and sparkling wines and keeping red wines away from heat sources can help maintain a stable serving temperature throughout the meal.
Q: What should I do with leftover wine after Easter?
A: Reseal the bottle as soon as possible using a cork or wine stopper to limit air exposure. For short-term storage, keep the wine in the refrigerator—even red wine—to slow down oxidation.
Most wines stay drinkable for about 2–3 days after opening. If you want more stable storage conditions, some people keep opened bottles in a wine fridge to maintain a consistent temperature.
If the wine no longer tastes fresh, it can still be used for cooking instead of being discarded.
