The ultimate Easter wine guide for 2025
Easter wine is the perfect complement for every dish on the Easter table, from roast lamb to a seafood brunch. This guide provides expert tips for selecting the best Easter wine for various cuisines, including traditional European, Asian, Hispanic and American, starting with our top pick, Château Margaux 2011.
Table of Contents
The 10 best Easter wines to celebrate in style
Château Margaux 2011 – Château Margaux
Bordeaux, France
Corton-Charlemagne Le Charlemagne Grand Cru 2021 – Domaine de la Vougeraie
Burgundy, France
Barbaresco Gallina 2020 – Alfred & Luca Roagna
Piedmont, Italy
Cuvée Louis Blanc de Blancs 2012 – Billecart-Salmon
Champagne, France
Tignanello 2022 – Marchesi Antinori
Tuscany, Italy
Schlossberg Grand Cru Riesling 2022 – Domaine Weinbach
Alsace, France
Mâcon-Verzé 2023 – Domaines Leflaive
Burgundy, France
Amarone della Valpolicella – Masi Costasera
Veneto, Italy
Viña Tondonia Reserva 2011 – López de Heredia
Rioja, Spain
Norheimer Kirschheck Riesling Spätlese 2023 – Dönnhoff
Nahe, Germany
Our selection of the 10 best Easter wines includes reds, whites, rosé and sparkling wine options, ensuring there is a perfect bottle for every Easter gathering. Our wines range from the legendary Château Margaux 2011, rated 5/5 and priced at approximately $610, to the delicate Norheimer Kirschheck Riesling Spätlese 2023 by Dönnhoff, rated 4.6/5 and valued at roughly $46.
Our roundup includes elegant French classics for roast lamb, crisp whites for accompanying seafood dishes and bold Italian reds for hearty spring stews – all designed to make your Easter celebration worth remembering.
Easter wine pairings for every cuisine
Easter menus differ greatly among American families. Some follow the tradition of a dinner table with roast lamb, glazed ham or spring chicken, while others draw inspiration from their heritage to serve native dishes with a modern twist. In this guide, we explore Easter menus inspired by European, Asian, Hispanic and Native American cuisines, pairing each dish with a wine that brings out its best flavors.
Classic American and European Easter pairings
The classic American Easter table draws heavily on European traditions, particularly British, French and Italian influences. Roast lamb with mint sauce, glazed ham with honey mustard and spring chicken with herbs are among the most beloved main courses. Below are our wine recommendations for each of these Easter classics.
Roast lamb is one of the most iconic Easter dishes and pairs beautifully with a structured red wine, such as a Bordeaux Cabernet Sauvignon. We recommend serving it with the Château Lynch-Bages 2018, whose firm tannins and dark fruit aromas beautifully complement the lamb’s rich, savory flavors while cutting through its fat.
Château Lynch-Bages – Château Lynch-Bages 2018 – Bordeaux, France
Glazed ham with honey mustard is another popular Easter main course, best enjoyed with a Riesling. The wine’s natural sweetness and vibrant acidity complement the ham’s salty, caramelised crust, resulting in a harmonious and festive pairing.
Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Émile – Maison Trimbach 2017 – Alsace, France
Spring chicken roasted with herbs, lemon and garlic is a lighter Easter spread that pairs well with an elegant white wine. A white Burgundy offers the perfect balance of freshness and depth to complement the dish’s delicate flavors.
Chassagne-Montrachet Morgeot Marquis de Laguiche Premier Cru 2023 – Burgundy, France
Mediterranean Easter wine pairings
Mediterranean Easter traditions are among the most food centric in the world. Take Greek families for example, who celebrate with whole roasted lamb (kokoretsi), while Italian families often serve slow braised abbacchio (milk fed lamb) or baked fish. These are all bold, aromatic dishes that call for wines that are equally expressive and complex.
For slow braised lamb cooked with rosemary, tomatoes and olives, we recommend an earthy Sangiovese from Tuscany, a wine with firm tannins and bright acidity that can stand up to the herbaceous richness of this traditional dish.
Brunello di Montalcino – Biondi Santi 2018 – Tuscany, Italy
Easter wine for Asian American spring celebrations
Many Asian American families celebrate Easter by combining Western traditions with the fresh, bold flavors of East and Southeast Asian cuisines. Dishes that might appear alongside a traditional western Easter centerpiece include spring rolls, steamed fish, teriyaki chicken and miso glazed pork belly. Below are our wine pairings for some of the most popular Asian Easter dishes.
Steamed whole fish with ginger and scallion is a Chinese dish often featured at spring celebrations. Its floral and spice aromas pair beautifully with a dry, aromatic Gewürztraminer.
Teriyaki chicken, with its sweet and savory glaze, pairs excellently with a Pinot Noir with soft tannins and bright fruit that won’t overpower its delicate balance.
Miso glazed pork belly, a popular Japanese inspired Easter dish, tastes amazing when served with a white Rhône blend or a textured Chardonnay with enough expressiveness to match the miso’s rich umami. .
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc – Château de Nalys 2022 – Rhône, France
Laurène Pinot Noir – Domaine Drouhin Oregon 2023 – Oregon, US
Classic Gewürztraminer – Famille Hugel – Alsace, France
Hispanic Easter wine pairings
Semana Santa (Holy Week) is one of the most significant celebrations in Hispanic culture, with the traditional Easter meal varying across different Latin communities. In Mexican and Central American homes, capirotada (a sweet bread pudding), pozole blanco and fish tacos with fresh salsa are common Easter staples; while Cuban and Puerto Rican families might prepare the rich and flavorful pernil (slow roasted pork shoulder) or savory, tomato based ropa vieja.
For slow roasted pork, we recommend a Spanish Tempranillo with juicy red fruit aromas and a lively acidity that cuts through the meat’s rich flavors and complements its spicy marinade.
Gran Reserva – CVNE 2018 – Rioja, Spain
Spotlight on the best Italian Easter red wines
Italian red wines are diverse in style and taste profile and they are very food friendly. Whether you are serving roast lamb, baked fish or a rich pasta al ragù, there is an Italian red wine just for you. Barolo and Barbaresco, made from Nebbiolo in Piedmont, are ideal for Easter lamb and roasted meats, while Brunello di Montalcino, made from Sangiovese Grosso in Tuscany, with its earthy notes, dried floral aromas and firm acidity, is a natural partner for herb crusted roasts. For lighter Easter mains, a Barbera d’Asti with its bright cherry fruit and refreshing acidity makes an excellent, more approachable option.
Podernovi Brunello di Montalcino – Poggio San Polo 2019 – Tuscany, Italy
Barolo Cannubi – Marchesi di Barolo 2019 – Piedmont, Italy
Barbera d’Asti Bricco della Bigotta 2019 – Braida
A connoisseur’s selection of sparkling wines for Easter
No other wine style captures the lightness and joy of spring quite like a great sparkling wine. Champagne is the classic choice for a sophisticated Easter toast, but Italian Prosecco and Franciacorta are also festive and more affordable alternatives. Below are our top picks for Easter sparkling wines.
La Grande Année Brut – Bollinger 2015 – Champagne, France
Blanc de Blancs Champagne – Perrier-Jouët – Champagne, France
Gran Juve Gran Reserva Cava – Juvé & Camps 2018 – Cava, Spain
Brut Trento DOC – Ferrari – Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
Easter wines for dessert and sweet endings
Classic Easter desserts such as carrot cake, hot cross bun pudding, simnel cake and lemon tart become complete when paired with a well chosen dessert wine. A late harvest Riesling brings a vibrant acidity that cuts through the richness of a lemon tart, while a Sauternes pairs beautifully with the spiced sweetness of a simnel cake. For chocolate Easter eggs or dark chocolate torte, a Tawny Port or a Vin Santo from Tuscany will taste just right.
Sauternes – Château d’Yquem 2016 – Bordeaux, France
Vin Santo del Chianti Classico (375ml) – Isole e Olena 2011 – Tuscany, Italy
Rheingau Riesling Spätlese – Robert Weil 2022 – Rheingau, Germany
Serving Easter wine with elegance
Presenting a bottle of wine at Easter requires not just a great selection but also the knowledge of how to serve it properly. Here are some tips to serve Easter wine elegantly:
- Serve in the right glassware: light white wines and sparklers belong in tall, narrow glasses that preserve their freshness and bubbles, while full bodied reds benefit from wide bowled glasses that promote aeration.
- Consider temperature: white wines and rosés should be served between 45-57°F(7-14°C), while red wines should be served warmer between 55-64°F(12-18°C), depending on their weight.
- Decant full bodied reds like Barolo or Brunello for at least one hour before serving. This opens up the wine, softens tannins and reveals nuanced aromas.
For an Easter brunch or an aperitivo, a sparkling wine or a dry rosé makes an ideal welcome drink, while the chosen wine pairing should already be in the glass as the guests sit down to feast on the main course. Finally, introduce the dessert wine with a flourish, served in smaller portions to close the meal in style.
Expert tip: When opening a bottle of sparkling wine at Easter, remove the foil and cage carefully, hold the cork firmly and rotate the bottle rather than the cork. This technique gives you more control and reduces the risk of spillage. For still wines, cut the foil cleanly below the lip for a polished presentation.
You might also be interested in
FAQs on Easter wine
How do I choose the best Easter wine?
When choosing the best Easter wine, consider your menu and your guests' preferences. Easter menus often center on lamb, ham or spring seafood, so look for wines with good acidity and fruit forward profiles. A Bordeaux Cabernet or a structured Italian red pairs well with a lamb dish; a Riesling or a white Burgundy is ideal for ham or chicken; and a dry rosé or Provence style wine works beautifully across a wide range of spring dishes.
What is the most popular Easter wine?
The most popular Easter wines are light to medium bodied reds like Pinot Noir and Italian Sangiovese, as well as crisp, aromatic whites like Riesling and Chardonnay. Sparkling wine is also a perennial Easter favorite, both for toasting and as an aperitivo. Rosé has grown significantly in popularity for Easter celebrations thanks to its versatility with spring dishes.
What is a traditional Easter wine?
A traditional Easter wine varies by country and culture. In Italy, a glass of Lambrusco or Prosecco is a classic Easter aperitivo. In France, Burgundy reds and whites are traditional pairings for Easter lamb and spring poultry. In Spain, Rioja Reserva is a popular choice for the Easter table. In Germany and Alsace, a fresh Riesling is a beloved accompaniment to Easter ham. In the United States, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are the most commonly served Easter wines.
What is the most versatile wine for Easter dinner?
Among the most versatile wines for Easter dinner is a dry Rosé, particularly a Provence style Grenache rosé, which pairs equally well with lamb, ham, chicken, seafood and vegetable dishes. Pinot Noir is another highly versatile choice, offering enough structure for roasted meats while remaining light enough for spring fish dishes. A well chosen Riesling can also adapt beautifully across a variety of Easter courses.
What is the best wine for Easter brunch?
For Easter brunch, sparkling wine is the ideal choice. A Champagne Blanc de Blancs, an Italian Franciacorta or a Spanish Cava all bring freshness, elegance and festive spirit to a brunch table. If you prefer still wine, a dry Rosé or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley pairs wonderfully with eggs, smoked salmon, spring salads and brunch pastries.
What is the best Italian wine for Easter?
Italy offers some of the finest Easter wines in the world. For roast lamb or slow braised meats, Barolo and Brunello di Montalcino are exceptional choices. For lighter spring dishes, a Vermentino from Sardinia or a Soave Classico from the Veneto offer fresh, aromatic alternatives. For aperitivo, a glass of Prosecco or Franciacorta brings immediate festivity to any Easter gathering.
What wine pairs best with Easter lamb?
Easter lamb pairs best with structured red wines that can stand up to its richness and complement its herbal notes. A Bordeaux Cabernet Sauvignon, a Barolo from Piedmont, a Brunello di Montalcino or a Côtes du Rhône red are all excellent choices. For a lighter preparation such as spring lamb chops with herbs, a Pinot Noir from Burgundy or Oregon is a refined and elegant option.
Do people drink wine for Easter?
Yes, many people drink wine for Easter, as it is a common tradition to serve wine with the festive holiday lunch or dinner to celebrate with family and friends. Red wine is often served with lamb, while white or sparkling wine is recommended for lighter starters or fish on Good Friday, while dessert wines can be enjoyed with chocolate. In Christian tradition, wine represents the blood of Christ, making it a symbolic addition to the table.
