Easter & Wine: a celebration of flavor and season

Pairing wines with Easter favorites, from roasted meats to fresh vegetables and sweet treats.

We all know that holidays often come with lots of food, a few extra glasses of wine, and... let’s be honest, that slightly heavy feeling after the weekend. And I’m also sure you don’t want to stress about it.

Holiday food and wine are made for pleasure, but balance is key. Here are a few simple tips to help you enjoy every bite and sip without post-feast fatigue:

  1. Savor, don’t rush

    Take time to enjoy the flavors, the pairings, and the company. Eating slowly helps you notice when you’re full.

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  2. Hydrate between courses (and glasses)

    A glass of still or sparkling water between wines helps keep your body balanced and your palate fresh.

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  3. Watch portion sizes

    You don’t need to skip anything. Just enjoy smaller servings, especially with rich or sweet dishes

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  4. Balance your plate

    Mix heavier mains with fresh salads and seasonal vegetables to keep energy steady.

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  5. Don’t skip breakfast

    Starting your day with a full, protein-rich breakfast with vegetables and fruits can prevent overeating later.

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  6. Take a walk

    A light walk after the meal helps digestion and lifts your mood, bonus points if it’s with loved ones or in nature.

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  7. Choose quality over quantity

    One good glass of wine enjoyed with the right dish brings far more joy than a rushed refill.

 🐣 Easter Feast

Easter is a time for renewal, family, and beautifully set tables. Whether planning a traditional feast or a lighter spring menu, the right wine elevates every dish. This guide walks you through perfect wine pairings - from fresh starters and hearty mains to sweet treats.

The meals are complete with recipes and perfectly matched wine pairings.

While there are some basic rules for food and wine pairing, it’s important to remember that everyone is different. We all have different tastes, preferences, and sensitivities to food or wine. The best thing you can do is try different pairings, trust your taste, and, most importantly, enjoy the experience!

Champagne + Smoked Salmon

Elegant bubbles and crisp acidity of Champagne cut through the richness of salmon, crème Fraîche, and Rye bread (or blinis).

Serving Tip: Garnish with fresh dill or lemon zest to mirror Champagne’s citrus and herbal notes.

🍷 As an alternative: Brut Cava

20 min | 🌱 Vegetarian
Recipe or Recipe 2

Prosecco + Deviled Eggs

Prosecco’s crisp bubbles and gentle fruitiness refresh the palate and balance the deviled eggs' creamy, tangy filling. It’s a playful, elegant match.

Serving Tip: Sprinkle with paprika and fresh chives for a classic flavor or top with a touch of caviar for a luxurious flavor.

🍷 As an alternative: Crémant de Loire

35 min | 🌱 Vegetarian
Recipe

Albariño + Shrimp Salad

Albariño’s crispy acidity, citrus zest, and gentle minerality lift the flavors of a shrimp salad filled with crisp bell peppers, celery, and green onion.

Serving Tip: Squeeze of lemon and fresh herbs like dill or parsley to mirror the wine’s fresh, coastal energy.

🍷As an alternative: Sauvignon Blanc

10 min | 🌱 Vegetarian
Recipe

Chardonnay + Spinach puffs

An unoaked Chardonnay brings a smooth, rounded texture with bright acidity that complements the buttery pastry, creamy cheese, and tender spinach in these elegant bites.

Cooking Tip: Add crispy bacon or shredded chicken for a savory boost

🍷As an alternative: Vermentino

30 min | 🌱 Vegetarian
Recipe

Pinot Noir + Mushroom Risotto

With its earthy, berry notes, Pinot Noir enhances the depth and umami flavors of mushroom risotto. Its light body and bright acidity keep the dish feeling elegant and balanced.

Serving Tip: To brighten the dish, finish with a touch of fresh thyme or chopped parsley just before serving.

45 min | 🌱 Vegetarian
Recipe or Recipe 2

Pinot Noir + Vegetarian Lasagna

Pinot Noir’s light body, red berry notes, and gentle earthiness make it a natural partner for vegetarian lasagna, especially with layers of roasted vegetables, tomato, and herbs.

Serving Tip: For savory depth of flavor, sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.

90 min | 🌱 Vegetarian
Recipe

Syrah/Shiraz + Roast Beef

Syrah’s bold structure, juicy dark fruit, and signature peppery spice make it an ideal match for roast beef. It complements the meat’s savory richness and umami depth.

Serving tip: Add a mustard-based sauce and sprinkle with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to deepen the flavor and mirror Syrah’s herbal and spicy notes.

2h 15 min
Recipe

Bordeaux blend + Herbed Rack of Lamb

A classic Bordeaux (typically Cabernet Sauvignon + Merlot) offers a rich, full-bodied profile with dark fruit, cedar, and spice, making it a perfect match for roast lamb. The wine’s structure and depth beautifully enhance the savory, meaty character of the dish.

Serving tip: Add rosemary and garlic for an aromatic touch.

30 min
Recipe

Chardonnay + Potato Gratin

A lightly oaked Chardonnay brings just the right balance of creaminess and freshness. The wine’s acidity lifts the dish, preventing it from feeling too heavy.

Serving Tip: Serve the gratin warm with a crisp green salad on the side to contrast textures.

70 min | 🌱 Vegetarian
Recipe

Sauvignon Blanc + Asparagus

Sauvignon Blanc's herbaceous, zesty notes pair beautifully with the green flavors of asparagus and rich hollandaise sauce. The wine’s crisp acidity brings balance and brightness to this classic spring dish.

Serving Tip: Serve with lemon wedges for brightness.

20 min | 🌱 Vegetarian
Recipe

Vin Santo + Carrot Cake

Vin Santo’s nutty, honeyed character pairs beautifully with carrot cake's warm spices and rich texture. Its natural sweetness balances the tangy cream cheese frosting, creating a comforting end to your Easter meal.

Serving tip: Sprinkle the cake with chopped walnuts for added crunch

🍷 As an alternative: Tawny Port

60 min
Recipe

Ruby Port + Chocolate Eggs & Truffles

Ruby Port’s dense berry, plum, and cocoa notes match the richness of chocolate eggs and silky truffles, creating a decadent and luxurious dessert pairing.

The wine's velvety texture enhances the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate experience.

🍷 As an alternative: Zinfandel (for a drier, less sweet pairing)

Moscato d’Asti + Pannetone

With its gentle sweetness, delicate bubbles, and low alcohol, Moscato d’Asti perfectly matches Panettone’s buttery texture, sweet dried fruit, and citrus peel notes. The wine’s floral and muscat flavors complement the festive richness of the bread without overpowering it.

Serving Tip: Add a scoop of vanilla gelato for a luxurious dessert twist.

1 h 55 min
Recipe

Gewürztraminer + Easter Cake (Paska)

A Late Harvest Gewürztraminer brings floral aromatics, tropical fruit, and gentle sweetness that beautifully highlight Cake's soft, sweet crumb, raisin-studded filling, and sugar glaze.

Serving Tip: Slightly warm the cake before serving and pair with chilled wine in small dessert glasses.

2h 30 min
Recipe

As you gather with loved ones this Easter, let wine and food be more than a feast. Eat with joy, sip with awareness, and take moments to savor the flavors, the conversations, and the connections.

And don’t forget about mindful enjoyment - it doesn’t mean missing out; it means tuning in to what you love, how you feel, and the little moments that make the holiday memorable.

💬 Tried a pairing you loved?
Reply to this email to share your thoughts and favorite pairings. You can also tag your festive photos with @winecious on Instagram.

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