Have you ever wondered what wine goes with Easter dinner?
Well, we are here to help you pair the perfect wine with what is traditionally eaten on Easter. And not just from America, but other countries too. This year, Easter is late falling on April 20, 2025, but that's good news because it means more time to purchase the perfect wine, decorate, enjoy egg decorating with the kids, and hopefully better weather! Can you believe it's spring and the Cherry Blossoms are in bloom!
Easter is a time for family, tradition, and gathering around the table for a meal that feels special—but also easy enough to enjoy without stress. Whether you’re cooking a homemade feast or grabbing ready-made sides from Costco, this guide will help you find the perfect, budget-friendly wine (under $20) to complement your Easter dinner.
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What makes this guide truly special? We’ve partnered with top sommeliers to bring you expert wine pairings tailored to classic Easter dishes from different cultures. Plus, we’ll share tips for storing and serving wine, festive table decor ideas, and a bit of background on the rich traditions behind Easter meals across the world.
Traditional Easter Meals and the Wines that Pair with Them
To make wine selection easy, we worked with sommeliers to find affordable and easy-to-buy wines on Vivino that pair beautifully with different Easter traditions. Whether you're cooking at home or bringing a bottle to share, these picks will make your meal feel extra special.
Classic American Easter Meal (Ham, Chicken, Asparagus, Deviled Eggs)
Easter in America is all about gathering with loved ones over a hearty meal. From glazed ham or chicken to roasted potatoes, these dishes are steeped in tradition, making for a comforting and familiar holiday feast.
Wine Recommendation for Ham:
Pairing the perfect wine with the meal is so important because wine and food work in harmony to create the perfect meal. Many American Easters are centered around glazed ham, and while there are many grapes that can accompany this dish, one of the best ones by far is Riesling, partially due to its high acidity and, in some cases, its sweetness.
$18.99 at Vivino
Featured Sommelier:
Whitney Nuchereno (@offthegrapevines)
I am a wine student at WSET (Level 3) and have traveled the world, visiting vineyards and tasting wines. My specialties include wine from the Southern Cone (Argentina, Chile and Uruguay) and I hold private tastings featuring these hidden gems here in London, UK. I also love learning about wines from all over the world.
Wine Recommendation for Chicken:
Lemon herb chicken, asparagus and garlic herb potatoes pair excellently with a 2023 Salvard
Cheverny Sauvignon Blanc (85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Chardonnay). Located in the Loire Valley, Cheverny produces excellent crisp Sauvignon Blancs that have notes of citrus, orchard fruits, bell pepper, wet stone and fresh cut grass. Knowing this, I knew that this wine would be the perfect companion with a dish that has citrus and herbaceous components. Low and behold, this pairing was everything you'd want it to be: a perfect marriage of like flavors that kept you longing to take the next bite. This light Sauvignon Blanc has notes of citrus and herbs, bright acidity and plenty of minerality to it, making it an absolute must try!
$26.99 at Vivino or Check out Hi-Time Wine Cellars at $18.95
Featured Sommelier:
Emma Lyall (@emmathesomm)
Emma Lyall is a WSET 2 and Level 1 sommelier based in Orange County, California. She is the corporate sommelier for Market Broiler Restaurants where she is part decision maker for the wine list, attends events in Southern California and is the face of the alcohol/wine list for the company. She is also a wine consultant for PRP Wine where she educates people through private wine tastings held in their own homes and sells the wines to her Southern California clients.
Latin American/Spanish Easter Dinner (Bacalao, Tamales, Empanadas, Rice & Beans)
Wine Recommendation:
2023 Colome Estate Torrontes. Many Latin American families celebrate with dishes passed down for generations. Bacalao (salt cod) is a traditional dish, often served with tomatoes and olives, while tamales and empanadas add rich, savory flavors to the table.
If you’re a pescatarian or enjoying a nice fish dish (such as bacalao) as they do in certain countries such as those in Latin America, why not pair it with a wine from the Southern Cone? Typically with fish, we’re looking for a higher acidity white wine, and there are many that you can use! Albariño, Vinho Verde, Sauvignon Blanc - the list goes on. But another grape variety that is under-looked and yet a perfect pairing is Torrontés. This particular bottle made by @bodegacolome from Salta, Argentina is beautifully complex and crisp. It’s floral on the nose (honeysuckle, jasmine, rose petal, geranium, orange blossoms) mixed with grass, straw, and a plethora of fruit, such as citrus (grapefruit, orange, lemon, lime), green (apple, pear, gooseberry), stone (peach, nectarine) and tropical fruit (melon, lychee, pineapple, mango, passion fruit, papaya) - the list is endless! Of all the Torrontés I’ve tried, this bottle is by far my favorite and everyone I share it with loves it and soon, you will too!
Featured Sommelier:
Whitney Nuchereno (@offthegrapevines)
I am a wine student at WSET (Level 3) and have traveled the world, visiting vineyards and tasting wines. My specialties include wine from the Southern Cone (Argentina, Chile and Uruguay) and I hold private tastings featuring these hidden gems here in London, UK. I also love learning about wines from all over the world.
Italian Easter Dinner (Leg of Lamb, Lasagna, Torta Pasqualina, Colomba di Pasqua)
In Italy, Easter is a major holiday celebrated with a mix of rich pasta dishes and roast meats. Colomba di Pasqua, a dove-shaped cake, marks the sweetness of the holiday.
$14.99 at Vivino
Featured Sommelier:
Jaime Mazur (@jaimesays)
Bio: Jaime Scilingo Mazur lives in the suburbs of Chicago. She speaks French, holds dual citizenship with Italy, and is a WSET Level 2 Sommelier studying for Level 3. She is a wife and mom and focuses her brand, JaimeSays.com, on gluten free foods, wine education and travel, and Midwestern family travel with young children.
Wine Recommendation #2:
When it comes to wine pairing, I live by the principle, “what grows together, goes together.” For an Italian-inspired meal, I chose the 2022 Feudo Montoni ‘Lagnusa Nero d’Avola’ Sicilia DOC, available for just $19.94 on Vivino. It’s made from 100% Nero d’Avola, a black grape that is native to the volcanic island of Sicily, off the “toe” of mainland Italy.
Imagine savoring rosemary-seasoned lamb, its robust, savory profile perfectly matched by the wine’s body, intensity, and mouthfeel, creating structural symmetry. The rich lamb fat melds seamlessly with the wine’s bold tannins, while its juicy plum and black cherry notes provide a delightful contrast to the dish’s spice character. It’s like adding a fruit relish to your plate, complementing the lamb and Easter bread.
The wine’s hint of black licorice and sweet tobacco elevates the experience, while its crisp acidity beautifully balances with the tomato-rich lasagna and cuts through the gooey, melted cheese, creating an irresistible tension and lift.
Featured Sommelier:
Vanessa DeCourcy (@sips_ensemble)
Vanessa (she/her) is a wine educator and owner of Sips Ensemble LLC where she enjoys working with her husband to foster curiosity, connections, and community through wine. She completed her WSET Diploma in Wine (Level 4) in 2024 and is a Master-Level Champagne candidate through the Wine Scholar Guild (WSG). She loves experimenting with food & wine pairings and exploring the Rhône Valley with its dynamic range of delicious sparkling, red, white, and rosé wine styles.
Scotland Easter Dinner (Roast Lamb and Potatoes, Cranachan Dessert)
Easter dinners in Scotland and across the UK follow the same typical theme in terms of 'Roast Dinners'. The most typical example for this holiday is roast Lamb (as it's in season), traditionally served with goose fat roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, seasonal vegetables and of course- gravy.
As for Scottish Easter desserts, this can vary from household-to-household. However, Cranachan is a Scottish dessert that can be enjoyed all year round and especially at the start of spring because of the light flavours. Cranachan is made up of toasted oats, cream or crowdie, honey, whisky and raspberries.
Wine Recommendations:
DINNER: To pair with this traditional roast, I have selected Showdown's 'Man With An Ax’, Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 from California's Central Valley. This wine boasts a full body, with a well balanced acidity, and on the palate displays ripe blackcurrant, black cherry and vanilla from beautiful American barrels. This wine is the perfect accompaniment for an Easter roast, the acidity cuts through the fattiness and richness of the lamb as does the tannin. The fattiness of the roast potatoes/Yorkshire puddings and the savoriness of the lamb gravy. And of course, the salt present will really aid the fruitiness and sweet oak spice to take centre stage.
$14.88 (£11.50) at Vivino
DESSERT: to keep the Scottish theme going you could pair a lighter whisky with sweeter aroma's such as Glenkinchie 12. Alternatively, Dr Loosen's 'Dr L. Riesling' 2022 from the Mosel in Germany would pair well as it is semi-sweet, with classic Riesling acidity, a palate full of peach, apricot, citrus, honey plus a delicious creamy finish. The acidity, creaminess and fresh fruit flavours can harmonize well with the creaminess whilst also the fruit of the dessert.
$14.59 (£11.28) at Vivino
Featured Sommelier:
Stephanie Glasgow (@stephanieglasgow_wine)
Bio: I'm Stephanie Glasgow, a wine student from Scotland. I have my WSET 1&2 Distinction, and pending my L3. I am a (aspiring) wine blogger on instagram (@stephanieglasgow_wine) with a focus on making wine fun, approachable and accessible for all!
Australian Easter Dinner (Grilled Seafood, Roast Lamb, Pavlova, and Hot Cross Bun Pudding Dessert)
As Easter falls in the Australian autumn, families gather for a festive meal that usually consists of Roast Lamb with Pumpkin mash and Pavlova for dessert.
Dinner Wine Recommendation: Victoria Park Cellar Release Shiraz. A bold, full body wine that pairs well with spicy lamb stews and braised lamb. The intense red and black fruit flavors plus mild tannins help cut through the fat and the chocolate/mocha secondary flavors and spicy notes complement the sweetness of the pumpkin mash.
$16.05 on Vivino
Dessert Wine Recommendation: Knappstein Claire Valley Riesling. The pronounced citrus aromas, white floral notes, and acidity of this Riesling complement the meringue and fruit toppings of a Pavlova, creating a balanced flavor experience. The wine has a powerful and persistent lemon and lime finish that helps offset the sweetness of the meringue.
$13.32 on Vivino
Featured Sommelier:
Dave Mayar (@thewinephysician)
Bio: Dave Mayer is a retired physician who lives in the Phoenix area. He is a NVWA Napa Valley Wine Expert and WSET Level 2 graduate awaiting results from his recent WSET Level 3 exam. Dave loves educating novice wine lovers about wines from around the world through frequent wine tastings conducted in his community as well as through his Instagram account @thewinephysician.
Wine Recommendation Hot Cross Bun Pudding: Buller Premium Fine Muscat. Hot Cross Buns are traditionally eaten at Easter in many of the Commonwealth countries and are a very popular treat at Easter in Australia. Making a hot cross bun pudding is a great way to use up any leftover hot cross buns. Check out the full recipe here.
Rutherglen Muscat is Australia's own style of fortified wine. Partly shrivelled, Rutherglen Brown Muscat grapes are briefly fermented and then fortified. They then undergo an oxidative maturation process. This wine did so in a solera system. The final product is sweet and luscious with rich aromas of dried fruit and spices and notes of nuts and treacle. This pairs perfectly with the raisins, sultanas and currants in the Hot Cross Buns, the cinnamon in the pudding and the pecan nuts which are sprinkled on top. This Hot Cross Bun pudding is made with brown sugar to complement the treacle character of the wine.
$18.99 at Vivino
Jackie is a food-and-wine lover and mum of two little boys who has recently moved from London to Sydney, Australia. While she has always loved wine and cooking, a few years ago she decided it was time to complete the WSET Diploma programme and graduated in early 2024. She offers simple wine and food pairings and a space free of judgement where she and anyone who engages with her content feel they can learn and grow.
English Easter Dinner (Roast Lamb, Mint Sauce, Roasted Veggies, Hot Cross Buns)
In England, Easter dinner is centered around roast lamb with mint sauce, a dish deeply tied to springtime renewal and tradition. And no Easter is complete without hot cross buns, symbolizing the end of Lent.
Wine Recommendation Roast Lamb: A classic Sunday dish in England, a rich and savory dish that is big and bold and complex, it requires a full-bodied red to match up to the strong flavors and with high tannins. There a few options with this dish, like a Shiraz or a Malbec or even a Burgundian Pinot Noir.
DINNER: My choice would be a Bordeaux from the left bank, where Cabernet Sauvignon dominates in the blend. This is a wine that can stand up to the intensity of the dish, like the Chateau Recougne 2021 Bordeaux Superieur.
DESSERT: Simnel Cake. A rich fruit cake with dried fruit and a layer of marzipan. This calls for a sweet light desert wine.
Bio: My name is Daniel Miller, a wine Professional currently working in the off-trade as a manager at Majestic Wines. I have my Wset 2&3 in Wines and my Wset in Spirits. My favourite region is Rioja in Spain, I also have a Rioja wine diploma. I do love Spanish wines overall I would say. I enjoy doing tasting events wine enthusiasts and I absolutely love talking about wine with lovers of wine from all across the world.
Wine Tips for Busy Moms
Whether you’re hosting or bringing the wine, here’s how to make sure your bottle is ready to shine. I earn a small commission on sales of recommended products below at no extra cost to you!
Opening & Serving
Storing Leftover Wine
Let Red Wines Breathe: Open the bottle 30 minutes before serving or pour into a decanter.
Chill Whites & Rosés Properly: Store in the fridge and take them out 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Best Glassware? No worries—any glass will do, but a stemmed glass helps whites stay cool and reds open up.
Re-cork & refrigerate: Even red wines last longer in the fridge.
Use a vacuum sealer: Removes air to keep wine fresh longer. Check out this one from Amazon!
Freeze leftover wine: Great for cooking later!
For sparkling wines and champagne, use a Kloveo champagne stopper to keep the bubbles fresh longer. Pick one up here and save 10%! As an affiliate I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you!
Stress-Free Easter Table & Decor Ideas
Set a festive, spring-inspired table with these simple touches:
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✔ Pastel or floral table runner for an instant seasonal feel - Pick up this beautiful cheese cloth runner to create a simple but elegant look.
✔ Mini potted flowers or fresh tulips as an easy centerpiece
✔ Decorated eggs nestled in bowls or baskets for a fun Easter touch - Also a fun activity with the kids or grandkids!
✔ Candles & fairy lights for a warm, welcoming glow - Check out these wine cork fairy lights you can drop in a bottle!
✔ Personalized place cards—use cute Easter-themed name tags for a polished touch
Bonus: Capture the moment with great wine bottle photos! Check out my blog on how to take stunning wine bottle photos. And be sure and read my post on the perfect wine pairings for your next backyard BBQ.
With these easy wine pairings, stress-free hosting tips, and festive decor ideas, you’re all set for a memorable Easter celebration with your family. Cheers to making great memories—without the stress!
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