The Best Wines For Easter Dinner

As a celebration of rebirth and salvation, Easter is a beautiful time for families to gather together and enjoy a hearty meal. Whether your table will showcase ham, lamb, or a delicious vegetarian option, no Easter dinner is complete without the perfect wine. These wine pairings will delight your taste buds and enhance your Sunday meal.

Best With Ham

Gewürztraminer is a dry white wine whose zesty sweetness accentuates rich-salty meats like ham. This German grape boasts a flamboyant aroma of rose and lychee with the bright taste of grapefruit. The silky texture and ideal acidity will delight fans of both sweet and dry wines. Consider adding an herb or honey glaze to your ham for a delicious coupling of flavors.

If you are looking for something more readily available, a Riesling is your next best pick. This crisp, thirst-quenching wine is ideal for Spring afternoons and pairs nicely with bright flavors like orange or cherry glaze.  

Paired With Lamb

Expert sommelier and beverage director at The Regency Bar & Grill in New York City, André Compeyre, recommends a rich Cabernet Sauvignon for roasted or grilled lamb. "Lamb is strong in flavor and supports tannic, full-bodied red wines. Whether it is a mild spring day or a little bit chilly, Cabernet Sauvignon is a great option."

For the religious, a quality Burgundy is reminiscent of the last wine the Lord enjoyed with his lamb dinner. With the right lightness of touch and savory complexity, there is a reason it has paired with lamb for thousands of years.  

Pours For Veggies

Roasted veggies like carrots, beets, and sweet onions pair well with the clean, crisp taste of white grapes like Verdicchio, Rolle, Albariño and Grüner Veltliner. Wines with a zesty and citrus nose are also a great choice while vegans will enjoy Friend and Farmer's Verdejo.  

As your night winds down, don't forget a light Muscat to pair with lemon-based desserts or a Port to go with your chocolate. With some careful thought and planning, you will create an Easter feast your family will remember for years to come.