Best Wines for Easter Dinner: Pairings for Lamb, Ham & Spring Dishes

Easter dinner is one of the best wine holidays of the year: you’ve got rich mains (lamb or ham), bright spring sides (peas, asparagus, herbs, lemon), and usually a dessert moment that deserves something special. The trick is choosing wines that can handle both the savory center of the table and the fresh, seasonal flavors around it.

This guide breaks down the best Easter wine pairings by main dish—plus a few “spring wildcard” bottles that work across the entire spread. You’ll also find a curated list of 15 bottles that are easy to shop and even easier to serve.

The 4 Rules of Easter Wine Pairing

Easter menus are “high contrast”: roasted meats and creamy sides share the table with citrus, herbs, and green vegetables. These four rules help you pick wines that won’t get lost—or clash.

1) Match weight, then adjust for herbs

Lamb is richer and more savory than most holiday proteins, which means you can go bolder (Cabernet, Rioja, structured Italian reds). But Easter lamb often comes with herbs (rosemary, thyme, mint), and herbs love wines with freshness and lift.

2) Don’t “over-tannin” ham

Ham is salty and often glazed (honey, brown sugar, pineapple, mustard). Big tannin can taste harsh against salt and sweetness, so ham usually prefers wines with brighter acidity and softer structure (Pinot Noir, Riesling, rosé).

3) Spring vegetables need acidity

Asparagus and artichokes can be tricky. The easiest solution is simple: choose whites with high acidity and mineral energy (Sauvignon Blanc, Aligoté, crisp Chardonnay styles).

4) Keep one “table wine” that works for everything

If you’re hosting, it’s smart to have at least one bottle that can move across plates—something medium-bodied with good acidity. Pinot Noir and Rioja are two of the best “universal donors” at an Easter table.

Best Wines with Lamb

Lamb is naturally savory and often roasted, grilled, or braised. That richness pairs beautifully with wines that bring tannin (structure), fruit (sweetness balance), and acidity (to keep the meal from feeling heavy). The best matches depend on how your lamb is seasoned:

Herb-roasted lamb (rosemary/garlic): structured reds with freshness (Rioja, Super Tuscan, Bordeaux)
Grilled lamb chops: bold reds (Cabernet Sauvignon, classic Bordeaux blends)
Braised lamb: deeper, more serious reds (Nebbiolo-based wines like Barbaresco)

Lamb pairing picks

Caymus 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

If your Easter lamb is roasted and richly seasoned, a plush Napa Cabernet is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The dark fruit and velvety texture feel luxurious with lamb’s savory depth—especially with roasted potatoes and mushroom sides.

Shop Caymus 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon

Vina Ardanza 2017 Rioja Reserva La Rioja Alta (Selección Especial)

Rioja is a top-tier lamb wine because it delivers savory spice, polished structure, and bright acidity without being overly heavy. It’s especially good with herb-forward lamb and anything with roasted peppers, garlic, or olive oil on the plate.

Shop Vina Ardanza 2017 Rioja Reserva

Marchesi Antinori 2021 Tignanello Toscana

Tignanello is a power-and-polish bottle: structured enough for lamb, refined enough for a holiday table. This is the move if you want one “wow” red that makes Easter dinner feel like an occasion.

Shop Tignanello 2021

Bacchus de Dauzac 2021 Margaux

Bordeaux with lamb is classic for a reason: savory notes, fine tannins, and elegant structure. If your lamb is roasted with garlic and herbs, this style feels perfectly tailored—serious but not overwhelming.

Shop Bacchus de Dauzac 2021 Margaux

Marchesi di Barolo 2016 Barbaresco Serragrilli

For lamb lovers who want something more “old world” and aromatic: Nebbiolo-based wines bring rose, tar, and savory structure that can be incredible with braised lamb, mushrooms, and aged cheeses. Serve with a little air (decanting helps).

Shop Marchesi di Barolo 2016 Barbaresco

Best Wines with Ham

Ham is all about salt + smoke, and often sweet glaze. Those two factors can make big, tannic reds taste sharp. Instead, aim for wines with bright acidity (refreshing), fruit (to harmonize with glaze), and softer tannins.

Ham pairing cheat sheet

Honey / brown sugar glaze: off-dry Riesling, rosé, fruit-forward Pinot Noir
Mustard glaze: crisp whites with bite (Sauvignon Blanc) or light reds (Pinot Noir)
Smokier ham: medium-bodied reds with spice (Rioja, Pinot) or structured rosé

Ham pairing picks

Havemeyer 2022 Riesling Spätlese Piesporter Goldtröpfchen

One of the best “secret weapon” pairings for glazed ham. A touch of sweetness smooths out salt and smoke, while Riesling’s acidity keeps everything lively. It’s also a great pairing for pineapple, citrus, and brunch-style sides.

Shop Havemeyer 2022 Riesling Spätlese

Louis Latour 2023 Marsannay Rouge

Pinot Noir is ham’s best red partner: bright cherry fruit, soft tannins, and enough earthiness to handle smoke. Marsannay brings extra structure without losing that easy-drinking charm.

Shop Louis Latour 2023 Marsannay Rouge

Domaines Ott 2024 Rosé Château Romassan Bandol

Structured rosé is a brilliant Easter move—especially for ham. Bandol rosé has texture and savory backbone, so it can stand up to the main course while still feeling fresh and spring-forward.

Shop Domaines Ott 2024 Bandol Rosé

Best Wines with Spring Sides (Asparagus, Peas, Herbs, Lemon)

Spring sides are where many “great reds” struggle. Asparagus, artichoke, lemon vinaigrettes, fresh herbs, and green vegetables want wines that feel bright, clean, and high-acid. If you’re serving a very spring-forward menu, consider starting the meal with whites and rosé, then shifting to reds for the main.

Best white wine styles for spring flavors

Sauvignon Blanc: citrus, herbs, and green notes that match spring greens
Aligoté: crisp, mineral, and excellent with asparagus
Cool-climate Chardonnay: citrus + orchard fruit with enough body for creamy sides
Mineral whites from Provence: salty finish = amazing with seafood starters and spring salads

Spring-side pairing picks

Wairau River 2024 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough

If you’re serving asparagus, spring salad, goat cheese, or herb-forward sides, Sauvignon Blanc is a clutch pick. Marlborough styles are crisp and zesty, making them especially good with lemon, vinaigrette, and fresh greens.

Shop Wairau River 2024 Sauvignon Blanc

Domaine de Villaine 2022 Aligoté Bouzeron

Aligoté is one of the most underrated Easter wines. Bright, mineral, and citrusy, it loves spring vegetables and anything with herbs. It also plays nicely with creamy cheeses and lighter starters.

Shop Domaine de Villaine 2022 Aligoté Bouzeron

Chalk Hill 2024 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

For creamier sides (scalloped potatoes, mac and cheese, buttery rolls, rich casseroles), Chardonnay brings texture and comfort. Sonoma Coast styles often keep good freshness, which helps the wine stay lively at a mixed holiday table.

Shop Chalk Hill 2024 Chardonnay

Domaine de Terrebrune 2023 Bandol Blanc

A white with Mediterranean energy: citrus, minerality, and a savory edge that pairs beautifully with spring vegetables, seafood starters, and herb-driven dishes. A great “host pick” if you want something a little different.

Shop Domaine de Terrebrune 2023 Bandol Blanc

Dessert & After-Dinner Wines

Easter desserts often lean toward fruit tarts, lemon, carrot cake, or chocolate. The easiest win is to pick a dessert wine that has real acidity—so it feels refreshing instead of syrupy. One small bottle goes a long way, and it’s the kind of finishing touch that makes guests remember the meal.

Marchesi Antinori 2020 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico (375 ml)

Vin Santo is an Easter power move. It pairs beautifully with biscotti, almond desserts, fruit tarts, and aged cheeses. The 375 ml size is also perfect for hosting—enough for a small pour each without leftovers you’ll forget in the fridge.

Shop Antinori 2020 Vin Santo (375 ml)

Aperitif & Toast Bottles (Optional, but Highly Recommended)

A sparkling starter is the easiest way to set the tone. Even if you serve still wines with dinner, one sparkling bottle at the beginning makes everything feel instantly festive—especially while guests arrive and appetizers hit the table.

Villa Sandi Brut Prosecco Asolo Superiore

Crisp, crowd-friendly bubbles that work with finger foods and lighter starters. A great “pour immediately” bottle while you finish last-minute hosting touches.

Shop Villa Sandi Brut Prosecco

Bruno Paillard Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne Grand Cru

If you want a Champagne that can handle food (not just toasts), Blanc de Noirs is a great move—more structure, more presence, still elegant. Excellent with smoked salmon, roast chicken, and richer appetizers.

Shop Bruno Paillard Blanc de Noirs

Quick Shopping List: 15 Easter Dinner Bottles

Use this as a simple “build your cart” list. If you’re hosting 8–12 people, a solid plan is: 1 sparkling, 2 whites, 2 reds, and 1 dessert wine. Scale up if your guests really love wine (or if your family pours generously).

FAQ: Easter Wine Pairing

How many bottles do I need for Easter dinner?

A common guideline is one bottle per two guests if wine is the main drink. If you’re offering sparkling, whites, reds, and a dessert wine, you can usually plan closer to one bottle per 2–3 guests plus an extra bottle “just in case.”

What’s the safest red if I don’t know whether we’re serving lamb or ham?

Choose a medium-bodied red with good acidity, like Pinot Noir or Rioja. Both handle ham better than big tannic reds and still work with lamb—especially if the lamb isn’t heavily sauced.

What wine works best with asparagus?

Go high-acid and fresh: Sauvignon Blanc or Aligoté are excellent. Avoid very oaky whites and very tannic reds for asparagus-heavy dishes.

Should I decant wine for Easter?

If you’re serving structured reds (Bordeaux-style blends, Nebbiolo-based wines, or bigger Italian reds), a short decant (20–40 minutes) can help soften edges and open aroma. For lighter reds and whites, no decant needed—just serve at the right temperature.

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