Easter is a time for gathering with family and friends, taking a well-deserved break, and indulging in seasonal treats. Here are the dishes that feature most during the holiday, coupled with the wines that complement them best.
Wines for Good Friday
Many fish dishes are enjoyed throughout Easter, particularly on Good Friday. The way you prepare your fish – either with herbs and spices, grilled with lemon, or deep-fried in batter –will determine which wine you choose. Chardonnay is a great choice thanks to the diverse styles you can find: try leaner examples with lighter dishes (grilled or baked), and fruit-forward, lightly-oaked versions with richer flavours (fried).
Wines to pair with hot cross buns
Almost every bakery will be offering its take on the classic hot cross bun — when devouring them, enjoy a glass of Australian sparkling wine on Easter morning. Sherry will also further emphasise the spice and dried fruit of the HCBs.
Wines for Easter Sunday
For many, a Sunday lunch with a show-stopping main and a variety of sides is a feature of Easter. Roast lamb is a popular option, providing an opportunity to open some rich, structured wines. The tannin of these wines can cut through the fattiness of the meat for a balanced companionship. Cabernet sauvignon is an Easter Sunday classic (regardless of whether you celebrate over lunch or dinner).You can also try tempranillo, featuring berry and leather notes, or nebbiolo, with its cherry and anise.
Wines for Easter side dishes
Common side dishes enjoyed with Easter mains include cheesy potato gratin and roasted pumpkin. With these comfort-style foods, try sparkling wines with the acidity to refresh the palate — prosecco is an especially good choice. If you’re introducing honey-glazed carrots or asparagus to the menu, a fresh riesling or sauvignon blanc will work well.
Wines to pair with chocolate
Easter would not be complete without baked goods and chocolatey treats. For the dozens of Easter eggs that are gifted and received, there's no better pairing than chocolate and fortified wine. Take a look at our Halliday award-winning styles here for some ideas.
Discover more food pairing guides – plus lots of wine-related tips and tricks – with our Halliday Resources hub.
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Wines to pair with hot cross buns
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House of Arras
EJ Carr Late Disgorged 2008
Sparkling | Tasmania -
Chandon Australia
Étoile Brut Non Vintage
Sparkling | - -
Bellebonne
Natalie Fryar Vintage Cuvée 2019
Sparkling | Tasmania -
Pipers Brook Vineyard
Kreglinger Vintage Brut 2018
Sparkling | Tasmania -
Pirie Tasmania
Traditional Method 2018
Sparkling | Tasmania
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Wines to pair with fish
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Giaconda
Estate Vineyard Chardonnay 2021
Beechworth -
Oakridge Wines
864 Single Block Release Drive Block Funder & Diamond Vineyard Chardonnay 2021
Yarra Valley -
Penfolds
Yattarna Bin 144 Chardonnay 2021
Tasmania Tumbarumba Adelaide Hills -
Leeuwin Estate
Art Series Chardonnay 2021
Margaret River -
Savaterre
Chardonnay 2021
Beechworth
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Wines to pair with roast lamb
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Bleasdale Vineyards
The Iron Duke Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Langhorne Creek -
Balnaves of Coonawarra
The Tally Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Coonawarra -
Yarra Yering
Carrodus Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Yarra Valley -
Yeringberg
Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Yarra Valley -
Xanadu Wines
Stevens Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Margaret River
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Wines to pair with chocolate
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Seppeltsfield
100 Year Old Para Vintage Tawny 1924
Fortified | Barossa Valley -
All Saints Estate
Museum Muscat Non Vintage
Fortified | Rutherglen -
Campbells
Merchant Prince Rare Muscat Non Vintage
Fortified | Rutherglen -
Chambers Rosewood
Rare Muscat Non Vintage
Fortified | Rutherglen -
Morris
Cellar Reserve Grand Topaque Non Vintage
Fortified | Rutherglen