Easter has a way of stirring all the senses. It’s the soft rustle of new blooms, the scent of fresh herbs in the kitchen, and the warmth of gathering around a table where every dish tells a story – some passed down, others newly imagined. Whether you’re slow-roasting lamb with a family recipe or tossing a vibrant spring salad for a relaxed, modern meal, the right wine can turn your spread into something truly memorable. These pairings, grounded in tradition and bursting with seasonal energy, are made to bring your Easter table to life.
Wakefield Estate Shiraz pairs with Sheet Pan Lamb Roast
If lamb is your Easter anthem, let this Sheet Pan Lamb Roast be your solo: tender, blushing slices nestled among golden potatoes, briny olives, and a drizzle of honey, all roasted together with rosemary on one beautifully simple sheet pan. It’s a meal that begs for a wine with presence – enter Wakefield Estate Shiraz from South Australia’s Clare Valley. Deep ruby in the glass, this bold yet balanced red hums with notes of black plum, red cherry, mocha, and a touch of warm spice from American oak. Its velvety tannins and fruit-forward depth meet lamb’s richness head-on, while the savoury-spiced finish echoes every caramelized edge and herby note on the plate. Tradition, elevated—and made even more delicious.
Louis Bernard Costières-de-Nîmes Blanc pairs with Pan-Seared Halibut With Spring Peas
Easter Friday often calls for fish, but there’s no need to play it safe. This Pan-Seared Halibut dish pairs flaky halibut with sweet peas, mint, and pea tendrils—a plate that tastes like the first picnic of the year. From the sun-soaked vineyards of France’s Rhône Valley comes Louis Bernard’s Costières-de-Nîmes Blanc, a luminous blend of Grenache Blanc and Roussanne that offers floral notes of almond blossom, juicy peach, citrus, and a grounding thread of stony minerality. Plush yet precise, this white mirrors the buttery halibut while lifting the fresh, grassy sweetness of spring peas. For Chardonnay lovers looking to branch out, this bottle is a bright and refreshing detour.
Michele Chiarlo Palás Barolo pairs with Homemade Mushroom Pierogies
In many homes, Easter is marked by handmade pierogies – a hands-on, heart-filled dish passed from generation to generation. For a flavourful twist, fill yours with wild mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, and chanterelle, adding earthy depth to this comforting classic. From the rolling hills of Piedmont, Michele Chiarlo’s Palás Barolo brings a poetic elegance to the plate, opening with notes of cherry, dried rose, tobacco, and a touch of liquorice. Its refined tannins and forest floor aromatics carry through to a long, harmonious finish. The mushrooms echo the wine’s earthy soul, while its structure and acidity cut cleanly through buttery dough and savoury fillings. Together, they make a pairing that feels like a slow dance – graceful, grounded, and timeless
Anciano No. 7 Rioja Reserva pairs with Roasted Pork Loin With Smoky Cabbage
Roasted pork loin may not be the most traditional Easter choice, unless it’s a honey-glazed ham, but it’s earned its place – especially when slow-roasted to juicy perfection, fat cap intact, and paired with smoky, sautéed cabbage. As lamb began to fall out of favour in North America, particularly in the U.S., pork stepped in as a new Easter centrepiece, blending comfort with celebration. From Spain’s Rioja region, Anciano No. 7 Rioja Reserva offers notes of dried cherry, toffee, vanilla, and spice. Aged in barrel and bottle, it’s mature and savoury, with fine tannins and depth. The wine’s smoky edge enhances the cabbage, while bright acidity cuts through the pork’s richness. A pairing that’s soulful, satisfying, and quietly show-stopping.
Santa Carolina Reserva de Familia Cabernet Sauvignon pairs with Lamb Bolognese
Looking for a creative twist on tradition? Skip the roast and opt for Lamb Bolognese — slow-simmered with garlic, rosemary, pancetta, and a splash of tomato, then served over pasta shells and finished with a flurry of Grana Padano. It’s rustic, cozy, and deeply satisfying. From Chile’s Maipo Valley, Santa Carolina’s Reserva de Familia Cabernet Sauvignon brings structure and soul, with layered notes of cassis, black plum, cedar, and a savoury herbal core. A touch of Merlot adds elegance and lift. This bold red has the depth to meet lamb’s richness head-on, while its earthy nuance plays perfectly with the sauce’s complexity. It’s where Italian comfort meets South American flair—and every bite is better for it.
Aveleda Fonte Vinho Verde pairs with Classic PEI Fish Cakes
In coastal Canada, fish cakes are more than just a dish – they’re a culinary tradition. Made with salted haddock and mashed potatoes, they’re briny, humble, and comforting, especially around Atlantic Easter tables. From Portugal’s lush Vinho Verde region, Aveleda Fonte offers the perfect pairing: a bright, zippy white with notes of lime, green apple, and a gentle spritz that feels like a spring breeze in a glass. Its refreshing acidity cuts through the salt and starch of the fish cakes, enhancing flavour while keeping each bite light and lively. Plus, as a B-Corp certified winery, Aveleda aligns with Earth Day values—so you can sip with a little extra feel-good energy. Whether you’re serving brunch or a relaxed meal, this duo is casual magic – unfussy, joyful, and full of coastal character.
Cantina Lavis Pinot Grigio pairs with Green Goddess Pasta Salad
Not every Easter gathering is a formal sit-down. Sometimes it’s laughter, sunlight, and a table full of vibrant, shareable dishes. Enter the Green Goddess pasta salad. Al dente pasta is tossed with asparagus, olives, fresh herbs, and a creamy, tangy dressing that captures the season in every bite. From the alpine region of Trentino in northern Italy, Cantina Lavis Pinot Grigio brings freshness and finesse, offering notes of stone fruit, lemon zest, and a clean minerality, with added texture from time on lees. Easy to find on LCBO shelves and a steal under $15 this wine is stellar. Greens and herbs can be tricky with wine, but this unoaked white meets the moment – bright enough for zippy flavours, yet rounded enough to complement creamy elements. A crisp, confident pairing that embraces the lighter side of Easter.
