Eat, Drink, It’s Easter! A Guide to Easter Food & Wine Pairings
The best Easter wine pairings balance the richness, acidity, and flavours of the meal. Try crisp sparkling wine with prosciutto-wrapped melon, Sauvignon Blanc with goat cheese tartlets, Chardonnay with salmon, Pinot Noir with roast duck, and Cabernet Sauvignon with slow-roasted lamb.
Easter is about food, family, celebration—and, naturally, a good bottle of wine.
For Christians, Easter commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus, with bread and wine carrying deep symbolism from the Last Supper. The Hot Cross Bun and Easter egg have also become familiar symbols of the season.
But beyond tradition, Easter is also a time to gather around the table with friends and family. And that's something we value deeply at The Flying Winemaker: good food, good wine, and the simple pleasure of sharing both.
Our in-house Sommelier & Business Manager, Mark Law, shares his picks for classic Easter dishes.
Aperitif: Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon Bites with Mint
Wine pairing: The Flying Winemaker King Valley Charmat Brut
Why it works: Crisp, fruity bubbles bring energy to the sweet melon and salty prosciutto, while bright acidity helps cleanse the palate.
Pairing tip: Sparkling wine is an easy way to get the celebration started—and this is exactly the kind of bite that calls for bubbles.
To Start: Goat Cheese & Herb Tartlets
Wine pairing: The Flying Winemaker Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Why it works: Vibrant acidity and aromatic, zesty characters cut through the richness of the goat cheese, while the wine's freshness works beautifully with the herbs.
It's a bright, lively combination that wakes up the palate before the main courses arrive.
Fish Course: Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Butter Sauce & Asparagus
Wine pairing: The Flying Winemaker Margaret River Chardonnay
Why it works: Restrained and elegant, the Chardonnay brings balanced acidity and complexity to the rich salmon and buttery sauce. Citrus notes echo the lemon, while subtle oak complements the buttery elements.
Classic Easter pairing: Rich fish and elegant Chardonnay are a natural match when the wine has enough freshness to keep the dish balanced.
Poultry Course: Roast Duck Breast with Cherry Sauce
Wine pairing: The Flying Winemaker Marlborough Pinot Noir
Marlborough Pinot Noir tends to be lighter in body, with bright red-fruit flavours, earthy undertones, and silky tannins.
Why it works: The wine's red-fruit character complements the cherry sauce, while earthy notes add complexity. Its acidity also helps balance the richness of the duck.
The pairing has some history behind it, too. The late Roy Moorfield, a stalwart of the Victorian wine scene, famously championed Pinot Noir and duck through his legendary Melbourne Pinot Noir and Duck Crawl.
Meat Course: Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder with Rosemary & Garlic
Wine pairing: The Flying Winemaker Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Why it works: Elegant, refined tannins and savoury complexity provide a strong counterpoint to the richness of slow-roasted lamb, while working naturally with the rosemary and garlic.
And here's a little Easter bonus: save some Cabernet to try with your dark chocolate egg.
To Finish: Hot Cross Buns & Bubbles
Finish the feast with Hot Cross Buns, plenty of unsalted butter, and another bottle of The Flying Winemaker Charmat Blanc.
Because Easter dessert doesn't always need to be complicated. Sometimes, all you need is a warm Hot Cross Bun, good company, and a glass of bubbly.
Cheers, and Happy Easter from The Flying Winemaker!
Words: Annabel Jackson
FAQs
What wine pairs best with Easter dinner?
For an Easter dinner, choose the wine according to the main dish. Chardonnay works well with salmon, Pinot Noir complements roast duck, and Cabernet Sauvignon provides the structure needed for rich roast lamb.
What wine goes with roast duck?
Pinot Noir is a classic choice for roast duck. Its bright red-fruit character, acidity, and silky tannins can complement both the richness of the duck and fruit-based sauces such as cherry.
What wine goes with lamb?
Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with slow-roasted lamb because its tannins and savoury complexity provide structure against the richness of the meat.
What wine goes with Hot Cross Buns?
For a celebratory finish, sparkling wine can be served alongside Hot Cross Buns. The Flying Winemaker Charmat Blanc provides a bubbly, refreshing option for finishing an Easter meal.