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Easter wines: What to drink over the long weekend

Easter welcomes the arrival of spring—longer days, blooming flowers, and fresh seasonal produce filling our tables. Whether you’re planning a classic roast lamb, a lighter seafood dish, or indulging in chocolate eggs, the right wine can make your Easter feast even more special. To help you find the perfect bottle, we’ve put together a selection of wines to suit all budgets, from great-value finds to premium picks for a touch of indulgence.

The bubbles

A festive meal deserves some sparkling wine to kick things off:

Franciacorta Brut (£27.50 Waitrose) – A traditional-method Italian sparkler with crisp apple, citrus, and toasty notes—like Champagne, but at a better price.
Cava Vilarnau Brut Reserva (£13, Majestic) – A fantastic Spanish alternative to Champagne, with vibrant citrus and almond flavours.
Bollinger Special Cuvée Champagne (£42.99, Waitrose) – If you’re looking to splurge, this iconic Champagne offers rich brioche and ripe orchard fruit flavours, making it perfect for an elegant Easter brunch.

The whites

Springtime whites should be fresh, vibrant, and food-friendly. Here’s a mix of great-value options and premium selections:

Picpoul de Pinet – taste the difference (£8.75 Sainsbury’s) – A bright and zesty French white, perfect with seafood, asparagus, and fresh spring salads.
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference South African Chenin Blanc (£7.25, Sainsbury’s) – A fresh, fruit-forward wine with honeysuckle and apple notes—great for roast chicken or creamy pasta.
Domaine Saint Ferréol Viognier (£16, Majestic) – A fuller-bodied white with floral and peachy notes, perfect for turkey or spicy dishes.
Domaine de la Motte Chablis (£19.95, Waitrose) – A classic choice for those who love a crisp, mineral-driven Chardonnay, pairing beautifully with fish, shellfish, or light vegetable dishes.

The reds

With roast lamb, ham, and Easter roasts in mind, here’s a selection of soft, fruity reds and richer, complex options:

Sainsbury’s Beaujolais Supérieur, Taste the Difference

(£10.50, Sainsbury’s) – A light, fruit-forward Gamay with soft tannins, ideal for roast ham, grilled vegetables, or a herby lamb dish.
No.1 Côtes du Rhône Villages

(£13.00, Waitrose) – A medium-bodied red with smooth berry and spice flavours, perfect for lamb with rosemary.
Fonterutoli Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva (£22, Waitrose) – A structured and elegant Tuscan red with dark cherry and spice notes, fantastic with roast lamb or pasta dishes.
Cune Gran Reserva Rioja (£20, Majestic) – A beautifully aged Rioja with smooth tannins and rich fruit, great for a traditional Easter roast.

Something for desserts and chocolate lovers

Easter wouldn’t be complete without chocolate, and these sweet wines are the perfect match:

Tesco Finest Pedro Ximénez Sherry (£7.50, Tesco) – A rich, caramel-like Spanish sherry that pairs beautifully with dark chocolate
Morrisons The Best Tawny Port (£15.50, Morrisons) – A smooth, nutty Port that complements milk chocolate and caramel desserts.
Château Rieussec Sauternes (£57.47, Vinatis) – A luscious, honeyed dessert wine that pairs wonderfully with white chocolate and fruit-based Easter treats

These wines will also pair well with hot cross buns, and for something a little different, try it with Marsala, an Italian dessert wine that’s rich and sweet with flavours of fruit cake and honey – Martinez Marsala Riserva Dolce 5-year-old 375ml (£9.00 Ocado)

With the arrival of fresh seasonal produce and festive celebrations, Easter is the perfect time to explore different wines. Whether you’re sipping a crisp white, enjoying a smooth red with roast lamb, or indulging in a sweet wine with chocolate eggs, we hope this guide helps you find the perfect bottle.

Wishing you a joyful Easter and a wonderful start to spring!