Easter, a time of renewal and celebration, holds a special place in the hearts of many around the world. This joyous occasion symbolizes not only the resurrection of Jesus Christ but also the arrival of spring, bringing with it a sense of hope and rejuvenation. Among the array of delights enjoyed during Easter celebrations, wine often takes center stage, bringing about the spirit of togetherness and love. Whether it be a crisp white wine paired with a refreshing spring salad or a robust red complementing succulent lamb or pork dishes, the diverse selection of wines adds an extra layer of richness to the festivities. As glasses clink and laughter fills the air, each sip becomes a toast to new beginnings and the blessings of the season, embodying the essence of Easter’s timeless charm. Here are some of my wine recommendations for your Easter or spring celebrations!

A Sweet Treat With A Spike-

We know how much I love Mozart Chocolate Liqueurs! This makes the ultimate Easter gift: Boozy Easter Basket Ice Cream by Mozart Chocolate Liqueur & Tipsy Scoop. Now available, the Boozy Easter Basket features vanilla ice cream infused with Mozart Chocolate Cream Liqueur, swirled with caramel and studded with milk chocolate flakes. Mozart Chocolate Cream Liqueur offers a velvety milk chocolate flavor with subtle hints of vanilla and cocoa.

Tipsy Scoop, led by founder Melissa Tavss, crafts artisanal ice cream inspired by classic and modern cocktails, blending premium ingredients like mixed cocktails, stouts, and wines. Their creations feature local, seasonal ingredients and boast up to five percent alcohol by volume, exclusively for those 21 and older.

Sparkling Wines-

Avaline Sparkling Rosé A delightful Cava made from Xarel·lo, Macabeo, and Grenache. It’s effervescent, delicious, and ideal for an Easter toast! Greet your guests with a glass of this and ring in the true spirit of spring vibes. This wine is berry-forward with great acidity, aromatics, and a lingering finish. This is ideal for a brunch paired with smoked salmon, banana pancakes, cinnamon topped French toast, and even savory items such as a frittata with mushrooms and goat cheese, or even something classic yet simple and southern such as chicken fried steak and eggs! $35

J Vineyards Brut Rosé- This wine presents a delightful array of flavors, starting with ripe berries, fragrant rose petals, and a hint of savory almonds. On the palate, enjoy a graceful and flavorful experience, highlighted by fresh mandarin orange, roasted strawberries, and a creaminess. Its lively acidity and subtle minerality set the stage for a crisp and lingering finish. This elegant sparkling rosé pairs beautifully with classic Spanish seafood paella, salmon tartare, or a savory camembert! $50

 

Whites & Rosés

2022 Vale Do Bomfim White Blend- This white screams spring and warm weather! It’s exciting and lively boasting fruity aromas of apricot, peach, and pineapple. You’ll notice some subtle honeysuckle notes on the nose that follow through to the palate followed by zesty, crisp fruit flavors. It’s a fun wine with lively freshness and a saline minerality. This wine is from higher altitude vineyards which produce its elegance and aromatics as well as the selection of grape varietals that include 30% Viosinho, 30% Rabigato, 20% Gouveio, 20% Arinto. $11.99

2022 Adelaida Picpoul Blanc, Anna’s Estate Vineyard- A vibrant white with notes of stone like minerality, sea influence, lemon curd, and hints of pineapple. It’s a wine thats so balanced and so beautiful you won’t be able to put it down! The flavors are very attractive with notes of peach and citrus, with touches of baked bread. It’s a really nice wine with a bit of oak aging to compliment the balance, and since 293 cases were produced, another wine to hop on and buy while you can! $40

 

2021 Etude Grace Benoist Ranch Carneros Pinot Noir Rosé- I love this wine so much! It’s elegant and bright, with a nose full of fresh and ripe summer fruits. Peach undertones dance on the palate and are lifted by notes of blood orange and green apples. This wine has refreshing acidity that is balanced by a creaminess and a long finish. Ideal for spring and summer, this wine is a showstopper for your table! $40

2023 Adelaida Rosé, Anna’s Estate Vineyard A beauty from winemaker Jeremy Weintraub who describes the wine as a contemporary style of rosé “. This wine is lively and playful, with a nice fruitiness that combines watermelon, mandarin orange, some herb notes, and lightly salty minerality. The tang on this wine is so fun and invigorating with citrus and melon notes. It’s crisp and delightful and will easily pair well with all your favorite spring and summer foods. 307 cases were produced, so get it while you can! $35
2020 Le Garenne Vouvray A fun organic 100% Chenin Blanc thats pale straw in color and full of peach, apricot, and honey notes. The vineyards are 35 years old, producing an elegant and refreshing French wine. The palate boasts some nice minerality with a delicate and long finish thats really quite beautiful. This is a perfect wine for this year to enjoy with plenty of salads, citrus, cheeses, and fish. $17
2022 Adelaida Anna’s White, Anna’s Estate Vineyard – Kind of obsessed with these wines lately, but because they’re smaller production it’s always a special treat to feature them when I can! This wine is striking and aromatic comprised of Grenache Blanc with touches of Roussane and Picpoul. Notes of Bartlett pear, white flowers, and green apple captivate your nose while following through to a slightly exotic palate full of citrus and pie crust. This wine is really complex and you’ll notice some other candied ginger notes combined with herbs and some more citrus blossom. $45
Red Wines
Louis M Martini 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon–  A lovely Napa Cab from a wonderful California winery. This wine is from their best grape selection and boasts cassis, vanilla, and smoky flavors with hints of cedar. On the palate it’s layered and complex showcasing some licorice, spice, and more vanilla with ripe purple fruit. This wine is absolutely delicious and should be a staple as a gift for the host/hostess or just in general all spring and summer long. $55
2021 Catena Malbec, High Mountain Vines- A really outstanding Malbec from Argentina from great vineyards, produced by fourth generation vintner, Laura Catena and chief winemaker, Alejandro Vigil. This is a Malbec that can age, so it’s a great gift to give to a host/hostess who loves wine too. The high altitude of mountain terroirs produce such an elegant style combined with an expert winemaking team. This wine is full of dark fruit, flowers, vanilla, and mocha. The tannins are well integrated and honestly this would be great with your Easter Lamb! $20
Etude Winery 2020 Carneros Pinot Noir- I love my Etude wines! So much so, they’re pretty much always in my roundups. This Pinot is perfect, youthful, and vibrant with aromas of wild berries, cherries, and some spice. On the palate those flavors continue with soft tannins and lovely acidity. This is a great wine if you’re enjoying some spring risotto, mushroom dishes, pasta primavera, and an Easter Ham. $47
2021 Carmel Black Cabernet Sauvignon- A stunning Israeli red with a rich color and ripe red fruit, cassis, and tomato leaf. Subtle warmth and spice linger on the palate from having aged in oak or 14 months in French barrels. The quality of the grapes can totally be tasted, in this elegant, delicious, and ideal for spring and summer red wine. $29.99
Always remember, eat what you like and drink what you love. Please pair responsibly!