10 Red Wines That Will Impress Your Easter Guests
April 04, 2025
2025 Edition: Easter is just around the corner, and it's a perfect occasion to gather family and friends, share a good laugh over delicious food and drinks and create lasting memories. As the air turns crisp and chilly, what better way to elevate your Easter special feasts than a perfectly paired red wine? Whether your special menu has the classic hot and cheesy cross buns or delicious honey-glazed ham, here's the ultimate guide for you to choose the perfect Australian red wine that will surely impress your guests and will pair beautifully with your Easter feasts.
Finding the Perfect Easter Wine
The perfect balance of flavours is the key to ideal wine pairing. Lighter dishes like gammon or roasted vegetables go best with softer, fruitier reds, while rich, hearty dishes like roast lamb require bold reds with firm acidity and structure. Let's explore some exceptional Australian red wines that complement your meal and will definitely let you enjoy the best of both worlds.
10 Red Wines to Serve This Easter
Australia, the world’s 6th largest wine producer, is home to top red wine regions like Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Yarra Valley. With Easter around the corner, here are 10 Australian reds to complement your festive feast and delight your guests.
1. Barossa Valley Shiraz – The Bold Classic
Kicking off your celebration with a perfectly rich and robust red wine is a ritual and if you’re serving up a juicy roast lamb, Barossa Valley Shiraz is your best friend. With dark fruity flavours, hints of aromatic spices, and smooth tannins, it's the best drop to please your guests. Try Hentley Farm Villain & Vixen Barossa Valley Shiraz for a bold and impressive choice.
2. Yarra Valley Pinot Noir – The Elegant All-Rounder
Hosting a mix of dishes? A silky Pinot Noir is a safe bet. The Yarra Valley is known for its elegant, fruit-forward Pinots with a hint of spice—making Pacha Mama Yarra Valley Pinot Noir a great option for everything from turkey to salmon.
3. McLaren Vale Grenache – Soft, Juicy, and Versatile
For a red that’s bright, juicy, and incredibly food-friendly, McLaren Vale Grenache is a winner. The Bekkers McLaren Vale Grenache is packed with red berry flavours, soft tannins, and just the right amount of spice—perfect with lamb or roast veggies.
4. Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon – Rich and Robust
Coonawarra’s famous terra rossa soils produce some of Australia’s best Cabernet Sauvignons. If your Easter feast includes roast beef or a hearty lamb dish, Geoff Merrill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon will add a touch of sophistication to the table.
5. Hunter Valley Shiraz – Savoury and Subtle
Prefer something a little more restrained? Hunter Valley Shiraz offers a medium-bodied, savoury take on this classic Aussie varietal. Brokenwood Graveyard Vineyard Hunter Valley Shiraz is smooth, elegant, and a fantastic choice for those who love a more nuanced red.
6. Margaret River Cabernet Merlot – A Smooth Crowd-Pleaser
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot make a dream team—structured yet silky, bold yet smooth. The Vasse Felix Filius Margaret River Cabernet Merlot is a fantastic match for a variety of dishes, from lamb to mushroom-based mains.
7. Tasmanian Pinot Noir – Light, Aromatic, and Perfect for Easter
If your Easter table leans toward delicate flavours, a Tasmanian Pinot Noir will shine. Bright acidity, soft tannins, and red berry flavours make Delamere Estate Tasmanian Pinot Noir a refined and elegant choice.
8. Heathcote Shiraz – Bold Yet Balanced
Victoria’s Heathcote region is famous for its deep, rich Shiraz. If you love full-bodied reds with depth and character, Sanguine Estate D orsa Heathcote Shiraz is a standout choice that pairs beautifully with grilled meats and robust dishes.
9. Adelaide Hills Tempranillo – A Spanish Twist with Aussie Flair
Tempranillo isn’t just for Spain—Australia is producing some fantastic versions, especially in the cool-climate Adelaide Hills. Nepenthe Altitude Tempranillo Adelaide Hills brings vibrant red fruit flavours and a smooth finish, making it a fun and unexpected Easter pairing.
10. Clare Valley Merlot – A Hidden Gem
Merlot is a rising star in Australia, and Clare Valley’s take on this variety is worth trying. Kingston Estate Clare Valley Merlot is filled with luscious flavours of plums and strawberries, that give off a smooth yet complex lingering finish which is great to pair with your Easter special chocolate eggs.
Tips for Serving Red Wine at Easter
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Serve at the Right Temperature: Lighter reds like Pinot Noir work well when chilled between 12 and 14°C, whereas talking about full-bodied reds such as Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, wines deliver the best at 16–18°C.
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Let It Breathe: Some wines, especially Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo, taste exceptionally well from aeration. Decant them for 30–60 minutes before serving to discover the best and unique flavours.
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Use the Right Glassware: A large-bowled glass is a basic necessity to help bring out the best aromas and depth of red wines.
Make This Easter One to Remember
A great bottle of wine can turn a meal into a celebration. Whether you go for a bold Barossa Shiraz, a smooth Margaret River blend, or a vibrant Yarra Valley Pinot Noir, these Australian reds are sure to impress your guests. Easter is about joy, togetherness, and making memories, and at Just Wines, we’re here to enhance those moments with the best red wines. Because a great drink should complement the occasion—not define it. Sip, savour, and celebrate in style! Cheers to an Easter filled with good food, great company, and fantastic wine!
