Wine and Easter Treats: Pairings for a Festive Weekend
- Wine Valley Safari
- Apr 4
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 8
Easter's rolled in, and it's time to ditch the Lent blues for some serious sipping and snacking. Whether you're dodging chocolate shrapnel or wrestling a ham, I've got your wine pairings sorted for a festive weekend that's as tasty as it is laugh-out-loud funny—because nothing says "spring awakening" like Uncle Dave's egg-hunt conspiracy theories, now in their 12th season.
If you're in the Western Cape, Wine Valley Safari's got your transport covered, whisking you in style to Robertson Wine Valley stars and beyond so you can focus on the good stuff: wine, treats, and zero steering wheel drama. From bunny nibbles to fruitcake flashbacks, here's your guide to an Easter weekend that's egg-stra delicious—cheers to that!
Hoppin' Good Rosé: Pairing with Chocolate Bunnies
Chocolate bunnies—those hollow-eared champs—are Easter's first victims, begging for a pink partner. Silverthorn's Genie Rosé, a dry Cap Classique from Robertson, brings cherry zing to the party. At Silverthorn, the vibe's all about bubbly mastery—think intimate tastings in a sleek cellar where the cork pop feels like a victory lap. This rosé dances with milk chocolate like they're plotting to swipe the kids' stash—hoppin' good fun, no floppy ears needed.
Pinot Noir and Hot Cross Buns: A Match Made in Heaven (or the Oven)
Hot cross buns—spiced, sticky, and Easter's carb commandments—deserve a red with soul. Ashton Winery's smoky and cherry-rich Pinotage steps up (Pinot Noir's wild cousin, close enough!). Ashton's laid-back estate offers a rustic tasting room where you can sip while soaking in vineyard views—perfect for plotting your next bun batch. This red cuts through cinnamon like a halo through a hangover, and I've got a killer recipe below to bake your own. Heavenly? You bet.
Hot Cross Bun Recipe: Spiced Easter Bliss
Adapted from a traditional South African Mosbolletjie bread, these buns are soft, spiced, and perfect with Pinotage.
Ingredients:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
½ cup sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 egg, beaten
¾ cup raisins or currants
Cross Paste: ½ cup flour, 5 tbsp water
Glaze: 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp water
Instructions:
Mix flour, yeast, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a big bowl. Stir in warm milk, melted butter, and egg until a sticky dough forms—embrace the mess!
Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth, adding raisins halfway through. It's a workout—consider it penance for last Easter's overindulgence.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours until doubled, like your waistline post-feast.
Punch down, divide into 12 balls, and shape into buns. Cover on a lined baking sheet, and let rise 30-45 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 190°C. Mix the flour and water for the cross paste. Pipe crosses onto buns with a ziplock bag (corner snipped). Bake 20-25 minutes until golden.
Warm honey and water, and brush over hot buns for a glossy finish. Cool slightly, then pair with that Ashton Pinotage—bliss achieved.
Chardonnay vs. Easter Eggs: The Great Creamy Debate
Easter eggs—creamy, chocolatey, and my excuse to hunt past 30—need a Chardonnay champ. De Wetshof's Limestone Hill Chardonnay, unwooded and grapefruit-crisp, tackles the richness like a pro. De Wetshof's estate is a Chardonnay lover's dream—think elegant tastings amid limestone-rich soils that scream terroir. This white zaps the egg's creaminess with a citrus kick—debate over, Western Cape wins.
Sauvignon Blanc: The Zesty Sidekick to Your Easter Ham
Glazed Ham's the Easter table's rockstar, but it needs a zesty backup singer. Viljoensdrift's River Grandeur Sauvignon Blanc, grassy and lime-bright, is your guy. Viljoensdrift's riverside estate offers a chill picnic vibe—sip this Sauv Blanc. At the same time, the Breede River flows, and you're basically on holiday. It slashes through ham glaze like a bunny through a veggie patch—nap time postponed.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Because Lamb Deserves a Bold Plus-One
Roast lamb's the Easter MVP, and it demands a wine with guts. Excelsior's Cabernet Sauvignon, blackberry-bold and tannin-packed, delivers. Excelsior's estate is a vibe—think sprawling vineyards and a tasting room where you can pretend you're a wine baron. This red pins lamb to the flavour mat—sorry, Easter Bunny, this one's for the meat lovers.
Sparkling Wine and Marshmallow Peeps: Bubbles Meet Bounce
Marshmallow Peeps—neon sugar bombs—need bubbles to match their madness. Silverthorn's Genie Rosé doubles down, its Cap Classique fizz taming the goo with cherry charm. Back at Silverthorn, the sparkling focus means you're sipping in a bubbling haven, perfect for Peeps-induced chaos. These bubbles bounce with the sugar rush—the dentist's frown is not included.
Shiraz and Chocolate Nests: A Cozy, Crunchy Affair
Chocolate nests—pretzel twigs and candy eggs—crave a plush red, and we're pivoting to Zandvliet's Shiraz for its velvety spice. Zandvliet's Kalkveld Lounge offers a warm, rustic-tasting experience—think sipping by the fire with mountain views. This red nests with crunchy treats like it's Easter hibernation season—snug as a bug.
Riesling's Sweet Redemption with Cadbury Creme Eggs
Cadbury Creme Eggs are a sugar tsunami, and Bon Courage's Gewürztraminer—lychee-sweet and floral—saves the day (Riesling's out, Gewürz steps in). Bon Courage's estate is a floral fantasy—tastings here feel like a garden party with a side of spice. This white tames the goo like a saint with a stem glass—redemption tastes egg-quisite.
Prosecco and Pastel Macarons: Easter's Prettiest Sip 'n' Snack
Pastel macarons—Easter's Instagram darlings—deserve a bubbly beau. Still, we're swapping to Springfield Estate's Albariño for its floral zip (Prosecco's off-list, Albariño shines). Springfield's wild, rocky estate offers tastings that feel like a nature escape, perfect for pretty pairings. This white flirts with delicate bites—calories vanish in the Easter haze.
Bonus: Van Loveren's Easter Extravaganza
Speaking of festivities, Van Loveren in Montagu is hosting an Easter event on Saturday, April 19, 2025, starting at 11 am, and it's a corker—literally. Kick off with a Cork Hunt at 11 am, where families scour the vineyards for hidden corks (think egg hunt, but classier). Then, indulge in gourmet treats paired with wines like their Christina Sauvignon Blanc—crisp enough to cut through any feast. Live music keeps the vibe humming, and it's all wrapped in family fun—laughter, vineyard romps, and a day that'll make even the Easter Bunny jealous. Don't miss it!
Wrap-Up: Sip, Savor, and Celebrate Easter
Easter's your free pass to indulge, and with Wine Valley Safari's Western Cape transport—Zebra Trokkie, Jeep Wrangler, or luxe Mercedes—you can hit these estates without touching a wheel. From Silverthorn's bubbly haven to Zandvliet's cozy cellar, these pairings and that hot cross bun recipe turn your festive weekend into a wine-soaked, laugh-filled triumph. Book your safari, grab a glass, and let's make Easter egg-stra epic—cheers, you glorious grape fiends!
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