Easter is right around the corner, and many will be enjoying an easy afternoon brunch with family or friends this holiday. To pair with springtime brunch dishes, consider one of these lovely wines that are perfect for toasting throughout the season. #Cheers

From its winery in the heart of the Lodi region of California, LangeTwins crafts sustainably grown, varietally correct wines with authentic character. Its bright, fresh, Merril Vineyard Chenin Blanc is ideal for this time of year as we welcome spring. The fruit is from California’s Clarksburg AVA southwest of Sacramento, near the Sacramento River where warm days lead to cool nights, locking in freshness. With a wonderful texture, the wine has spicy notes of ginger and nutmeg, which melds with orange-blossom honey and ripe golden citrus. Pair with grilled white fish or light pasta dishes.

From the 100-acre Bouchaine Vineyard within Napa Valley’s cool Carneros region, Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay has vibrancy, energy, and zestiness, showing a terroir-driven, Old World style that highlights the land. With rolling hillsides, warm, sunshine-filled days, late afternoon breezes that blow cooling winds off the San Pablo Bay, and morning fog that keeps grapes cool, Carneros is ideally situated for growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes that shine with fresh acidity. Showing ripe apple, mandarin, crushed stone, Meyer lemon, and fresh cream notes, the wine is perfect for sipping any time of the day. If Sunday brunch includes bagels, lox, and cream cheese or egg dishes like spinach frittata, cheese souffle, or vegetable quiche, this wine will make a delicious pairing.

If you thought Malbec was just a grape to use in the production of bold red wines, you haven’t tried the grape’s juicy, bright Rose wines. From Uco Valley within Argentina’s Mendoza region, Alta Vista Vive Rose of Malbec is a blend of two different macerations of Malbec fruit. Each undergoes a slow, cool fermentation, ensuring the natural freshness and floral notes of the grapes come through. Lovely, balanced, and light, the blush pink wine shows crisp melon, golden citrus, and wild rose notes. Delicious for sipping on Sunday afternoons on a patio.

Easter brunch can feature heavier food items, like roast lamb, ham, or tenderloin of beef, requiring a fuller-bodied wine to pair. Still, you don’t want a high-alcohol option that will require you to nap the rest of the day. If you opt for red wine, I suggest pairing a quality Syrah from Washington State with the meal, like II Vintners Valley Columbia Syrah. The wine blends fruit from prestigious Columbia Valley vineyards like May’s Discovery in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA and Pepper Bridge in Walla Walla AVA. Adding a touch of Roussanne and Viognier adds acidity with a hint of stone fruit to the luscious wine. The mouthfeel of this Syrah was one of the softest reds we have enjoyed in a while, with silky tannins. Juicy, fresh, balanced, and d delicious, the wine layers black fruit, woody herbs, and dark chocolate with a subtle mineral note. It is a bargain for $28.