Spring is a season of renewal and its vibrant produce and fresh flavours make it a perfect canvas for an elegant, memorable soirée with family and friends.
The key to creating a harmonious dining experience lies in pairing each course with wines that complement, rather than overpower, the dishes.
Ultimately, match the weight of the wine to the dish - light with light, bold with bold - and let seasonal ingredients guide your choices. This thoughtful approach ensures every sip and bite work in harmony, leaving guests with a lasting impression of freshness, elegance, and the joy of Spring.
Try these five recipes and pairings for the ultimate Spring party to delight taste buds and wine palates alike:
Start your gathering with light, garden-inspired entrées - think BBQ asparagus bruschetta with dill sauce. These delicate flavours pair beautifully with crisp, herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc or a zesty Pinot Grigio, both of which highlight the freshness without masking it.
For the main course, embrace spring proteins such as grilled salmon, herb-roasted chicken, or tender lamb with mint. A floral Viognier can enhance poultry and seafood, while a silky, medium-bodied Pinot Noir adds depth to lamb and roasted vegetables.
Fresh herbs like dill, basil, and chives sing when paired with wines offering bright acidity, balancing richness and lifting flavours.
Don’t go past this super tasty miso salmon dish for a Spring main to remember…quick and healthy, it only has a total cooking time of 20 minutes. Miso pairs well with salmon because its savoury umami depth complements the fish’s natural richness.
The fermented soybean paste adds complexity, balancing salmon’s buttery texture with a subtle saltiness. When cooked together, miso caramelises slightly, enhancing flavour while keeping the fish moist and amplifying its delicate, oceanic taste.
Alternatively, nothing says Spring more than a vibrant lemon and herb chicken risotto with green peas, asparagus, leek and parsley. The secret to cooking a good risotto is to stir patiently, add hot stock gradually and let the rice slowly release starch, creating a creamy texture.
Spring and lamb go hand in hand – fire up the grill and try this BBQ butterflied lamb, drizzled with a fresh mint sauce for added flavour.
Lamb’s rich, savoury depth pairs beautifully with mint’s cool, refreshing brightness, creating a balanced contrast that enhances each bite and elevates this timeless culinary combination.
When it’s time for dessert, celebrate Spring’s sweetness with strawberry pavlova, rhubarb compote, or lemon tart. A lightly sweet Moscato or a lively sparkling rosé complements these finales while adding a celebratory sparkle.
Ultimately, match the weight of the wine to the dish - light with light, bold with bold - and let seasonal ingredients guide your choices. This thoughtful approach ensures every sip and bite work in harmony, leaving guests with a lasting impression of freshness, elegance and the joy of Spring.
