Sipping into Spring: The Best Wines to Pair with March’s Freshest Flavors
After a bitter winter, spring in Lancaster is finally making its way back—slowly, but surely. The days are getting longer, the air isn’t quite as harsh, and fresh flavors are making their return. March is the season of transition, and that means it’s time to swap out the heavier winter wines for something that better complements lighter ingredients.
Spring flavors bring bright greens, fresh seafood, and more delicate flavors that don’t need to compete with bold, tannic reds. Crisp whites, rosés, and balanced reds bring out the best in seasonal dishes, making the right wine pairings feel effortless.
Crisp Whites for Fresh Greens & Seafood
Early spring greens like arugula, spinach, and asparagus are some of the first fresh flavors of the season. These delicate ingredients need wines with bright acidity that enhance rather than overpower them. Seafood also starts making a stronger appearance on menus this time of year, calling for wines with crisp citrus notes and a clean finish.
The bright flavor of our 2021 Albariño with its zesty lemon and refreshing pear notes make it a perfect match for fresh salads, asparagus risotto, and grilled seafood.
For a bit more depth, people often enjoy the 2023 Grande Blanc, a blend of Albariño and stainless Chardonnay. This is a favorite by many and for very good reason. Pairing either of these with dishes such as shrimp scampi, seared scallops, and other seafood dishes that lean into buttery textures is truly top notch.
Rosé & Sparkling Wines for Brunch & Lighter Fare
Warmer weather making way for patio meals means brunch season is creeping back in. It’s most always good to have a versatile, easy-to-pair wine on hand. Having a good Rosé or Sparkling Wines handles this job exceptionally well.
Smoked salmon, goat cheese, citrus-glazed chicken, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes need wines that can handle both bright and creamy flavors without overpowering them.
The 2021 Sun-Kissed Rosé does exactly that. Dry and citrusy, it pairs well with everything from brunch staples to lighter dinner options. We highly recommend trying it with Royer Mountain Cheese or your favorite dark chocolate.
For those looking for a touch of sparkle, Diamond Dust Sparkling White adds the perfect celebratory element, working seamlessly with peach bellinis, fresh berries, and soft cheeses like brie and camembert.
Lighter Reds for Roasted Vegetables & Herb-Infused Dishes
March may bring hints of spring, but the nights still hold a chill, making it hard to fully let go of red wine. Okay, even without the chill, the fact that we love a good red makes it particularly unnecessary to put it away for the season. However, if you must…
Instead of the deep, tannic reds of winter, this is the time for lighter, smoother options that complement roasted vegetables, herb-heavy dishes, and early spring meats like lamb.
The 2021 Twisted Tranquility, a blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, offers just the right amount of spice and structure without feeling heavy. Often called our “spaghetti wine,” it pairs with a lot. It’s incredibly versatile and an ideal companion for roasted root vegetables, rosemary-infused lamb, or mushroom risotto. This is a wine that transitions well from the heartiness of winter to the freshness of spring.
Why the Switch for Seasonal Wine Pairings?
Switching up wine selections to match the season isn’t just about tradition—it’s about bringing out the best in both the wine and the food. Just like heavy stews don’t make much sense in the middle of July, a full-bodied, high-tannin red can overpower the lighter, fresher flavors that define early spring.
Wines with higher acidity and brighter fruit notes bring balance, allowing ingredients to shine rather than compete. A crisp white can make a simple salad feel vibrant, while a well-chosen rosé can tie together a table full of varied brunch dishes. Even red wines, when selected thoughtfully, can enhance roasted vegetables and fresh herbs rather than weigh them down.
Finding the Perfect Spring Wine at Grandview Vineyard
March is the perfect time to refresh the wine rack and start pairing with the season’s best ingredients. The green coming back into the vineyard makes it all the more perfect of a time to stop through to join a friend in the tasting room and take in the beautiful view as the vines come back to life. Stop by for a tasting and find the perfect bottle to welcome spring.
Which will you be pairing with your favorite spring dishes? By the way, what are your favorite meals this time of year?
Other Dates to Save – March Events at Grandview Vineyard
Thursday, March 6, 6:30pm – Saturday Morning Cartoon Trivia
Test your knowledge on classic cartoons while sipping your favorite wines.
Thursday, March 13, 6:00 PM – Yoga & Girl Scout Cookie Pairing
Unwind with yoga before indulging in a perfectly paired wine and Girl Scout cookie tasting.
Thursday, March 20, 6:00 PM – Girl Scout Cookie Pairing
A guided tasting featuring Grandview’s wines alongside classic Girl Scout cookies.
Thursday, March 27, 5:30–8:30 PM – Ladies Night Out
A special evening featuring local vendors, permanent jewelry, floral arrangements, make-up & brow bar, handcrafted accessories, and more!
Girl Scout Cookie Pairing Nights
- Friday, 3/7 at 5 PM
- Thursday, 3/13 at 6 PM
- Friday, 3/14 at 5 PM
- Thursday, 3/20 at 6 PM
Other Notable Events
Thursday, March 13 – Riesling Day
Enjoy 10% off bottles of Riesling for the day.
Sunday, March 16 – St. Patrick’s Day Celebration (12–6 PM)
Celebrate with live music,1–4 PM by Hooligan Jack, festive green drinks, and food truck specials (food truck TBD).