So you have been invited to your family's Easter Dinner and now that you are over 21 you are given the "honor" of bringing wine or beer. What do you do? Here's a few strategies:

(George Marks/Retrofile/Getty Images)
(George Marks/Retrofile/Getty Images)
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If your family is going with ham a white to pair would be a semi-dry Riesling, maybe go with 'Kung Fu Girl' or 'Chateau St Michelle' both in the 10-15$ range and from Washington State. If they are red wine lovers, try an Oregon or California Pinot Noir in the $15-$20 range. Both areas will give you enough fruit on the palate to marry up with the bit of salty sweetness that can occur in ham, but won't be as acidic say as a French red burgundy.

Have a family that is willing to try almost anything? Then bring some bubbly. Pick up an "Extra-Dry" Prosecco from Italy or an "Extra-Dry" Cava (a bit more fruit and less perceived dryness than one labeled 'Brut'). Check your local wine store, you should be able to get one of those for $10-15. Not sure which one to get? Here are a few suggestions, feel free to ask the wine guru at that local shop for their suggestions. You might also hear the words, Gamay, Beaujoulais, Chardonnay, maybe even hard cider. These will also pair well with ham.

Lamb on the menu? White wines, stick with a Semi-Dry Riesling or Alsacian Pinot Blanc. For red wines, Beaujoulais, Pinot Noir or Cote's Du Rhone are "safe options". A bolder red wine option would be a red wine from Loire. Ask for a Anjou-Saumur or a Touraine, they are both made from Cabernet Franc ($20-35).

When all else fails, ask the person at the store for a recommendation. Make sure to tell them how much you are wanting to spend, give them details about the menu and if the people you will be dining with are conservative or a bit adventurous.

Cheers

and just in case no one has a corkscrew...

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