Which wines and why when brunching
The Ultimate Guide to Wine for Every Brunch
Brunch is no longer just a lazy Sunday indulgence. It’s a ritual, a social event, and a chance to slow down with friends while enjoying good food and even better drinks. Plates overflow with sweet and savoury dishes, and the right glass of wine can turn a simple meal into something truly memorable. If you’ve already mastered eggs benedict, fluffy pancakes, and perfect avocado toast, it’s time to take things up a notch with wines that elevate brunch from casual to chic.
Sparkle Before Noon
No brunch feels complete without bubbles. While Prosecco and Cava keep things fun and easy, you can lift the experience with a refined Crémant or Champagne. Their bright acidity and freshness balance rich dishes like eggs florentine or smoked salmon bagels, while their lively fizz adds a celebratory touch that suits a late-morning feast. For something playful, try a sparkling rosé. It pairs beautifully with fruit, pastries, and even fried chicken.
Whites That Brighten the Plate
Brunch sits between breakfast and lunch, which makes versatility key. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements eggs, herbs, and lighter plates. For something rounder, a lightly oaked Chardonnay adds depth to buttery quiches or croque monsieur. If you are leaning toward Mediterranean flavours such as tomatoes, olives, or feta, a Vermentino or Albariño makes a refreshing match.
Rosé All Day (Especially at Brunch)
Rosé is a natural fit for the brunch table. Its delicate fruit and gentle acidity pair perfectly with everything from fresh salads to charcuterie. Pale, Provence-style rosés feel effortlessly elegant, but deeper rosés can stand up to savoury dishes like shakshuka or roasted vegetables. As a bonus, rosé looks gorgeous in the glass, making every table more inviting.
A Red for the Bold
Yes, red wine has a place at brunch. Keep it light and fresh. A chilled Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with mushroom omelettes, smoked meats, or a brunch burger. For a juicier option, try Beaujolais or Grenache, which bring bright fruit and soft tannins without overpowering the food.
The Secret Weapon: Dessert Wines
If your brunch leans toward the sweet side with waffles, French toast, or fruit tarts, dessert wines are your best friend. Moscato d’Asti brings gentle fizz and floral sweetness, while a glass of Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise or ice wine turns pastries into something unforgettable. Just remember, the wine should always be sweeter than the dish to keep the flavours in harmony.
Brunch, Elevated
Whether you’re toasting with Prosecco at Hammett’s or recreating the magic at home, the right wine turns brunch into an occasion. After all, the best pairings aren’t just about taste, they’re about fun, friendship, and that perfect touch of sparkle before noon. Inspired by Hammett’s Gastro Bar, our top brunch pairings celebrate an Asian twist on the classic, bold, creative, and effortlessly stylish.
Soufflé pancake, whipped cream, maple syrup, blueberry
Pair with: Moscato d’Asti
Delicate bubbles, floral aromas, and gentle sweetness turn these fluffy pancakes into a dream pairing. Moscato’s light fizz mirrors the pancake’s texture, while its fruitiness plays perfectly with blueberries and maple syrup. Try Fontanafredda Moscato d’Asti Le Fronde for a premium touch.
Korean Omelette (v)
Soft omelette, spring onion, kimchi, gochujang sauce, soy glaze
Pair with: Off-dry Riesling
Vibrant acidity and a touch of sweetness make Riesling the perfect partner for the punchy spice of gochujang and the tang of kimchi. Each sip refreshes the palate, letting the dish’s savoury complexity shine. Try Schloss Johannisberg Riesling Feinherb Gelblack for balance and lift.
Gua Bao Buns, crispy bacon, fried egg, hoisin sauce
Pair with: Sparkling Rosé
The salty-sweet crunch of bacon and the richness of egg meet their match in a chilled glass of sparkling rosé. The bubbles lift the umami of the hoisin, while the wine’s fruitiness complements the bao’s softness beautifully. Try Segura Viudas Cava Rosé for a great pairing.
Sliema | Saturday and Sunday, 11 am to 2 pm
At Hammett’s Gastro Bar, East meets West in a bold mix of flavour and creativity. From modern takes on brunch classics to fusion favourites like their famous Gua Bao buns, every dish is designed to surprise and delight. The Bottomless Brunch (€26 per person) includes two hours of free-flowing Serena Prosecco and a dish of your choice. Because nothing says weekend quite like a glass that never runs dry.
