Thanksgiving Wine Guide

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1. Sparkling Wine (First Spark | With the Wind)

  • Best for: Starting the meal or pairing with appetizers.
  • Why: The crisp acidity and bubbles in sparkling wines like Prosecco, Champagne, or Cava cleanse the palate and pair well with light hors d’oeuvres, salads, and cheeses.
  • Recommendation: Brut or Extra Dry Champagne.

2. White Wines

Chardonnay (Glimmer | With the Wind)

  • Best for: Turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing.
  • Why: Its medium body and balance of fruit and acidity harmonize with the savory, buttery dishes without overwhelming the flavors.
  • Recommendation: Unoaked Chardonnay for a crisp finish or lightly oaked for added creaminess.

Riesling (Ste. Michelle)

  • Best for: Sweet potato casserole, glazed carrots, and cranberry sauce.
  • Why: Its bright acidity and slight sweetness offset the sweetness of the sides and balance the tartness of cranberries.
  • Recommendation: A German Kabinett Riesling or a dry domestic Riesling.

3. Red Wines

Pinot Noir (La Crema Monterey)

  • Best for: Turkey, stuffing, and earthy sides like mushrooms.
  • Why: Its light body and fruity, earthy flavors match the delicate turkey meat and earthy tones of traditional Thanksgiving fare.
  • Recommendation: A Burgundy-style Pinot Noir or a fruit-forward option from Oregon or California.

Zinfandel (Rombauer Vineyards)

  • Best for: Dark meat turkey, gravy, and dishes with spice or sweetness.
  • Why: Its bold, fruity profile and subtle spiciness pair well with the richness of dark meat and sweeter sides.
  • Recommendation: California Zinfandel.

Syrah (Northern Glo | With the Wind)

  • Best for: Hearty stuffing, roasted vegetables, and cranberry sauce.
  • Why: These medium-bodied wines offer ripe fruit flavors and balanced acidity that complement the spices and fruits in Thanksgiving dishes.
  • Recommendation: Rhône Valley or an Australian GSM blend.

4. Rosé Wines (Cote Des Roses)

  • Best for: A versatile choice for the entire meal.
  • Why: A dry rosé combines the fruitiness of red wines and the crispness of white, making it a flexible option for diverse flavors.
  • Recommendation: A Provençal rosé for elegance or a fuller-bodied option from Spain.
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