Best Wines for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a major event in most American households. Many cooks will wake up at ungodly hours of the morning to prepare the turkey. Then they begin assembling the other components of the feast. They may be rightfully preoccupied with the main and side dishes. But they also need to consider one more important aspect: the wine.

There are so many available options for wines that it can get overwhelming quickly. That’s where we come in. Maybe you’re in charge of the whole meal, or maybe you just want to bring a bottle with you as a gift. Either way, we’ve collected the best wines to pair with every part of the Thanksgiving meal.

A Guide to Picking the Best Wines for Thanksgiving

When selecting a wine to serve guests at Thanksgiving, it’s best to start by having your menu set ahead of time. By understanding the dishes that will be presented, you’ll be able to select a wine that further enhances their flavor.

There are few rules when it comes to selecting the best wine for Thanksgiving. Really, the priority should be your guests’ experience. That said, you’re here to figure out which bottle will be best. So let’s start with narrowing down the types of wine you can choose from: white, red, blush, or sparkling.

White wines are typically served with light meat or seafood. They’re traditionally sweeter than reds, though white wines can still be found that are nearly bone-dry. The light, fruity notes of white wine are great for cocktail hour in place of aperitifs. They can be especially refreshing on hot days (or in hot kitchens). If you’ll be serving a meal that includes more light meat (like turkey breast instead of legs), consider going with white wine.

Red wines are typically more full-bodied and headier than white or sparkling wines. Their robust flavor profiles complement dense dishes like mashed potatoes, red meats, and stews. There are also sweet red wines that can be served in place of white. These include Beaujolais Nouveau or Pinot Noir blends made in California.

Blush wines like Rose´ and White Zinfandel are lighter than red wines thanks to their minimal tannin absorption. If you plan to have a variety of meats and want something versatile, look into blush wines.

Sparkling wines and Champagne are full of that delightful carbonation that gives the “fizzy” feeling in your mouth. They go down smoothly, and consequently, can be drunk quickly. It’s best to serve sparkling wines before dinner as an aperitif or with dessert. If you’d like to serve one during the main course, get a few more bottles than you think you need.

The Top White Wines for Thanksgiving

  • Riesling - A versatile wine that comes in an array of blends. Rieslings can run the full spectrum from dry to sugary-sweet. The acidity of this wine will make the flavors of sweet potato casseroles, turkey, and peppered stuffing pop.
  • Sauvignon Blanc - This white wine brings notes of citrus to a meal that’s traditionally light on fruit.
  • Pinot Grigio - Popular in the United States, Pinot grigio is the workhorse of white wines. Its flavor profile includes citrus, honey, spice, and sometimes notes of melon. Yet its acidity prevents any single note from taking over. This wine pairs well with nearly every aspect of Thanksgiving, from cranberry sauce to freshly baked rolls.

Top White Wines for Thanksgiving

The Top Red Wines for Thanksgiving

  • Pinot Noir - This red wine is full of earthy undertones balanced with notes of fruit. It’s a popular wine for Thanksgiving as it can bring out the savory flavors in dishes.
  • Red Zinfandel - If you’re looking for something a little headier, look for a red zinfandel. This wine is full-bodied and can pair nicely with a variety of flavors.
  • Shiraz - Shiraz wines from Australia are exceptionally versatile. They can include notes of chocolate, clove, blackberry, licorice, and even leather.

top-red-wines-for-thanksgiving

Other Wine Ideas for Thanksgiving Dinner

  • Sparkling Wine - Look for regional blends as they’ll have notes local to the area, a nice feature when bringing together family and friends. Most sparkling wines are great to pair with foods that are fried or particularly salty.
  • Champagne - Champagne gives every table setting a little extra panache. And the fizzy carbonation can also aid digestion for those who love to over-indulge in all the fixings.
  • Rose´ - For hearty meals, try looking for a dry blend. It will have a fruitier flavor that pairs well with most parts of the Thanksgiving meal.
  • Beaujolais Nouveau - A last-minute addition, since it’s released on the third Thursday of every November. This is a light and fruity blend that complements the savory flavor of turkey and its side dishes.

Wine Ideas for Thanksgiving Dinner

Wine Pairings for Pies

  • Port - One of the best-known digestifs, port wine is sweet without being heady or acidic. While it varies by production methods, most ports have a caramel sweetness and hints of dried fruit and chocolate.
  • Vermouth - Available either as “dry” or “sweet,” this aperitif can stand alone without its martini counterparts.
  • Madeira - Named after the small Portuguese island it comes from, this fortified white wine is a warm, decadent pairing that goes great with pumpkin pie. Madeira wine can last for months after opening, thanks to its curing process, which includes forced oxidation.
  • Marsala - Straight from Sicily, this wine is blended with brandy to give it a kick in both flavor and alcohol content. Its ABV tends to be around 15 - 20 percent and it has hints of brown sugar and dried fruit. Expect a range of sweetness based on the way your Marsala was aged.

Best Wines for Pies

Final Thoughts

If you’re still not sure which wine to offer, consider bringing a few different bottles to the table! The versatile pair Shiraz and Riesling should cover the preferences of any guest that wants a glass. Remember that this time of year is about bringing people together, so don’t get bogged down with the details. Use this guide as a quick reference when your menu is set. We hope you find a wine that will enhance the meal and the gathering.