Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with family and friends, sharing delicious food, and, of course, enjoying great wine. Choosing the right wines to serve throughout the day can enhance the festive atmosphere and complement the diverse flavors of your Thanksgiving feast. We invite you to explore this guide as you prepare your festive menu. These are the best wines to serve before, during, and after Thanksgiving dinner for a warm and memorable celebration.
Before Dinner
As guests arrive, this is a great opportunity to set the mood with some delightful aperitifs and welcome wines. The wines you select should be light and refreshing to excite your guests’ palates.
Sparkling Wine
Nothing says celebration quite like a glass of sparkling wine to create an inviting atmosphere. The bubbles help to cleanse the palate and can pair well with light appetizers, such as cheese platters or savory puffed pastry. Look for options like:
- Brut or Extra Brut Champagne: Offers a dry, crisp sip with notes of apple and toast.
- Cava: A Spanish sparkling wine made using the same method as Champagne, but much more affordable. Cava simultaneously boasts citrusy and savory flavor notes.
- Sekt: A style of sparkling wine, originally from Germany and Austria, made with cool climate grapes for extra refreshing zing in each sip. Look for a Sekt made with Riesling for a special introduction to your festivities.
Sauvignon Blanc
A zesty Sauvignon Blanc is another excellent choice for pre-dinner sipping. Its bright acidity and citrus notes can complement a variety of appetizers from shrimp cocktails to crudités. Opt for a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand or California for vibrant flavors.
Rosé
Rosé is versatile and refreshing, which makes it perfect for a Thanksgiving gathering. It pairs well with a range of starters, too. Pair a dry rosé with charcuterie and fruit.
During Dinner
Thanksgiving dinner is the highlight of the day! Featuring a rich variety of flavors ranging from savory and sweet. The right wines can elevate the meal and enhance the experience.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is often hailed as the quintessential Thanksgiving wine! The bright red fruit flavors and lower tannins of Pinot Noir make it a fantastic pairing with both turkey and cranberry sauce. Look for options from Burgundy (France) or Oregon, where the terroir produces elegant and complex wines.
Chardonnay
Another classic and diverse wine for festive meals is a medium to full-bodied Chardonnay, particularly one that is oaked. The wine’s buttery texture and flavors of apple, pear, and vanilla harmonize well with the richness of a roasted or deep fried turkey as well as creamy side dishes like mashed potatoes. Try an crispy unoaked Chardonnay when pairing with vibrant salads with vinaigrette.
Zinfandel
For those who prefer a bolder wine, Zinfandel is a great choice. Its jammy fruit flavors and hints of baking spice complement the savory flavors of roasted meats and sweet sides like candied yams. Look for a California Zinfandel for the best representation of this varietal.
Grenache
Grenache offers rich berry flavors that pair wonderfully with the wide range of dishes served at Thanksgiving. A GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre) blend can offer complexity and balance, making it a versatile choice for the meal. Another cool weather favorite!
After Dinner
As the meal winds down, it is time to transition to lighter and sweeter wines that can enhance dessert and usher your guests into a blissful state of relaxation.
Dessert Wine
A late-harvest Riesling or a Sauternes can be the perfect ending to your Thanksgiving dinner. These wines present honeyed sweetness and rich flavors that pair beautifully with pumpkin pie and pecan pie. Alternatively, try a fruit-forward Pinot Noir paired with fruit desserts like poached pears or spiced plum clafoutis.
Port
Port wine is a rich and decadent choice for sipping after dinner. Its fortified nature means it has a higher alcohol content and intense flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and spices. Both tawny and ruby port make a delightful pairing with chocolate desserts or cheese platters.
Sparkling Wine (Again!)
Consider ending the night with another round of sparkling wine, but perhaps a sweeter option like a Moscato or a demi-sec Champagne. The refreshing bubbles can cleanse the palate after rich desserts and leave everyone feeling festive as they wind down from the meal.
Tips for Choosing Thanksgiving Wines
- Diversity is Key: With a wide range of dishes, it is helpful to offer a selection of wines. At a minimum, consider providing a white, red, and a sweet option to cater to different tastes.
- Local and Seasonal: Explore wines from local vineyards or regions known for their Thanksgiving wines. Supporting local wineries can add a personal touch to your gathering. Look for holiday bundles that navigate around option overload.
- Temperature Matters: Serve whites and sparkling wines chilled (i.e., about 2 hours in the fridge), while reds should be at a slightly cooler room temperature. This will enhance their flavors and aromas.
Expert Tip: Pop your red wine in the fridge for 20 minutes before serving. Yes, really.
Selecting the right wines for Thanksgiving dinner can enhance the overall dining experience to make your gathering even more enjoyable. By offering sparkling wines before dinner, thoughtfully chosen whites and reds during the meal, and sweet options afterward, you can create an exciting and indulgent wine journey for your guests. Raise your glasses to a wonderful celebration filled with great food, wine, and time spent together!