Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, togetherness and a feast built around turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce and pie. That’s a lot of different flavors on one plate, which is exactly why choosing a wine can feel tricky. The good news: a few versatile styles cover almost everything on the table. Below, we break down what to pour with each course, then share our team’s favorite Thanksgiving bottles.

What Wine Goes Best With Thanksgiving Dinner?

For most Thanksgiving tables, Pinot Noir is the safest red and an off-dry Riesling or oaked Chardonnay is the safest white. All three have enough acidity and fruit to handle turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce without overpowering them. Start with sparkling wine for appetizers, and finish with Sauternes or Port for dessert.

Thanksgiving Wine Pairing by Course

Welcome Drink: A Classic Old Fashioned

It’s always nice to greet guests at the door with a drink in hand. Before the wine comes out, an Old Fashioned makes a warm welcome. Here’s our recipe (serves one):

  • 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
  • 2 or 3 dashes of bitters
  • 1 tsp simple syrup
  • 1 slice of orange peel (wrap it around the rim of the glass and slide to coat)

Combine the whiskey, bitters and simple syrup in a rocks glass, stir, garnish with the orange peel and welcome the feast.

Appetizers: Sparkling Wine

A flute of Champagne or other sparkling wine is always a welcome sight. Notes of citrus and pear plus bright acidity make it an easy match for sweet, salty and savory appetizers alike, from cheese boards to deviled eggs.

Turkey and Sides: Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay

Off-dry Riesling: balanced acidity and a touch of sweetness match the salt and spice found in most of the plate, especially sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce.

Oaked Chardonnay: barrel-fermented Chardonnay brings rich, buttery, vanilla and spice notes that marry beautifully with turkey, gravy and mashed potatoes.

Pinot Noir: ripe cherry and berry flavors work with the cranberry sauce, spice notes match the stuffing, and its softness keeps it from overwhelming the lighter dishes. It’s our top pick if you only buy one red.

Bolder Reds: Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon

The key with bigger reds is balance. A fruit-forward Zinfandel has enough body for dark meat and rich sides while staying soft enough not to take over. If you’re serving prime rib or ham alongside the turkey, a Cabernet Sauvignon or Bordeaux blend is a great fit.

Dessert: Sauternes or Port

Dessert is a different animal. Look for a sweet wine to match sweeter fare. Sauternes, made from grapes affected by noble rot (a good thing), shows dried apricot, honey, baked apple and spice, perfect with apple or pumpkin pie. A vintage Port is a rich alternative for pecan pie and chocolate.

Prefer to end the night the way it started? A warm Hot Toddy is a perfect way to wind down. Try one of our Hot Toddy recipes.

Our Favorite Thanksgiving Wines

These bottles were hand-picked by our wine team. Availability and vintages change, so ask our staff for the current release or a similar pick.

Sparkling Wine and Champagne

White Wines

Red Wines

How to Choose the Right Thanksgiving Wine

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Match the wine to your menu and your guests. For turkey and other poultry, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are excellent choices. If red meat is on the table, a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Bordeaux works better. Champagne and Prosecco add a festive touch, and Riesling handles sweet and spicy dishes beautifully. When in doubt, put out one sparkling, one white and one red, and let guests choose.

Shop Thanksgiving Wine at Holiday Wine Cellar

Stop by our Escondido store or shop wine online for local delivery across San Diego County and shipping. Planning more holiday meals? See our 11 wines to pair with your holiday feasts and 11 beers to pair with your holiday feasts.

Cheers to a Thanksgiving filled with great food, great company and the perfect bottle to go with it all.

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