From Bubbly to Beaujolais: Wines That Make Thanksgiving Shine
Carol Wolniakowski
Pairing wine with Thanksgiving dinner can be tricky. The mix of flavors and textures - from savory turkey and herb-stuffed sides to sweet potatoes and tangy cranberry sauce - means you need wines that are versatile, balanced, and approachable. While Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are always popular choices, I’d love to share a few other wines to consider this Thanksgiving:
Bubbles. We always like to start the day with a little bubbly while we finish preparing the meal. Since Thanksgiving is an American holiday, we love pouring a sparkling wine from California (orange juice optional for a festive mimosa!). It’s light, refreshing, and sets a celebratory tone as the aromas of the kitchen fill the house.
Pinot Gris. When it’s time to sit down, I often reach for a Pinot Gris from Oregon or Alsace. Its bright acidity and juicy stone fruit flavors complement the richness of turkey and buttery sides, while the subtle mineral notes balance both savory and sweet dishes beautifully.
Riesling. A slightly off-dry Riesling from the Finger Lakes or Germany is another favorite. The gentle touch of sweetness pairs perfectly with cranberry sauce, glazed carrots, and sweet potatoes, while the lively acidity keeps it from feeling heavy alongside the rest of the meal.
Cru Beaujolais. For red wine lovers, lighter styles work best. You don’t want a heavy, tannic wine overpowering delicate turkey or creamy sides. A Cru Beaujolais is an ideal choice (not to be confused with Beaujolais Nouveau, although serving Nouveau is a fun harvest tradition!). It offers bright red fruit, subtle earthiness, and soft tannins that play nicely with a full plate of flavors.
Grenache. Another excellent red option is Grenache from France or Garnacha from Spain. Medium-bodied with juicy red fruit, soft spice, and low tannins, these wines are versatile enough to pair with both herb-roasted turkey and savory sides.
Tavel Rosé. And when in doubt, you really can’t go wrong with rosé! I love the wines from the Tavel region in France for Thanksgiving - they are deeper, richer, and more structured than most rosés, which allows them to stand up to hearty sides and even slightly sweet dishes while still feeling bright and refreshing on the palate.
Gewürztraminer. Finally, don’t forget dessert! A Gewürztraminer pairs beautifully with pumpkin pie. Although it’s most famous from Germany and Alsace, you can also find excellent examples from Washington State and Michigan. Its aromatic, spicy character and touch of sweetness complement the cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove in pumpkin pie, making it a perfect end-of-meal wine.
I hope you find a little inspiration here for your Thanksgiving wine selections. But the real joy of Thanksgiving comes from the memories you create with your loved ones (even when the turkey comes out dry or the mashed potatoes are lumpy!). Wishing you a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!