Bringing you a repurposed repost from Armchair Sommelier, of which I am a contributing writer, so be sure to check them out! This time around we will be discussing how to make the perfect Thanksgiving wine pairing. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to my blog, where I share seasonal food recipes, cocktails, wine tips, and more!

The Perfect Thanksgiving Wine Pairing

Thanksgiving is, in my opinion, the most important holiday of the year. Knowing how to curate the perfect wine pairing can seriously elevate your and your guests’ dining experience.

Now, I can save you some time and tell you that light-bodied reds are a tried-and-true option if you’re doing the traditional turkey and stuffing dinner. However, I encourage you to keep reading if you want additional suggestions to push you, and your guests, out of your comfort zone.

Tips for Building the Best Thanksgiving Wine Pairing

Every Thanksgiving table looks different, especially when it comes to what’s served for dinner. Regardless of this, there are some honest-to-goodness truths that are applicable to every holiday gathering.

Here are a couple of tips that will help guide you through your local wine shop, regardless if you’re serving up fried turkey, tempeh turkey, or even a butter board.

Start with bubbles- Greeting guests with a glass of sparkling wine takes even a basic game night and elevates it into a memorable experience. Sparkling wine also happens to be low in alcohol, which is a good initiation into the evening.

Light-bodied reds are your friend - The first 10/10 recommendations you’ll get when you google “Thanksgiving wine pairing” will start with either Pinot noir or Gamay noir. That’s because they make turkey seem exciting and don’t steal the show from the more rich and flavorful dishes.

Options, options, options - Regardless of what you’re serving, people will have their preferences. Keep a safe bet white wine (like a Chardonnay) in the fridge, as well as beer and liquor (if you dare).

Best Wines to Start

If your guests are arriving early enough for appetizers, it’s a good idea to start off with something light-bodied and low in alcohol that can be enjoyed with or without food.

Sparkling Wine

Sparkling wine is celebratory, it’s light and zippy, it’s low in alcohol, and it pairs with all sorts of small bites. Regardless if you have a veggie display or pigs-in-a-blanket, sparkling wine makes for the perfect pairing.

Suggested Pairing: Charcuterie, Brie Wrapped in Phyllo

White Bordeaux (Sauvignon Blanc & Sémillon)

This white Bordeaux blend combines a crisp acidity and herbaceous Sauv. blanc with a floral and velvety Semillon to make a trusted blend sure to pair with a variety of flavors. This is an example of an easygoing white wine that doesn’t need food to shine.

Suggested Pairing: Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts, Spinach Artichoke Dip

Best Wines for the Main Attraction

Now onto the main attraction. I’ve included a combination of trusted recommendations, along with a few you might not expect. Don’t be afraid to mix it up, and when in doubt, have options!

Light Red: Beaujolais (Gamay Noir)

The bright red fruit notes and high acid you get from a bottle of slightly chilled Gamay will complement not only the turkey but any side dish you would serve it with.

Fun fact: Beaujolais nouveau is the very first wine released for the harvest year. On average, a bottle of nouveau goes from harvest to bottle in just eight weeks!

Suggested Pairing: Traditional Roasted Turkey, Cranberry Stuffing

Big & Bold: Zinfandel

If you read my post on Zinfandel Pairings, then you know it’s not unusual to pour a berry-centric, slightly herbaceous Zinfandel on Turkey Day.

While this choice stands in contrast to the lighter options mentioned above, the vibrant fruit notes and relatively easygoing tannins will support and liven up your holiday feast.

Suggested Pairing: Fried Turkey, Roast Beef, Garlic Mashed Potatoes

When Your Aunt Loves Chardonnay: Grenache Blanc

Grenache blanc is a full-bodied white wine with characteristics of oak, minerality, and tropical or green apple notes (depending on ripeness) which makes it an awesome choice for Chardonnay lovers. A full-bodied white wine is sure to stand up to anything your hosts put in front of you.

Suggested Pairing: Citrus-and-Herb Turkey, Sweet Potato, Roasted Veggies

If You Love the Sweeter Things in Life: Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer is a light, aromatic wine with bright acidity that pairs beautifully with food. Whether your turkey is roasted, smoked, or fried, Gewürztraminer is guaranteed to provide a stunning reprieve. A touch of sweetness never hurt either!

Suggested Pairing: Smoked Turkey, Stuffed Squash, Cranberry Sauce, Green Bean Casserole

Best Wines for the Finale

Dessert is as essential to Thanksgiving as the turkey is, which is why having a dessert wine to pour for the adults is an absolute must. Trust me, if you’ve never given yourself the luxury of a good bottle of Port after a long day spent with family, you are missing out!

Oh, and if you want something with a little more kick, then definitely check out this espresso martini!

If You Know, You Know: Port

As I mentioned in my post on Portuguese Red Wines, Port is easily the most popular dessert wine. This is especially true over the holidays when this red, thick elixer puts everyone at ease and makes conversation flow like… well… a bottle of Port.

Suggested Pairing: Goat Cheesecake, Chocolate Torte

Go Big or Go Home: Pedro Ximénez Sherry

Also known as the sweetest wine in the world, this sherry comes from grapes of the same name. These grapes are picked overly ripe, then sun dried to concentrate the sugars even more and produce a thick, almost-black, and intensely sweet dessert wine.

Serve slightly chilled with desserts that aren’t too sweet, or better yet, a wedge of blue cheese.

Suggested Pairing: Aged Cheeses, Tiramisu

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving is the one true holiday where the food and wine are what shine. That being said, don’t allow yourself to be too consumed with selecting the perfect bottle.

Start light, have options, and when in doubt, as your local wine shop staff for their recommendations.

After all, the most important thing of all is that you love what’s in your glass!