5. Don’t forget non-drinkers.
Make sure to have festive, non-alcoholic options on hand. Sparkling apple cider, non-alcoholic wines, or even a fun mocktail can keep everyone included in the holiday cheer.
Most importantly, choose wines you enjoy to share with people you love (or tolerate!). Here are a few wines that will be on my table.
Cheers and Happy Thanksgiving!
White
American-made is always a good idea for Thanksgiving. A crisp, dry Riesling from New York’s Finger Lakes region is an excellent option, offering vibrant acidity and a touch of minerality that pairs beautifully with turkey, stuffing, and even sweeter sides like candied yams. Two standout picks are the Empire Estate Dry Riesling ($18), with its zesty citrus and green apple notes, and the Ravines Dry Riesling ($23), known for its elegant balance of stone fruit and subtle floral undertones.
Alternatively, look to France and the Pinon Les Trois Argiles Vouvray 2020 ($28), a mineral-driven, juicy Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley. Like dry Riesling, it boasts bright acidity and a lovely balance of fruit and freshness, making it a versatile pairing for everything from savory sides to roasted turkey.
For something crisp and herbaceous, the Cliff Lede Sauvignon Blanc 2023 ($32), a Napa Valley favorite, delivers a full body with bright citrus notes (lemon and grapefruit), making it a perfect match for a hearty meal.
Rosé
Rosé lovers will enjoy the Bedrock Wine Company “Ode to Lulu” Rosé ($22), a Provence-style Sonoma rosé with delicate strawberry and floral hints that pairs beautifully with just about anything on the table. Or look to Austria, always an excellent value for wine lovers. Try the Pratsch Rosé 2023 ($18), an organic wine with juicy red berry flavors and a refreshing acidity to keep your palate happy during the whole meal.
Red
If you want a red that’s tailor-made for Thanksgiving, try Beaujolais. Domaine Mont Bessay En Bessay Juliénas 2022 ($60) is a silky, savory Gamay that’s absolutely perfect with turkey and all the trimmings. For a less pricy option, Domaine de la Madone Beaujolais-Villages Le Perréon 2022 ($18) is delightful, with lots of fresh strawberry and floral notes.
And don’t skip out on Pinot Noir from Burgundy, another fantastic Thanksgiving wine, thinking it would be too expensive. Affordable and delicious reds from Bourgogne can be found! Here are two from a historic producer that would be perfect with the turkey and trimmings: Louis Latour Valmoissine Pinot Noir 2022 ($15.99) and Louis Latour Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2022 ($27.99).
Italian reds are another great option. From Piedmont, G. D. Vajra Dolcetto d’Alba 2022 ($19) has bright cherry and violet notes and just the right amount of structure (but not too much) to stand up to heartier dishes. And from Tuscany, Sangiovese, with its zippy acidity, is always welcome at the Thanksgiving table. One of my favorite, more full-bodied versions is the Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2021 ($28), a complex wine made from 50-year-old vines.
Rioja is another classic choice. The Campillo Crianza 2018 ($25), with rich red fruit, soft oak, and spice, pairs beautifully without being overwhelming, with roasted meats, hearty stuffing, and even cranberry sauce.