As we prepare to gather with loved ones for Thanksgiving, it's time to start thinking of (and stocking up on) what wine you wanna serve. Now, I know that the turkey is the star of the show, but the right wines have the power to elevate the diverse flavors of a Thanksgiving feast and create moments of joy and togetherness. To ensure your holiday table is perfectly set, I've delved into extensive research to discover the ideal wine pairings for each part of the Thanksgiving feast.
I've carefully curated a selection of wines that harmonize with the appetizers, main course, and dessert. Along the way, we'll explore some fun and creative wine accessories, all designed to add a touch of whimsy to your celebration. So keep reading to find our guide to the best wine for Thanksgiving to ensure your holiday is filled with flavor, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
The Best Wines For Thanksgiving Appetizers
Ferrari Perlé is a superb choice to kick off your Thanksgiving celebration with elegance and flair. This Italian sparkling wine from the Trentodoc region exudes finesse with its refined bubbles and crisp, refreshing character. Perfect for the appetizer course, Ferrari Perlé's vibrant acidity and bright fruit notes pair harmoniously with light hors d'oeuvres or a simple cheese platter. Its clean, palate-cleansing bubbles add a touch of sophistication to your pre-dinner gathering, setting the stage for a memorable Thanksgiving feast.
But if you're looking for actual champagne (instead of sparkling wine), Champagne Pommery is a fabulous choice. It's bright, bubbly, and perfectly balanced.
This 2019 Grand Brut Rosé is a delightful blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, creating an enchanting symphony of flavors. As you pour, delicate, fine bubbles gracefully dance in the glass. Aromas of hibiscus flower, red sour cherry, and a hint of watermelon invite you in, while the fresh brioche bread and zesty mandarin citrus notes add a layer of sophistication.
This exceptional white wine is a delightful expression of the Gewurztraminer grape, offering a captivating bouquet of exotic aromas. As you savor the fragrant notes of lychee, rose petals, and exotic spices, it sets the stage for a memorable appetizer course. This wine's rich and luscious character harmonizes perfectly with various hors d'oeuvres. Pierre Sparr Gewurztraminer's full-bodied and slightly sweet profile adds a touch of opulence to your Thanksgiving gathering, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an adventurous wine to accompany their pre-dinner delights.
While lighter white wines make for more obvious pre-dinner drinks, some folks still prefer a red wine. For a lighter-bodied crowd-pleaser, opt for the Meiomi Pinot Noir. I've never met anyone who didn't enjoy it! It drinks easy and pairs well with just about whatever hors d'Oeuvres you set out!
Best Wine To Pair With Your Thanksgiving Dinner
Crafted with precision and a nod to the Santa Maria Valley's renowned terroir, this Chardonnay showcases a harmonious balance of fruit and minerality. With notes of ripe apples, citrus, and a subtle touch of oak, it elegantly complements your Thanksgiving meal, especially the succulent roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and buttery sauces. The Foxen Winery Chardonnay's crisp acidity and rich mouthfeel make it a versatile companion for the diverse flavors on your plate, leaving your guests enchanted and satisfied. This wine embodies the essence of California winemaking and is sure to be a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving feast.
This Pinot Noir entices with a symphony of red fruit flavors, a velvety texture, and subtle hints of spice, making it an ideal companion to the holiday's centerpiece, roasted turkey. The wine's well-balanced acidity and refined tannins provide an inviting contrast to the savory turkey, while its delicate fruit notes harmonize with cranberry sauce and earthy stuffing. Michael Pozzan Pinot Noir embodies the essence of Sonoma County winemaking, promising to enhance your Thanksgiving feast with layers of complexity and a lasting, memorable finish.
For something a little more upscale, this cuordilava from Donnafugata's collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana is absolutely delicious. The notes of spices and stone fruits really carry this wine, making it perfect for fall — and especially for Thanksgiving dinner!
Looking for another fruit-forward, easily-drinkable red wine? I definitely recommend The Prisoner Red Blend. It's another crowd-pleasing red wine in my experience, pairing well with all your Thanksgiving fixings, but with enough body to drink on its own.
This wine exemplifies the essence of the Mediterranean with its delicate pale pink hue and a delightful bouquet of red berries and citrus zest. The light and crisp character of this Rosé makes it a perfect choice to accompany your main course. Its refreshing acidity and flavors of fresh strawberries and hints of herbs will elegantly complement the diverse flavors on your Thanksgiving table. Les Sarrins Cotes de Provence Rosé embodies the spirit of southern France and promises to add a dash of sophistication and vibrancy to your celebration.
Best Wine For Thanksgiving Dessert
This luscious and opulent dessert wine hails from the Sauternes region of Bordeaux, offering an exquisite blend of richness and sweetness. With flavors of honeyed apricots, tropical fruits, and a touch of exotic spice, it pairs superbly with an array of sweet treats on your Thanksgiving dessert table, such as pies, tarts, and creamy desserts. The wine's balanced acidity ensures it doesn't become overly cloying, making it a perfect companion to conclude your Thanksgiving celebration on a sweet and harmonious note.
This Italian gem, hailing from the Moscato d'Asti region, is renowned for its vibrant and effervescent character. It bursts with flavors of ripe peaches, nectarines, and fragrant white blossoms, creating a symphony of sweet and floral notes. The Saracco Moscato d'Asti is a perfect companion for your dessert course, harmonizing particularly well with classic Thanksgiving treats like pumpkin pie. Its gentle fizz and balancing acidity offer a refreshing contrast to the pie's rich, creamy filling and spicy pumpkin flavors.
For a sweet and fruity finale to your Thanksgiving feast, the Marenco Brachetto d'Acqui Pineto 2018 is a superb choice. Hailing from the Brachetto d'Acqui region in Italy, this sparkling wine is renowned for its lush and effervescent character. It boasts an array of red fruit flavors, with dominant notes of strawberries and raspberries and a gentle touch of rose petals. The Marenco Brachetto d'Acqui pairs beautifully with various Thanksgiving desserts, making it an ideal complement to classics like cherry pie. And there you have it, the very best wine for Thanksgiving.
A Little Extra Fun For Your Feast
Photo by Anna Shvets / PEXELS
Picking out the right wine is of utter importance. However, if you really want to impress your loved ones, add a little fun twist. Let's take a look at some fun and quirky wine accessories to make your Thanksgiving table even more special.
Thanksgiving wine labels are like the colorful bow ties for your bottles — fun, cute, and an exciting addition to your Thanksgiving table! These labels often sport whimsical and seasonal designs, from quirky turkeys to charming pumpkins, infusing a dose of personality into your wine presentation. They not only add a playful element but can also ignite conversations around the dinner table as guests admire the label artistry. They help you stay organized, ensuring each wine finds its perfect moment during the meal. Plus, personalized or themed labels add a sprinkle of uniqueness to your gathering, making your loved ones feel extra special. So, don't be surprised if your guests start giggling or "awwing" at these labels — they're the ultimate party accessory for a fun and delightful Thanksgiving celebration!
This unique wine chiller takes the form of a plump and friendly turkey, not only keeping your favorite bottles of wine perfectly chilled but also adding a dose of whimsy to your holiday decor. Just imagine your guests' delight as they discover this charming, feathered friend cradling your wine. It's a conversation starter and an Instagram-worthy moment all in one! Whether you're serving a crisp white wine or a refreshing Rosé, the turkey wine chiller ensures your beverages stay at the ideal temperature throughout your feast.
Fun wine glasses can be a delightful and creative addition to your Thanksgiving table. These glasses often feature festive and seasonal designs, adding a touch of visual charm to your wine presentation. They serve as conversation starters, sparking discussions about the wine's origin or the special meaning behind the glass's design. These glasses can also help organize your wine selection, making it easier to identify and serve the right wine with each course. So whether it's a wholesome family event or a lively Friendsgiving, fun wine glasses are always a go!
Shop These Fun Ideas
As you gear up to gather your Thanksgiving wine and accessories, we have a world of shopping options just a click away. Online retailers provide the convenience of exploring a vast array of selections from the comfort of your home, ensuring you'll discover the perfect wines and accessories to enhance your holiday celebration. Below, I've curated a list of some of the finest online stores, each offering its unique expertise and selection to cater to your Thanksgiving wine and accessory requirements.
- Etsy: Your go-to destination for fun and unique Thanksgiving wine accessories, with a wide array of handcrafted and personalized items, from whimsical wine charms to custom labels, adding a touch of artisanal charm and flair to your holiday wine selection.
- Vivino: This vibrant online platform not only offers a wide selection of wines, but it also provides valuable ratings and reviews from wine enthusiasts and experts, ensuring you make an informed choice
- Sonoma-Cutrer: With a rich legacy in California winemaking, Sonoma-Cutrer offers a range of elegant wines perfect for your holiday celebration. Their selection includes Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and more, each crafted with precision and passion.
- Wine Access: With a commitment to curating a diverse and high-quality wine selection, Wine Access provides wine enthusiasts with a vast array of choices. Their platform offers in-depth descriptions, ratings, and expert reviews, making it easier to choose the ideal wine for your Thanksgiving feast.
- Amazon: With a vast and diverse selection, Amazon offers a wide range of wines from various regions and vineyards, ensuring something suits every taste and budget. Whether you're looking for specific wine brands or unique wine accessories like glasses, decanters, or wine chillers, Amazon is a one-stop shop for all your wine-related needs.
- Wine Enthusiast: Whether you're seeking the ideal Pinot Noir or a set of elegant wine glasses for your holiday table, this online store has you covered. What sets them apart is their wealth of knowledge, manifested through informative articles and reviews, helping you make well-informed choices.
As you come together with your loved ones, take a moment to savor the simple pleasures that truly make Thanksgiving special. Whether it's the heartfelt stories, the delightful food, or the whimsical turkey wine chillers and enchanting wine labels, it's these cherished moments of togetherness that leave a lasting impression.
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This post has been updated.
Header image via Karolina Grabowska/Pexels
