12 Best Thanksgiving Wines: Classic & Unexpected Pairings

Planning your Thanksgiving dinner can be exciting. But it often comes with pressure, especially if you're hosting for the first time. Selecting the perfect Thanksgiving wines to complement your menu can feel like another challenge, but don't worry—we're here to help.

12 Best Thanksgiving Wines

We'll explore the 12 best Thanksgiving wines, with classic to unexpected pairings. Plus, we'll share mulled wine and spritzer recipes and expert tips to help you confidently navigate wine selection.

Ready to make your Thanksgiving unforgettable? Read on for all the details!

Red Wines

When selecting the best Thanksgiving wines, reds often take center stage. Their rich flavors and versatility make them a perfect match for the diverse Thanksgiving dishes. Here are some of our top recommendations:

1. Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a traditional Thanksgiving choice, known for its light body and vibrant acidity. This red wine typically features cherry, raspberry, and cranberry notes, making it an excellent companion for turkey and cranberry sauce. Its low tannins allow it to complement both dark and white meat without overpowering the flavors.

• Pairing Suggestions: Roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and herb stuffing.

2. Zinfandel

Zinfandel is often hailed as a quintessential good Thanksgiving wine for its bold character and spicy notes. With black cherry and plum flavors and hints of cinnamon and clove, it pairs beautifully with Thanksgiving dishes' herbal and savory elements.

• Pairing Suggestions: Dark meat turkey, stuffing, and roasted root vegetables.

3. GSM/Rhône Blends

A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, GSM wines offer a complex flavor profile that includes ripe fruit, earthiness, and spice. These wines are robust enough to stand up to more decadent dishes, making them an excellent option for a Thanksgiving feast.

• Pairing Suggestions: Smoked turkey, gravy-laden dishes, and roasted squash.

4. Beaujolais

Beaujolais, particularly the Nouveau style, is a light, fruity red that arrives just in time for Thanksgiving. Its refreshing acidity and flavors of red berries make it a delightful pairing for various dishes, especially those with a hint of sweetness.

• Pairing Suggestions: Wild rice, salads, and roasted vegetables.

5. Amarone della Valpolicella

This unique Italian wine is made from partially dried grapes, resulting in a rich, full-bodied wine with dark fruit, chocolate, and spice notes. Amarone's complexity makes it a sophisticated choice for Thanksgiving.

• Pairing Suggestions: Hearty dishes like braised meats and rich casseroles.

These Thanksgiving wine recommendations enhance the flavors of your meal and contribute to a warm and festive atmosphere. 

White Wines

White wines can be just as delightful as reds during Thanksgiving. Their crispness and diverse flavor profiles make them ideal for pairing with various dishes. Here are some excellent white wine choices for your holiday table:

6. Chardonnay

Chardonnay is known for its versatility, making it a good wine for Thanksgiving. Depending on the region and production style, it can range from buttery and oaky to crisp and fruity. This wine typically features apple, pear, and citrus notes, complementing rich dishes beautifully.

• Pairing Suggestions: Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted turkey, and buttery stuffing.

7. Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is characterized by its bright acidity and refreshing flavors. With notes of lime, green apple, and sometimes a hint of grassiness, this wine adds a lively touch to your Thanksgiving meal.

• Pairing Suggestions: Green bean casserole, salads, and herb-infused dishes.

8. Riesling

Riesling is a sweet, aromatic wine that pairs well with spicy and savory foods. Its natural sweetness balances out the heat from dishes and enhances the meal's flavors.

• Pairing Suggestions: Spicy stuffing, glazed carrots, and pumpkin dishes.

9. Sancerre

Sancerre is a Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley in France that offers herbaceous notes and minerality. Its crispness and complexity make it an excellent pairing with various side dishes.

• Pairing Suggestions: Roasted vegetables, creamy dips, and cheese platters.

If you're looking for a happy Thanksgiving wine, these selections will impress your guests and complement the meal beautifully. Try a late-harvest Riesling or a sweet Sauternes for the best Thanksgiving dessert wine.

Sparkling Wines

Sparkling wines add a celebratory vibe to any Thanksgiving gathering. They are great for toasting and can be paired with various dishes due to their effervescence and versatility.

10. Blanc de Noirs Champagne

Blanc de Noirs Champagne, made from black grapes (Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier), offers a rich and complex flavor profile. Its creamy texture and notes of red fruit make it an excellent choice for pairing with turkey and other Thanksgiving staples.

• Pairing Suggestions: Roasted turkey, creamy soups, and decadent desserts.

11. Prosecco

Prosecco, an Italian sparkling wine, is light and refreshing, perfect for Thanksgiving dinner. Its light acidity and subtle sweetness make it an ideal pairing for appetizers and hors d'oeuvres.

• Pairing Suggestions: Cheese platters, crudités, and light seafood dishes.

12. Cava

Cava is known for its crispness and vibrant flavors. Made primarily from indigenous grape varieties, it typically features green apple, citrus, and a hint of toastiness. Cava offers a fantastic balance of acidity and fruitiness, making it a versatile option for the Thanksgiving table.

• Pairing Suggestions: Fried appetizers, charcuterie boards, and roasted vegetables.

These sparkling wines are a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory holiday meal.   

Classic Thanksgiving Food and Wine Pairings

Thanksgiving is all about traditional comfort food. These Thanksgiving wine pairings ensure that your holiday table is well-balanced and flavorful:

Roast Turkey

The star of most Thanksgiving dinners. For a balanced pairing, you want something that complements the savory meat without overpowering it.

• Pinot Noir: A classic choice for Thanksgiving turkey, Pinot Noir offers a light body with soft tannins and bright fruit flavors that won’t overshadow the turkey’s mild taste.
• Chardonnay: A buttery Chardonnay with a touch of oak can enhance the richness of the turkey, especially if it's prepared with herbs or a creamy gravy.
• Zinfandel: For those who prefer red wine with a little more body, Zinfandel’s ripe fruit and spice notes add warmth to the turkey’s flavor.

Stuffing

Whether your stuffing includes sausage and mushrooms or is herb-based, you'll want a wine that enhances the savory richness without clashing with the herbs.

• Sangiovese: With its high acidity and hints of red fruit, Sangiovese can cut through the heaviness of stuffing, adding a bright contrast to the dish.
• Riesling: If your stuffing is sweeter, like cranberries or apples, an off-dry Riesling can balance the savory and sweet components.

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce has a tart, sweet profile, so you'll need a wine with enough acidity to match its bold flavors.

• Gamay: This light-bodied red wine is bursting with bright red fruit flavors, making it an excellent match for the tanginess of cranberry sauce.
• Rosé: A dry rosé can offer a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of cranberry sauce while complementing the turkey and other dishes on the table.
• Beaujolais: This light red wine complements the fruitiness of the sauce.

Gewürztraminer: This aromatic wine, with its floral and fruity notes, complements the bright flavors of cranberry sauce.

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy and rich mashed potatoes call for a wine that can add brightness to the dish without being overwhelming.

• Chardonnay: The creamy texture of a well-rounded Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the buttery richness of mashed potatoes.
• Pinot Grigio: For a lighter pairing, Pinot Grigio offers crisp acidity that can balance the richness of mashed potatoes without overshadowing them.
• Grenache Blanc: For a slightly unexpected pairing, Grenache Blanc brings subtle fruit flavors and a refreshing finish that pairs well with creamy dishes.
• GSM Blends: These blends provide a nice contrast with their fruit-forward flavors.

Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie is a sweet and spiced holiday favorite. You'll want a wine that enhances the sweetness and cinnamon without becoming too cloying.

• Sauternes: This sweet white wine from France pairs perfectly with the pie, offering honey and dried fruit notes.
• Moscato d’Asti: Lightly sparkling and sweet, Moscato d’Asti is a fun and refreshing choice that complements the pie’s creamy texture and autumnal spices.
• Port: For those who enjoy a bolder option, Port's rich sweetness and nutty notes are an excellent match for the depth of flavors in pumpkin pie.
• Late-Harvest Riesling: Its sweetness complements the spices.

Unexpected Thanksgiving Food and Wine Pairings

Thanksgiving is a time for tradition, but it can also be fun to shake things up with unexpected wine and food pairings. These surprising pairs challenge the norm and enhance the flavors of your favorite dishes in delightful ways.

Turkey with Beaujolais

Instead of the typical Pinot Noir, try pairing your turkey with Beaujolais. This light, fruity red wine is a refreshing complement to the savory turkey.

• Why It Works: Beaujolais's fruitiness enhances the flavors of the turkey, while its acidity cuts through the dish's richness.

Stuffing with Zinfandel

Zinfandel is often overlooked for stuffing, but it can be a fantastic choice. Its bold flavors and spiciness can elevate the dish in unexpected ways.

• Why It Works: Zinfandel's fruit-forward nature complements the savory herbs and spices in the stuffing, creating a harmonious balance.

Cranberry Sauce with Riesling

While Sauvignon Blanc is a common Thanksgiving drink paired with cranberry sauce, Riesling offers a delightful alternative. Its sweetness and acidity make it a perfect match for the sauce's tartness.

• Why It Works: Riesling's sweetness balances cranberry sauce's tartness, enhancing the dish's overall flavor profile.

Mashed Potatoes with Cabernet Sauvignon

Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food that pairs well with Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine's bold structure and rich flavors complement the creamy texture of the potatoes.

• Why It Works: The Cabernet Sauvignon tannins complement the mashed potatoes' buttery richness, especially when served with a savory gravy.

Pumpkin Pie with Sparkling Rosé

Instead of the usual dessert wines, consider pairing pumpkin pie with sparkling rosé. The wine's effervescence and fruity notes can provide a refreshing contrast to the pie's richness.

• Why It Works: The bubbles in sparkling rosé cleanse the palate, while the fruity flavors complement the spices in the pumpkin pie.

When selecting wine for Thanksgiving, explore beyond the traditional choices. Check out our Thanksgiving wine pairing chart to add a new dimension to your holiday feast. 

Special Mulled Thanksgiving Wine Recipe

This mulled wine recipe will surely be a hit at your Thanksgiving celebration. Its warm, spiced flavors will create a cozy ambiance that perfectly complements the holiday spirit.

Ingredients 

• 1 bottle of red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon works well)
• 1 orange (sliced)
• 1 lemon (sliced)
• 3-4 whole cloves
• 2-3 star anise
• 2-3 cinnamon sticks
• 1/4 cup of honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup of apple cider (optional for added sweetness)
• Additional fruits (such as apples or cranberries for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the red wine, sliced orange, lemon, honey (or sugar), and apple cider (if using).
2. Add Spices: Add the whole cloves, star anise, and cinnamon sticks to the mixture.
3. Heat Gently: Place the saucepan over low to medium heat. Allow the mixture to heat slowly, but do not let it boil, as boiling can cook off the alcohol.
4. Simmer: Let the wine simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
5. Taste and Adjust: After simmering, taste the mulled wine. If you prefer it to be sweeter, add more honey or sugar.
6. Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into heatproof wine glasses or mugs. (Optional) Garnish with additional fruit slices or a cinnamon stick.

Tips for Enhancing Flavors

• Experiment with Spices: Add spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist.
• Add Fruits: Adding fruits like sliced apples or cranberries can enhance the flavor and presentation.
• Serve Warm: Keep the mulled wine warm in a slow cooker for easy serving during your Thanksgiving gathering.

Serving Size

The recipe yields one bottle of mulled wine (about five servings). 

Thanksgiving Wine Spritzer

A Thanksgiving wine spritzer is a refreshing and light alternative to traditional wines. It is perfect for those looking to enjoy a unique Thanksgiving wine tasting. This bubbly beverage combines wine with sparkling water and fresh ingredients, making it a delightful addition to your holiday celebration. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup of white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well)
• 1 cup of sparkling water or club soda
• 1/2 cup of fresh cranberries (for garnish)
• 1 orange (sliced)
• 1 lemon (sliced)
• Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
• Ice cubes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Glasses: First, fill a wine glass or a large pitcher with ice cubes to keep the spritzer chilled.
2. Mix the Ingredients: Combine the white wine and sparkling water in a separate jug. Stir gently to blend the two together.
3. Add Fresh Ingredients: Add the sliced orange and lemon to the mixture. Toss in the fresh cranberries for a pop of color and flavor.
4. Garnish: Pour the wine spritzer into the prepared glasses. For a refreshing touch, garnish each glass with mint leaves.
5. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your Thanksgiving wine spritzer while it's bubbly and chilled.

Tips for Enhancing Flavors

• Experiment with Flavors: Add other fruits like sliced apples or pomegranate seeds for flavor and visual appeal.
• Use Flavored Sparkling Water: To enhance the taste profile of your spritzer, try using flavored sparkling water, such as lemon or cranberry.
• Adjust the Ratio: If you prefer a lighter drink, adjust the ratio of sparkling water to wine according to your taste.

Serving Size

This recipe makes enough for 2 servings.

4 Tips for Choosing the Right Wine for Thanksgiving

With a few essential tips, you can create a harmonious pairing that will delight your guests' diverse and discerning tastes.

1. Consider Guest Preferences

Know your audience. Some guests prefer crisp white wine, while others lean toward rich reds. They may also have restrictions or prefer vegan wine options. To accommodate different preferences, it's a good idea to stock a range of options, such as a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir, a fuller-bodied white like Chardonnay, and a sparkling wine for added versatility. This way, everyone at the table has something they’ll enjoy.

2. Match Wine to the Food

When thinking about what wine goes with Thanksgiving dinner, balance is critical. You'll want wines that complement the meal's flavors without overpowering the food.

• Light meats like turkey pair well with medium-bodied reds (e.g., Pinot Noir) or rich whites (e.g., Chardonnay).
• Savory sides like stuffing or mashed potatoes can be paired with earthy reds like Zinfandel or lighter whites like Sauvignon Blanc.
• Sweet dishes like cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie do well with off-dry wines like Riesling or sparkling options like Prosecco.

3. Balance Flavors and Acidity

Thanksgiving meals are often rich and flavorful, so wines with good acidity can help relieve the heaviness and refresh the palate. For example, a crisp Riesling or a bright Sauvignon Blanc can balance the richness of buttery mashed potatoes or creamy gravies. On the red wine side, Gamay or Beaujolais with high acidity can provide a refreshing contrast to hearty dishes.

4. Serve Wine at the Right Temperature

Serving wine at the correct temperature significantly affects how it tastes.

• Red wines should be served slightly below room temperature (about 60-65°F). Too warm, and the wine can taste overly alcoholic; too cold, and it may taste dull.
• White wines should be chilled but not too cold—around 50-55°F. Before serving, remove the bottle from the fridge 15-20 minutes early to avoid muting the flavors.
• Sparkling wines are best served well-chilled at around 45°F to preserve their refreshing bubbles.

Pro Tips:

• Keep your wine at its best by storing bottles in high-quality wine fridges or coolers.
• Save unfinished bottles using a wine preservation system to prevent oxidation and spoilage.

Takeaway 

Whether you prefer classic pairings like Pinot Noir with turkey or want to surprise your guests with something unexpected like sparkling rosé with pumpkin pie, choosing the best Thanksgiving wine can elevate your meal. Don't hesitate to explore both traditional and creative pairings to find what works best for you and your guests.

We'd love to hear from you! Share your favorite wines and food pairings for Thanksgiving and let us know what you'll be serving this year in the comments below. 

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Randy Green

Randy is a true wine storage aficionado and expert in wine cellar design. He gained construction experience as a partner in a general contracting business before niching into and passionately focusing on creating wine storage solutions for clients in 2016. He takes great pride in bringing these designs to life, and is dedicated to ensuring that every wine cellar he creates is not only functional but also a beautiful addition to any home or business. The Wine Cellar HQ team also includes refrigeration sizing experts and licensed HVAC technicians to ensure optimal climate control for your wine cellar, so that your wines can age to perfection.