Thanksgiving Wine Made Easy
Thanksgiving is the ultimate food holiday. There’s an abundance of flavors, textures, and generational favorites all on the table. It’s also the perfect occasion to celebrate wine. But deciding which wines to choose can feel daunting. Between savory stuffing, sweet cranberry sauce, buttery potatoes, and roasted turkey, how do you pick a few bottles that will work with it all?
The answer lies in versatility. Wines with bright acidity, balanced fruit, and moderate tannins are the key to Thanksgiving wine-pairing success. These styles have enough structure to stand up to rich dishes, yet enough freshness to let the food shine. Whether you lean classic or want to try something new, a few well-chosen bottles can take you from appetizers to dessert with ease.
Below, you’ll find ideas to guide your selections. Choose a few bottles from different categories to offer variety and ensure there’s something for every palate. You can also download the Thanksgiving Wine Guide for a simple, printable reference.
Sparkling Wine
There’s no better way to kick off Thanksgiving than with bubbles. Almost everyone loves a glass of sparkling wine, and it’s one of the most versatile styles available. The lively acidity cuts through richness, while the bubbles refresh your palate between bites.
Try Champagne for its classic elegance, Crémant for similar quality at a lower price, or Prosecco Superiore for a fruitier, more budget-friendly option. A sparkling rosé offers beautiful red fruit flavors that complement both the turkey and the sides.
White Wine
White wines are often (not always) lighter and lower in alcohol than reds, making them ideal for a long holiday meal. Choosing whites with good acidity and a light-to-medium body ensures they complement the wide range of dishes on the table. A dry or off-dry Riesling or a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc offers a nice balance to many flavors, while an unoaked Chardonnay (I recommend Chablis) adds a touch more complexity without heaviness.
If you want something less common, Vermentino from Italy offers nice weight and freshness, while Grüner Veltliner from Austria offers herbaceous and peppery notes. Both are excellent alternatives.
Red Wine
Red wines, especially lighter styles, also deserve a place at the Thanksgiving table. Look for wines with soft tannins and bright acidity, such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais. Pinot Noir from cool climates—like Northern Burgundy, Oregon, and California’s Central Coast—are especially good choices. Both of these wines will pair beautifully with turkey, mushrooms, and stuffing.
For something a little different, try Barbaresco or Langhe Nebbiolo from Italy. Both offer the elegance of the Nebbiolo grape, without the weight of Barolo. They are also more approachable when they are young, making them an ideal choice.
Sweet Wine
Many people shy away from sweet wine, but Thanksgiving is the perfect ocassion to pour something special…and unexpected. A Late-Harvest Riesling or Moscato d’Asti pairs very well with pumpkin or apple pie, offering freshness instead of heaviness. For a more indulgent finish, Tawny Port or Vin Santo adds warmth, nuttiness, and a natural pairing for pecan pie. Serve chilled in a small glass. A little is all that’s needed to end the night on a high note.
Thanksgiving is about connection and gratitude. On that note, thank you for reading and for trusting me to provide a bit of inspiration for your meal. Wishing you a joyful and delicious Thanksgiving.
Download the Thanksgiving Wine Guide to help with your holiday planning.
