Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and you have the whole meal planned out—from the turkey and dressing to the green bean casserole and pumpkin pie. The only thing you’re missing is the perfect wine pairings for your Thanksgiving dinner. The right wine can bring out the best flavors in every dish, so it’s not a decision to make lightly.
If you’re struggling to find the best wine for Thanksgiving dinner, we’re here to help. Check out our Thanksgiving wine guide below to choose the best wine for this year’s family feast.
What Kind of Wine Should I Pair With Thanksgiving Dinner?
Not sure what kind of wine to serve for Thanksgiving? Champagne, Prosecco, and other festive sparkling wines are great options for practically any Thanksgiving dinner. The light, acidic, and often fruity flavors of sparkling wine balance out the richness of classic Thanksgiving dishes.
Here are some bottle suggestions for the most popular Thanksgiving foods that might make an appearance on your dining table:
Turkey:
- Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Syrah
Dressing:
- Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Syrah
Green bean casserole:
- Pinot Grigio
Mashed potatoes and gravy:
- Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc
Sweet potato casserole:
- Riesling, Zinfandel
Pie:
- Port, Sherry, Rosé
What Wine Goes Best With Turkey?
Now you know what type of wine pairs well with turkey, but what about different kinds of turkey? Keep reading for our top recommendations for what wine types pair well with turkey cooked the way you like it.
Baked Turkey:
- Go with a fruity yet tart red that has floral notes and a hint of spices.
Extra Dry Turkey:
- Opt for a sweeter red with strong apple and citrus notes and high acidity.
Smoked Turkey:
- Your best bet is a red featuring red and black fruit flavors with a touch of leather and tobacco.
Fried Turkey:
- Whether you prefer Prosecco, Champagne, or Sparkling Rosé, the light, bubbly, and fruity nature of sparkling wines cut through the fat and salt of your favorite Thanksgiving dishes.
Best Wine for Your Thanksgiving Dinner Turkey
Bring out the best in every Thanksgiving dish with the perfect glass of red, white, or sparkling wine. From appetizers to desserts, these all-in-one wine bottle recommendations will pair well with the whole Thanksgiving meal.
Red:
- The berry flavors, spices, and richness of a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir pair well with turkey and dressing.
White:
- A fresh, fruity, and floral Sauvignon Blanc and an oaky, buttery Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon balance out the rich flavors of mashed potatoes with gravy.
Sparkling:
- Whether it’s Champagne or Prosecco, a light, crisp, and acidic sparkling wine brings a refreshing twist to greasy meats and buttery potatoes.
White or Red Wine: Which Pairs Best With Turkey?
When searching for the best wine to pair with your Thanksgiving dinner, you must choose between red and white. On one hand, red wine pairs well because it adds a unique richness and brings out the flavors of meats and dressing. On the other hand, white wine pairs well due to its higher acidity that cuts through fat, salt, and cream. At the end of the day, holiday dinner wine pairing is all about personal preference.
The Best Red Wine for Thanksgiving Turkey
Red Varietals
Pinot Noir:
- Seaside Cellars, Les Allies, Tussock Jumper
Zinfandel:
- GFF, Capital Z, Knucklehead
Cabernet:
- Cafe Zoetrope, Fine Form, Prestige de Mireval
Sangiovese/Chianti:
- Fontella, Badiolo Chianti DOCG, Molino Del Piano Chianti Reserva
Grenache/Garnacha:
- Ignacio Old Vine, Le XV du President Grenache
Lambrusco:
- Cinta
The Best White Wine for Thanksgiving Turkey
White Varietals
Riesling:
- Tussock Jumper, St Michael
Gewurztraminer:
- Highway 253
Pinot Grigio:
- Alessandro, Il Casato, Campanula, Cinta
Chardonnay:
- Howling Cellars, Tussock Jumper, Big Bad
Sauvignon Blanc:
- Long Bay, Tussock Jumper, Mussel Bay
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Every wine lover knows that pouring a glass of wine is the best way to enjoy any Thanksgiving meal. After a long day of flag football, board games, and reminiscing over family photo albums, you deserve to open a bottle of wine and enjoy a glass or two.
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