What Wine to bring to your Thanksgiving gathering?

As you gather with family or friends for the quintessential Fall holiday, Thanksgiving, it is important to consider bringing a bottle of vino to share. There are lots of things to consider, is the wine for the pre-meal gathering or to enjoy watching the game after food, or are you looking to bring something to share at the table. For Thanksgiving dinner, you’ll want wines that complement the rich, savory flavors of turkey, stuffing, gravy, and various sides, while being versatile enough to please a range of palates.

Here are some of the best wine options to consider:

Pinot Noir

• Why it's a great choice: Pinot Noir is one of the most versatile reds, with bright fruit flavors (think cherry, cranberry, raspberry) and a soft, smooth body. It pairs well with the turkey, while its subtlety won’t overwhelm delicate side dishes like mashed potatoes, green beans, or sweet potatoes.
• Suggested regions: Burgundy (France), Oregon, California, New Zealand.

Chardonnay

• Why it's a great choice: A full-bodied white wine with good acidity and flavors ranging from crisp green apple to creamy butter and vanilla. Chardonnay works wonderfully with rich dishes like mashed potatoes, gravy, and roasted vegetables. A well-balanced Chardonnay can also be a good match for turkey, especially if the bird is prepared with butter or cream.
• Suggested regions: Burgundy (France), Sonoma (California), Chablis (France).

Zinfandel

• Why it's a great choice: Zinfandel is a fruit-forward, medium- to full-bodied red wine that pairs well with spicier dishes, such as those featuring cranberry sauce, barbecue-style sides, or stuffing with sausage. It also complements the richness of the turkey and gravy without being overpowering.
• Suggested regions: California (Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles).

Riesling

• Why it's a great choice: Riesling, particularly off-dry versions, is a fantastic match for Thanksgiving due to its balanced sweetness and refreshing acidity. It works well with everything from turkey to spicy sides (like sweet potatoes or dishes with a bit of heat) and the cranberry sauce. The wine’s natural sweetness also complements the richness of the meal.
• Suggested regions: Mosel (Germany), Alsace (France), Washington State.

Grenache

• Why it's a great choice: Grenache is a medium-bodied red with soft tannins and berry-forward flavors. It pairs beautifully with a range of Thanksgiving dishes, especially if you’re serving dishes with herbs, roasted meats, or sweet-and-savory sides like roasted carrots or butternut squash.
• Suggested regions: Rhône Valley (France), Spain (Garnacha), California.

Beaujolais (Gamay)

• Why it's a great choice: Beaujolais wines, made from the Gamay grape, are light and fresh with flavors of bright red berries and a touch of earthiness. This wine’s low tannin and high acidity make it a great match for the diversity of flavors at the Thanksgiving table, especially turkey and roasted vegetables.
• Suggested regions: Beaujolais (France), California.

Cabernet Franc

• Why it's a great choice: Cabernet Franc is a lighter, herbaceous red wine that can pair well with the savory, herbal components of the meal. Its structure and acidity also make it a great match for turkey and stuffing, without overpowering the lighter flavors.
• Suggested regions: Loire Valley (France), California.

Sparkling Wine

• Why it's a great choice: If you want to start the meal with a celebratory touch, a dry sparkling wine (like Champagne, Cava, or Prosecco) is an excellent option. The effervescence and crisp acidity help cleanse the palate between bites, and it works well with almost every dish, especially appetizers and lighter sides.
• Suggested regions: Champagne (France), Cava (Spain), Prosecco (Italy).

Viognier

• Why it's a great choice: Viognier is a fragrant, aromatic white wine with floral notes and flavors of stone fruit (like apricot and peach). It’s full-bodied, with a rich texture that pairs nicely with dishes like roasted turkey, rich casseroles, and sides like cornbread stuffing or creamy gratins.
• Suggested regions: Rhône Valley (France), California, Australia.

Syrah/Shiraz

• Why it's a great choice: A bold red with dark fruit and spice, Syrah (or Shiraz in Australia) has the structure to complement heartier dishes like roasted meats, stuffing with sausage, or gravy-laden sides. It also pairs well with the more flavorful, spiced elements of Thanksgiving.
• Suggested regions: Rhône Valley (France), Australia (Barossa Valley), California.

Thanksgiving Day Food & Wine Pairing Tips:

• For a more traditional Thanksgiving experience, aim for a balance between a white wine (like Chardonnay or Riesling) and a red wine (like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel).
• Consider the sides: If your Thanksgiving table features rich, creamy sides (like mashed potatoes or mac and cheese), opt for fuller-bodied whites like Chardonnay. If you’re serving more herbal or roasted vegetable sides, try something with a little more acidity, like Pinot Noir or Gamay.
• Don’t forget dessert: If you’re serving pumpkin pie or apple pie for dessert, a sweet wine like a late-harvest Riesling or a Port can be a delicious finish to the meal.

Ultimately, it’s about what you enjoy and what complements your specific menu. With a few of these options, you’ll have something for everyone to enjoy!