Chances are, you’re juggling a lot this Thanksgiving—baking turkeys, making sides, and setting tables. Or maybe you’re not, and Thanksgiving consists mostly of kicking back and watching the game. Either way? You’re going to need wine. Stocking up the cellar for the holidays doesn’t need to be stressful.
“Buying wine for Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to have fun and be creative,” says Torrey Grant, wine appreciation professor at Syracuse University. “Thanksgiving has become all about the sides and as such, is a meal with tons of moving parts. I tell students all the time to just keep it light, bright and young.” His advice: low-alcohol wines with a bright, fresh acidity tend to be crowd-pleasers. “Unless you are in control of the table you may not know every dish that’s going to land on it so the idea is versatility.”
Looking for some more guidance? We asked some of the country’s top sommeliers what they’re pouring on Thanksgiving.
E Guigal Château de Nalys Châteauneuf-des-Papes, $80
“This bottle of Châteauneuf-des-Papes is an intense blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, this red is regal, expressive, and endlessly complex, perfect to impress at a family gathering as it is impressive in price, approachable in flavor (notes of chocolate and dark berries for the Cab Sauv-obsessed, with a red fruit silkiness for the more light-bodied fans at the dinner table), and infallible in food pairing—whether you’re a turkey, steak, or grilled vegetable family.” – Justin Parramore, Beverage Director, Level 3 Somm at Petit Pomeroy
Bernabeleva’s 2022 ‘Viña Bonita’ Garnacha, $70
“This winery is technically in the Sierra de Gredos, a beautiful mountain range about an hour’s drive west of Madrid. This area is gaining a lot of praise for aromatic, deeply concentrated expressions of old vine Garnacha. Bernabeleva was originally founded in 1923 by a doctor from Madrid, Vincente Alvarez, who realized the potential for Garnacha. However, political instability following the Spanish Civil War kept his dream from being realized until his grandchildren, Juan Diez Bulnes and Santiago Matallana Bulnes, took over the 80 year old estate vineyards in 2006. Viña Bonita is their top bottling from a small single vineyard of granite. The wine shows crushed violets and roses with black strawberry, pomegranate, and fresh rosemary. I think this wine pairs perfectly with herbed Thanksgiving dressing and fowl, large or small!” — Jake Bennie, wine director at Sepia and Proxi.
Poderi di Carlo Orange Pinot Grigio, $20
“If I was to be a bit more daring around the holidays, I would delve into some skin contact wines, such as an Poderi di Carlo Orange Pinot Grigio from Friuli.” – Matthew Jacobson, Sommelier at Botanist at Fairmont Pacific Rim
Bōken Nana Sake, $67
Or, skip the wine altogether and opt for sake. “The higher acidity and sophisticated finish in Bōken Nana gives great strength to pair with Thanksgiving umami rich gravy. I imagine spooning over a perfectly roasted turkey and mashed potatoes, and can see Bōken Sake really harmonizing with holiday stuffing/dressing as well.” — Shiho Tanaka, Head Sommelier at the Michelin-starred Tsukimi NYC
Peay Vineyards Les Titans, $65“I know that the number one offering in the USA when it comes to Thanksgiving is Beaujolais but for me it’s the Peay Vineyards Les Titans, West Sonoma Coast Syrah. When thinking of California, you might think of warm, rich and decadent fruit and alcohol forward wines, but Peay estate is one of the coldest places on earth to produce fantastic Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. Wild red fruit, white pepper, lots of structure and freshness that pairs so well with all the fall spices.” —Donald Clement, Born & Raised, San Diego
Elena Walch Beyond the Clouds, $100
“This is a stunning white blend from Alto Adige. Produced by a fifth-generation family-owned estate, this wine is a grand cuvee produced in a limited number of bottles (around 3000) and a testament to the Walch family’s dedication to sustainable and terroir-driven practices. Aromas of pineapple, rose petals, and a creamy, elegant texture and refreshing vibrancy match light toast. Clean. Elegant. It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and herbaceous stuffing, adding sophistication and joy to any festive gathering.” – Alberto Ghezzi , Lucciola’s Somm & Wine Director
Maysara Jamsheed Pinot Noir 2015, $30
“This is my go-to Thanksgiving wine. I always keep this wine around at home or at the restaurant because it resonates on so many levels. It is made by the Momtazi family, who immigrated from Iran to escape the Islamic Revolution in the 1980s. Now, the three amazing daughters oversee the winemaking, utilizing sustainable, ancient practices that respect the provisions of the land. The winery is Demeter-certified biodynamic and uses all estate-grown fruit in McMinnville, Oregon. The family immigrant story really hits home for me, while the wine offers a depth of fruit that you want for turkey and all of the sides, especially ones with some spice. It has so many layers and so much depth with balanced acidity. It’s also a screw cap to help out all family members. A Thanksgiving Pinot that keeps on giving!” — Taylor Adams, General Manager and Wine Director at Saffron in New Orleans.
LaPostolle Grand Selection Carmenere, $20
“Thanksgiving dinner can offer so many different directions for wine, from high acid bright Pinot Noir to deep, rich Malbec and even a lush plush Chardonnay. The possibilities are endless! However, we always appreciate opening someone’s eyes to something new, that is why my current favorite Thanksgiving wine is Carmenere from Chile. Think of Carmenere as Merlot’s cool mysterious cousin who studied abroad. Carmenere has beautiful rich dark fruit qualities and plush tannins that won’t fight with food, but still can cut through all that turkey, gravy and mashed potatoes.” — Alex Cuper, Wine Director at El Che Steakhouse & Bar and Brasero
