6 Thanksgiving Wine Pairings for the Best Holiday Feast
As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us are dreaming of turkey, perfectly creamy mashed potatoes, and stuffing. And, some of us are dreaming of wine! Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking for a nice bottle to complement the holiday spread, choosing the right Thanksgiving wine pairings can enhance the flavors of the meal and make each side dish shine. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to make your Thanksgiving dinner shine a little brighter.
Discover these essential Thanksgiving wine pairings
The Classic Pick: Pinot Noir with Turkey and Savory Sides
Turkey is the centerpiece of most Thanksgiving dinners and its mild, tender flavor pairs well with a light-to-medium red wine like Pinot Noir. Known for its subtle flavors of cherry, cranberry, and earthy undertones, Pinot Noir is versatile enough to complement both white and dark meat and won’t overpower the side dishes. The soft tannins and bright acidity make it one of the most ideal Thanksgiving wine pairings for savory stuffing, roasted vegetables, and even rich mashed potatoes.
Our recommendation: Try the latest vintage of Domenico Winery’s Santa Cruz Valley Pinot Noir with refined dark fruit notes and undertones of earth and spice.
Bright and Crisp: Chardonnay for Creamy Sides
Chardonnay is a classic white wine that pairs beautifully with many Thanksgiving staples, especially rich and creamy dishes like mashed potatoes, casseroles, and buttery sauces. Opt for an unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnay with crisp acidity and notes of apple, pear, and citrus to cut through the richness of creamy sides without being too heavy.
Our recommendation: Try Domenico Winery’s 2022 Santa Cruz Valley Chardonnay , perfectly buttery and crisp, with just the flavor profile to ring in the holiday season.
Bold and Festive: Zinfandel with Sweet and Savory Dishes
If you’re looking for something bold and full-bodied, Zinfandel is an excellent choice, especially for turkey with cranberry sauce or sweet potatoes. Known for its jammy berry flavors, hints of spice, and moderate tannins, Zinfandel is versatile and pairs wonderfully with both sweet and savory flavors. The wine’s fruitiness enhances the natural sweetness of dishes, making it a festive option for a celebratory meal.
Our recommendation: Stay tuned this season for Domenico Winery’s Zinfandel, with grapes from winemaker Dominick’s very own vineyards. Pro-tip: sign up for Domenico Winery’s wine club to have first access to special wines like this!
Elegant and Refreshing: Riesling for Sweet Potatoes and Cranberry Sauce
If you have sweet and tangy sides like cranberry sauce, glazed carrots, or sweet potatoes, a semi-dry Riesling is a perfect match. Riesling’s natural sweetness and vibrant acidity bring out the flavors of both sweet and savory dishes without overwhelming them. With flavors of ripe stone fruit, citrus, and floral notes, Riesling is a refreshing choice that keeps the palate refreshed.
The Crowd-Pleaser: Sparkling Wine for an All-Around Pairing
A bottle of sparkling wine is a great way to add a touch of elegance and celebration to your Thanksgiving table. The effervescence and high acidity of sparkling wines help cleanse the palate between bites, making it a versatile pairing for the entire meal. Whether you go for a traditional Champagne, a Prosecco, or a Spanish Cava, sparkling wine will lift the flavors of both light and rich dishes alike.
Something Sweet: Port or Dessert Wine for Pie
Every meal should end sweetly. The rich, concentrated flavors of Port or a sweet late-harvest wine pair beautifully with traditional Thanksgiving desserts like pumpkin pie, pecan pie, or apple crisp. Look for notes of dried fruit, caramel, and spice to match the seasonal flavors of the desserts.
Our recommendation: Domenico Winery’s 2018 Late Harvest Riesling will make a dazzling pair for your dessert cheese board, creamy desserts, or any fruit-based dessert.
Finally, a few Quick Tips for making the best of your Thanksgiving wine pairings!
First, serve a variety of wines at once. Unfortunately, not everyone will be committed to each wine pairing, or always willing to try! Offer sparkling, white, and red so that you can accommodate everyone’s preferences. And, don’t worry about perfection – Thanksgiving is all about gathering and enjoying food and drink together. Choose wines you enjoy, and don’t worry too much about the best bottles or the most precise pairings.
Finally, a little sommelier’s tip: keep the wine temperature in mind. No one wants a lukewarm bottle of sparkling wine! Serve white wines and sparkling wines chilled, while reds are best at just below room temperature (60–65°F) to bring out their flavors without being too warm.
Cheers to a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with good food, great wine, and even better company. Happy Turkey Day!
