10 Perfect Wines To Pair With Your Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, gratitude, and, of course, a feast that brings together an array of flavors, from savory turkey and stuffing to sweet cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. Selecting the right wines to complement this diverse spread can elevate the meal, creating a harmonious dining experience. The challenge lies in finding wines versatile enough to pair with the meal’s complex mix of sweet, savory, tangy, and rich elements. This article explores ten exceptional wines—five reds and five whites—that will enhance your Thanksgiving dinner, offering a range of styles, regions, and price points to suit every palate and budget.

Why Wine Pairing Matters for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving dinner is a culinary mosaic. The traditional menu features roasted turkey, which is relatively neutral but often accompanied by rich gravy; stuffing with herbs and spices; sweet potatoes with brown sugar or marshmallows; tart cranberry sauce; and desserts like pecan or pumpkin pie. Each dish brings its own flavor profile, making wine pairing both an art and a science. The ideal wines should have enough acidity to cut through rich dishes, moderate tannins to avoid overwhelming lighter elements, and fruit-forward profiles to complement the meal’s sweeter components.

Versatility is key, as the wines need to work across multiple dishes. Reds like Pinot Noir and Grenache offer soft tannins and bright fruit, while whites like Chardonnay and Riesling provide crisp acidity and varying levels of sweetness. Below, we dive into ten wines that strike this balance, with tasting notes, pairing suggestions, and insights into why they shine at the Thanksgiving table.

Red Wines for Thanksgiving

1. Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley, Oregon)

Pinot Noir is often hailed as the quintessential Thanksgiving red due to its light-to-medium body, bright acidity, and versatile flavor profile. Oregon’s Willamette Valley produces some of the finest New World Pinot Noirs, with their characteristic red fruit and earthy undertones.

Tasting Notes: Expect aromas of cherry, raspberry, and rose petals, with hints of forest floor, mushroom, and subtle spice. On the palate, it’s silky with soft tannins, vibrant acidity, and flavors of red berries and a touch of earthiness.
Why It Works: Pinot Noir’s bright acidity cuts through the richness of turkey and gravy, while its red fruit notes complement cranberry sauce. The earthy undertones pair beautifully with stuffing, especially if it includes mushrooms or herbs like sage and thyme.

Recommended Bottle: Domaine Serene ‘Yamhill Cuvée’ Pinot Noir (around $45). This wine offers a refined balance of fruit, earth, and minerality, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Pairing Tip: Serve slightly chilled (about 15 minutes in the fridge) to enhance its freshness and fruit-forward character.

2. Grenache (Rhône Valley, France)

Grenache, particularly from France’s Rhône Valley, is a fantastic choice for its juicy fruit and warm spice notes. Often found in blends like Châteauneuf-du-Pape or as a varietal wine, it brings a touch of rustic charm to the table.

Tasting Notes: Look for ripe strawberry, raspberry, and red plum, with hints of white pepper, cinnamon, and dried herbs. It’s medium-bodied with low-to-moderate tannins and a smooth, approachable finish.
Why It Works: Grenache’s ripe fruit matches the sweetness of dishes like candied yams, while its subtle spice complements herb-heavy stuffing or sausage-based sides. Its lower tannins ensure it doesn’t overpower the turkey.
Recommended Bottle: Domaine de la Janasse Côtes du Rhône Rouge (around $20). This blend, dominated by Grenache, offers vibrant fruit and spice at an excellent value.

Pairing Tip: Pair with dishes that have a touch of sweetness, like glazed carrots or sweet potato casserole, to highlight the wine’s fruitiness.

3. Beaujolais (Burgundy, France)

Beaujolais, made from the Gamay grape, is a light, refreshing red that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. The region’s cru Beaujolais, such as those from Morgon or Fleurie, offer more complexity than the simpler Beaujolais Nouveau.

Tasting Notes: Bright red cherry, cranberry, and pomegranate dominate, with floral notes and a hint of minerality. It’s light-bodied with high acidity and minimal tannins, finishing crisp and clean.

Why It Works: Beaujolais’ tart fruit profile mirrors cranberry sauce, creating a seamless pairing. Its acidity refreshes the palate between bites of rich mashed potatoes or creamy green bean casserole.
Recommended Bottle: Jean Foillard Morgon ‘Côte du Py’ (around $35). This cru Beaujolais offers depth and elegance while remaining light and approachable.
Pairing Tip: Serve chilled (about 20 minutes in the fridge) to emphasize its bright, juicy character, especially with tart or acidic sides.

4. Zinfandel (Sonoma County, California)

Zinfandel, America’s heritage grape, brings bold fruit and a touch of spice to the Thanksgiving table. While some Zinfandels can be jammy or high in alcohol, those from Sonoma County often strike a balance with structure and finesse.

Tasting Notes: Expect bold blackberry, raspberry jam, and plum, with notes of black pepper, anise, and a touch of smokiness. It’s medium-to-full-bodied with moderate tannins and a warm finish.
Why It Works: Zinfandel’s robust fruit complements the meal’s sweeter elements, like cranberry sauce or glazed ham, while its spice notes enhance savory dishes like sausage stuffing or roasted root vegetables.

Recommended Bottle: Ridge Vineyards ‘East Bench’ Zinfandel (around $35). This wine balances ripe fruit with structure, avoiding the overly jammy profile of some Zinfandels.
Pairing Tip: Pair with heartier sides or a smoked turkey to match the wine’s intensity.

5. Syrah (Columbia Valley, Washington)

Syrah from Washington’s Columbia Valley offers a darker, more structured red option for those who prefer a bolder wine. Its savory and fruit-driven profile makes it a versatile choice.

Tasting Notes: Dark cherry, blackberry, and plum lead, with smoky, meaty, and black pepper notes. It’s medium-to-full-bodied with firm tannins and bright acidity.
Why It Works: Syrah’s savory elements pair well with roasted turkey, especially if prepared with a smoky or herb-rubbed preparation. Its fruit complements sweet potatoes, while its tannins stand up to richer dishes.
Recommended Bottle: Charles Smith ‘Boom Boom!’ Syrah (around $20). This wine is approachable, fruit-forward, and budget-friendly, with enough complexity for the Thanksgiving spread.

Pairing Tip: Serve with dishes that have smoky or savory components, like bacon-wrapped green beans or a herb-crusted turkey.

White Wines for Thanksgiving

6. Chardonnay (Burgundy, France)

Chardonnay, particularly from Burgundy’s Mâconnais region, is a classic white wine choice for Thanksgiving. Opt for an unoaked or lightly oaked version to avoid overwhelming the meal.

Tasting Notes: Green apple, pear, and lemon zest dominate, with hints of chalky minerality and a touch of butter in lightly oaked versions. It’s medium-bodied with crisp acidity and a clean finish.

Why It Works: Chardonnay’s acidity refreshes the palate, cutting through creamy dishes like mashed potatoes or green bean casserole. Its apple and citrus notes pair well with turkey and herb-driven sides.
Recommended Bottle: Louis Jadot Mâcon-Villages (around $18). This unoaked Chardonnay is crisp, affordable, and versatile, with bright fruit and minerality.
Pairing Tip: Pair with creamy or buttery dishes to mirror the wine’s subtle richness.

7. Riesling (Mosel, Germany)

Riesling, especially from Germany’s Mosel region, is a Thanksgiving favorite for its balance of sweetness and acidity. An off-dry (Kabinett or Spätlese) style works best for the meal’s diverse flavors.

Tasting Notes: Peach, apricot, and green apple, with floral notes and a slate-like minerality. It’s light-bodied with high acidity and a touch of residual sugar, finishing crisp and refreshing.
Why It Works: Riesling’s slight sweetness complements sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce, while its acidity cuts through rich, fatty dishes. It’s also a great match for spicy or herbaceous sides.

Recommended Bottle: Dr. Loosen ‘Dr. L’ Riesling (around $15). This off-dry Riesling is widely available, affordable, and perfectly balanced for Thanksgiving.
Pairing Tip: Pair with spicier sides, like a sausage stuffing or a dish with a hint of heat, to balance the wine’s sweetness.

8. Chenin Blanc (Vouvray, Loire Valley, France)

Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley’s Vouvray region offers versatility with its range of styles, from dry to off-dry. A demi-sec (off-dry) version is ideal for Thanksgiving.

Tasting Notes: Honeyed apple, quince, and pear, with notes of chamomile, beeswax, and wet stone. It’s medium-bodied with vibrant acidity and a touch of sweetness.
Why It Works: Chenin Blanc’s acidity pairs with rich dishes, while its subtle sweetness complements sweet potatoes or glazed ham. Its complex fruit and floral notes enhance herb-heavy sides.
Recommended Bottle: Domaine Huet Vouvray Demi-Sec (around $30). This wine offers depth, balance, and elegance, making it a standout choice.

Pairing Tip: Serve with dishes that have a mix of sweet and savory, like a maple-glazed pork or sweet potato casserole.

9. Gewürztraminer (Alsace, France)

Gewürztraminer from Alsace is an aromatic white that brings bold flavors to the table, making it a great match for Thanksgiving’s eclectic spread.

Tasting Notes: Lychee, rose petal, and tropical fruit, with spices like ginger and clove. It’s medium-bodied with low-to-moderate acidity and a slightly oily texture.

Why It Works: Gewürztraminer’s exotic fruit and spice notes pair beautifully with herb-heavy stuffing, sausage-based dishes, or even a slightly spicy side. Its richness complements creamy dishes.
Recommended Bottle: Trimbach Gewürztraminer (around $25). This classic Alsace wine balances aromatics with structure, avoiding excessive sweetness.
Pairing Tip: Pair with bold, aromatic dishes like a sage-heavy stuffing or a dish with Asian-inspired spices.

10. Sauvignon Blanc (Sancerre, Loire Valley, France)

Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre offers a crisp, herbaceous profile that’s perfect for lighter Thanksgiving dishes or as a palate cleanser.

Tasting Notes: Grapefruit, green apple, and cut grass, with flinty minerality and a hint of white pepper. It’s light-to-medium-bodied with high acidity and a zesty finish.
Why It Works: Sauvignon Blanc’s acidity and herbaceousness pair well with green bean casserole, roasted vegetables, or a citrusy cranberry sauce. It’s also a great aperitif before the meal.

Recommended Bottle: Pascal Jolivet Sancerre (around $30). This wine is crisp, precise, and versatile, with vibrant fruit and minerality.
Pairing Tip: Serve with lighter, vegetable-driven sides to highlight the wine’s herbaceous and citrusy character.

Tips for Serving Wine at Thanksgiving

Temperature Matters: Serve whites chilled (45–50°F) and reds slightly cool (55–60°F) to enhance their flavors. Place reds in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before serving.

Glassware: Use all-purpose wine glasses if you don’t have varietal-specific ones. A larger bowl works for reds, while a smaller one suits whites.
Quantity: Plan for about one bottle per two guests, assuming 4–5 glasses per bottle. Offer a mix of reds and whites to cater to different preferences.
Non-Alcoholic Options: Include sparkling water, apple cider, or non-alcoholic wine for guests who don’t drink alcohol.

Experiment and Have Fun: Encourage guests to try different pairings to discover what works best for their palate. Thanksgiving is about enjoyment, so don’t stress over perfection.

Conclusion

The right wine can transform your Thanksgiving dinner into a memorable culinary experience. From the bright, juicy Beaujolais to the aromatic Gewürztraminer, these ten wines offer something for every dish and every guest. Whether you prefer the elegance of a Willamette Valley Pinot Noir or the crisp refreshment of a Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc, these selections are designed to complement the diverse flavors of the Thanksgiving table. Stock up on a few bottles, serve them at the right temperature, and let the wine enhance the warmth and joy of the holiday. Cheers to a delicious and harmonious Thanksgiving!