Thanksgiving is all about gathering, gratitude, and, of course, great food and wine. But with a table full of flavors, from buttery mashed potatoes to tangy cranberry sauce, finding wines that complement every dish can be tricky.
This year, think beyond the traditional “just serve Pinot Noir” advice. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to explore a mix of styles: light reds, aromatic whites, and even a festive sparkler or two. Here’s your go-to guide for pairing wines with your favorite Thanksgiving dishes.
Start with Something Sparkling
Perfect Pairing: Brut Sparkling Wine or Dry Prosecco
Try: Berlucchi Franciacorta ’61 Extra Brut (Italy)
Kick off the day with bubbles! Sparkling wines bring a touch of celebration to the table and pair beautifully with appetizers like baked brie, spiced nuts, or deviled eggs. The lively acidity and effervescence help cleanse the palate, preparing you for the feast ahead.
Roast Turkey – The Main Event
Turkey’s mild flavor and texture pair best with wines that have bright fruit and balanced acidity. A Gamay or Pinot Noir brings red berry notes that echo cranberry sauce, while an oaked Chardonnay adds richness that complements mashed potatoes and gravy.
Perfect Pairing: Beaujolais, Pinot Noir, or Chardonnay
Try: Stéphane Aviron Beaujolais Villages 2022 (France), ZD Pinot Noir (Carneros), or Raeburn Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)
Glazed Ham or Pork Roast
Ham’s sweet, smoky glaze calls for something juicy and aromatic. Grenache brings red fruit and spice, while a dry rosé adds a refreshing lift. Viognier, with its lush floral notes and peachy richness, is a gorgeous match for honeyed or spiced glazes.
Perfect Pairing: Grenache, Rosé, or Viognier
Try: Resa Grenache (Staglin Family), IL Borro Rosato “Borrigiano” (Tuscany), or Darioush Viognier (Napa Valley)
Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing & Gravy
Creamy sides love wines with texture. A Chardonnay that’s seen a touch of oak mirrors the buttery richness, while Rhône blends (often Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, and Viognier) add complexity and freshness.
Perfect Pairing: Chardonnay or White Rhône Blend
Try: Talbott Sleepy Hollow Chardonnay (Santa Lucia Highlands) or Domaine Chante Cigale Blanc (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Roasted Vegetables & Vegetarian Sides
Roasted veggies with herbs and olive oil come alive with crisp whites or soft, earthy reds. Pinot Noir adds savory depth, while Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc highlight freshness and bring balance to rich, starchy sides.
Perfect Pairing: Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc, or Sauvignon Blanc
Try: Eola Hills Pinot Noir (Oregon), Dry Creek Chenin Blanc (California), or Walnut Block Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough)
Sweet Potatoes & Cranberry Sauce
These sweet-and-savory dishes shine with wines that have a little sweetness and vibrant acidity. Riesling enhances the natural sugars in sweet potatoes, and Lambrusco’s bubbles add a festive pop alongside cranberry sauce.
Perfect Pairing: Off-Dry Riesling or Lambrusco
Try: Dr. Loosen Riesling (Mosel, Germany) or Medici Ermete Lambrusco (Emilia-Romagna, Italy)
Pumpkin Pie & Pecan Pie
Dessert deserves something equally decadent. The caramelized, nutty flavors in pecan pie pair beautifully with tawny port, while the spice and creaminess of pumpkin pie call for something sweet and lightly effervescent.
Perfect Pairing: Port, Late Harvest, or Sparkling Demi-Sec
Try: Graham’s 10-Year Tawny Port (Portugal), Inniskillin Vidal Icewine (Canada), or Lucien Albrecht Crémant d’Alsace Demi-Sec
A Thanksgiving Toast
The best part about Thanksgiving wine pairing? There’s no one-size-fits-all rule. The day is about gathering around the table, sharing flavors, and discovering new favorites. Whether you reach for a French Gamay, a Portuguese Baga, or a California Chardonnay, the perfect wine is the one that makes your meal — and your memories — even more enjoyable.