A Guide to the Best Wines for Thanksgiving Dinner

Can you guess what my favorite part about the holidays is? Did you say wine? Bingo! And of course the food, family, friends, joy, etc. but wine is definitely up there! Have you been wondering what wines to pair with your Thanksgiving dinner? I’ve got you covered! I’ve listed all of my favs below that will be gracing my holiday table this year.

And if you can’t find my top picks near you, or are looking for a different price point (I get asked for affordable & accessible options all the time!) I’ve included some comparable options that you’ll be able to find in a grocery store near you at a more affordable price. 

Best White Wines for Thanksgiving

That’s right, white wine is turkey dinner friendly. I also like to set our white wines out during cocktail/appetizer hour as they act as a great aperitif before the big meal. Plus, this is where I’m going to include the bubbles and we all know it’s not a holiday without some champs lying around.

Trefethen Riesling

Many people hear riesling and immediately think “sweet.” There are sweet Rieslings and dry Rieslings. Stick with a dry Riesling here! It will still have notes of pear, apple and honeysuckle to compliment the fixins. ($23)

Newton Unfiltered Chardonnay

Yes, I’m listing a Chardonnay. This isn’t your grandma’s Chardonnay though – it’s crisp, full of refreshing mineralities and will pair beautifully with all the fall flavors. ($55)

J Vineyards Cuvee 20 Brut

You can’t forget the bubbles! I love this brand from Sonoma County – you just can’t go wrong. For me bubbles work great as an aperitif, during dinner and after – so basically just always have a glass of sparkling in your hand this holiday season, ok?($38)

Grocery store wine cheat sheet: Kung Fu Riesling ($10), Louis Jadot Pouilly Fuisse ($15), Gruet Sparkling Brut ($15)

Best Red Wines for Thanksgiving 

Typically Pinot Noir is thought of as the best wine to pair with turkey. And while this is true, it’s not the end all be all of red wines that deserve a spot on the holiday table. Below are a few of my favorite red wines to pair with Thanksgiving. 

EnRoute “Les Pommiers” Pinot Noir

One of my favorite Pinot Noirs. This Russian River Pinot has the perfect amount of bright red fruit to perfectly complement everything we know and love about a Thanksgiving dinner. Hold the cranberry sauce, I’ll just sip on this Pinot! ($60)

Biale Black Chicken Zinfandel 

Never thought to bring Zin to the table on turkey day? Think again. Juicy dark fruits, herbs and baking spices, plush with soft tannins. This baby will be a crowd pleaser. Even your Uncle Dan who says he isn’t “a wine guy” will knock this puppy down. ($49)

Pride Mountain Vineyards Merlot

This one is for all you Cabernet lovers. Yes, it’s a Merlot but this isn’t just any old Merlot. Balanced, structured, rich and complex, but not overpowering or ultra tannic is what makes this wine a favorite for this food heavy holiday. ($62)

Grocery store wine cheat sheet: Siduri Pinot Noir ($30), Saldo Zinfandel ($32), Decoy Merlot ($25)

Best Dessert Wines for Thanksgiving 

Pie and port, anyone? Yes, please! The trick with pairing with desserts is to always have whatever you’re drinking be sweeter than what you’re eating. When shopping for a dessert wine this holiday, pick up either a Ruby, Tawny, or if you’re adventurous, white Port. A late harvest Semillon or Viognier will also pair beautifully with Thanksgiving treats, or my favorite, just by itself! 

*Due to how limited production the two wines are below I could not find bottle shots to preview above. They are however both featured in the main photo up top!

Pine Ridge Diamond Mountain Port

This is one of my favorite ports from Napa and unfortunately it’s hard to get your hands on! This is a winery exclusive wine and sells out pretty much every year. The perfect amount of richness decadence without being too sweet! ($65)

Pride Mountain Vineyards Late Harvest Viognier

Bursting with flavors of green tea, nectarine and honey this dessert viognier would pair well with well, just itself to be honest. At the end of the big meal, dessert can seem daunting with how full you are. A few splashes of this light and delicate, but satisfying dessert wine will do the trick. (~$40)

Grocery store wine cheat sheet: Terra d’Oro Zinfandel Port ($24), Fonseca Bin 27 Ruby Port ($15), Chateau Guiraud Sauternes ($49)

Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with so much good wine, food and love! I hope these Thanksgiving wine recommendations come in handy whether you are planning to host, or bring wine to a gathering. 

P.S. I am so thankful for YOU!

Cheers,

Raquel