Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, gravy… and now you have to figure out the wine? We've got you. Take a breath. This part should be fun.
Thanksgiving dinner is a pretty impressive spread. You've got savory, sweet, salty, rich, creamy, tart, and probably a few family recipes nobody can quite explain. Somehow, they all end up on the same plate.
So, what wine goes with all of that?
Here's the good news: there isn't one perfect Thanksgiving wine. In fact, trying to find one wine that pairs perfectly with every dish is probably more work than it's worth. What you want is something you enjoy drinking that plays well with all the flavors on the table.
Whether you're hosting dinner, bringing a bottle to someone else's house, or just looking for an excuse to open something good, here are a few of our favorite styles to consider.
1. Pinot Noir: A Thanksgiving Classic for a Reason
If we had to pick one red wine for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, Pinot Noir would be pretty high on the list.
Why? It's generally lighter-bodied than many other reds, with bright acidity and flavors of cherry, raspberry, and sometimes a little earthiness or spice. That combination makes it incredibly food-friendly.
It works with turkey, stuffing, roasted vegetables, and plenty of those savory sides without overpowering everything else happening on your plate.
It's also a great option when you've got a table full of different tastes. Pinot Noir has plenty of personality, but it doesn't need to be the center of attention.
Not a Pinot fan? No problem. There are plenty of other lighter-bodied reds that can do the trick. Think juicy, food-friendly Gamay, lighter-style Grenache, or some fun Austrian reds that might introduce you to something new. Not sure where to start? That's what we're here for. Stop in and let us help you find a new favorite.
Best with: Turkey, herb-seasoned stuffing, roasted vegetables, and just about anyone who enjoys a good red.
2. White Wine Deserves a Seat at the Table, Too
Don't let the red wine drinkers hog all the attention. A good white wine can be one of the best things you pour at Thanksgiving.
With all the buttery, creamy, and rich dishes on the table, a refreshing white wine can bring just the right amount of brightness and balance.
A few styles we'd recommend:
Riesling: Don't let the sweetness conversation scare you off. Dry and off-dry Rieslings are fantastic with food. Their bright acidity cuts through richer dishes, while a little touch of sweetness works beautifully with cranberry sauce, glazed carrots, and sweet potatoes.
Chardonnay: There's a Chardonnay for just about everyone. Prefer something crisp and refreshing? Go unoaked. Like a little more richness and texture? Try one with some oak influence. Both can work beautifully with Thanksgiving dinner.
Chenin Blanc: This is one of those grapes we think deserves more attention. It can offer flavors of apple, pear, citrus, and sometimes a touch of honey. It's versatile, refreshing, and a great companion for turkey and savory sides.
Best with: Turkey, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and anyone who reaches for a white wine first.
3. Bring on the Bubbles!
Is there really a bad time to open sparkling wine? We don't think so.
Cava, Crémant, Champagne, and other sparkling wines bring refreshing acidity and lively bubbles that help balance all the rich, savory goodness of Thanksgiving dinner.
And we're not just talking about a bottle for the pre-dinner toast. Sparkling wine is incredibly food-friendly. Pour it with appetizers, cheese boards, salty snacks, or keep it going right through dinner.
Plus, there's something about bubbles that makes an ordinary Thursday feel like an occasion. Not that Thanksgiving needs much help in that department.
Best with: Cheese boards, salty appetizers, fried starters, and anyone who appreciates a little extra celebration in their glass.
Bonus: A bottle of bubbles also makes a pretty great host gift. Just saying.
4. Rosé Isn't Just for Summer
We know, we know. Rosé gets a lot of attention when the weather is warm, but who says it has to disappear when the leaves start falling?
A dry rosé can be a fantastic Thanksgiving wine. Think of it as a happy middle ground between red and white. You get the freshness and acidity of a white wine with some of the fruit character you'd find in a red.
Depending on the grape and style, you might find notes of strawberry, watermelon, citrus, or even a little herbaceous character.
It's also a smart choice when your guests can't seem to agree on red or white.
Best with: Turkey, appetizers, lighter sides, and tables where everyone has a different opinion about what belongs in their glass.
5. Love Big, Bold Reds? Pour Them!
We're not here to tell you to put away your Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah just because it's Thanksgiving.
If you love bigger, fuller-bodied reds, there's absolutely room for them at the table. Just know that wines with heavier tannins, lots of oak, and higher alcohol can sometimes overpower more delicate foods like turkey.
That doesn't mean they're off the guest list. In fact, if your Thanksgiving menu includes prime rib, roasted beef, or some seriously hearty sides, a bigger red might be exactly what you're looking for.
The trick is matching the wine to what you're eating, not following a bunch of rules about what you're supposed to drink.
The Bottom Line: Drink What You Like!
Thanksgiving already comes with enough planning, cooking, coordinating, and family dynamics. Your wine selection shouldn't add to the stress.
Choose something you love. Pick up a couple of different styles if you're feeding a crowd. And remember, wine is meant to be enjoyed, not overanalyzed.
Still not sure what to bring to the table? Stop by Thief Wine Shop & Bar in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward. We've got plenty of bottles to choose from and wine people who love helping you find just the right one.
We'll help you find something delicious, whether you're a longtime wine lover or just trying to figure out what goes with Aunt Linda's sweet potato casserole.
Good wine. Good food. Good company. That's a Thanksgiving pairing we can all get behind.
Cheers!
