Perfect Pairings: Best Wines for Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving dinner is one of those meals that brings a little bit of everything to the table — savory turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, tangy cranberry sauce, and many more! You’re probably looking for the best wine to bring to your Thanksgiving feast! Yeah, we feel you, with so many flavors going on, choosing the right wine can feel tricky and overwhelming. But worry not! The best Thanksgiving wines are the ones that complement the meal and keep the mood easy and festive .

In this guide, we’ll walk you through some perfect pairings to make your holiday feast even more delicious! Let’s go!

 

1. Pinot Noir 

If you’re going to pick just one wine for Thanksgiving, make it Pinot Noir. Why? It’s light enough not to overpower the turkey but has just enough fruit and earthiness to balance out all those rich sides. A good Oregon or California Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with everything from stuffing to cranberry sauce.

 

2. Chardonnay 

For white wine lovers, Chardonnay is a Thanksgiving staple. Choose one that’s lightly oaked or unoaked — it’ll have a nice balance of acidity and smoothness to complement mashed potatoes, gravy, and roasted vegetables. Plus, it’s crowd-pleasing and pairs perfectly with roast turkey.

 

3. Riesling 

Don’t overlook Riesling! A slightly off-dry Riesling (meaning it has a touch of sweetness) is amazing with classic Thanksgiving flavors. That hint of sweetness plays nicely with salty ham, spicy sausage stuffing, or sweet-tart cranberry sauce. 

 

4. Zinfandel

If your Thanksgiving spread leans hearty,  think deep-fried turkey, smoked meats, or rich casseroles — Zinfandel is a great choice. It’s fruity, spicy, and bold without being too heavy. It’s basically the wine equivalent of a cozy fall sweater.

 

5. Sparkling Wine 

Start the day (or the meal) with a bit of sparkle! Champagne, Prosecco, or any dry sparkling wine is festive and pairs surprisingly well with turkey and appetizers. The bubbles cleanse your palate between bites and instantly make the meal feel more special.

 

6. Rosé 

Yes, rosé isn’t just for summer! A dry rosé brings bright acidity and fruit flavors that complement almost every dish on the Thanksgiving table. It’s a great middle ground if your guests can’t decide between red and white.

 

Bonus Tip:

If you have the space and budget, set out one red, one white, and maybe a sparkling wine. That way, everyone can find something they love, and the different wines will naturally highlight the variety of flavors in the meal.