Buzz
Image Credit: Lew Robertson/Getty ImagesFor some, the right wine can elevate or ruin a holiday feast. You could always opt for one type of wine to serve with the whole meal, or go the extra mile by choosing distinct bottles to complement each course. Whether you're the host or a guest, we consulted sommeliers to share their top wine pairings for Thanksgiving.
Wine Pairing Suggestions for Turkey
When selecting wines for festive meals, the key factor to consider is acidity. Apart from cranberry sauce, a typical Thanksgiving spread lacks an element to balance the rich gravies, starchy potatoes, and tryptophan-heavy turkey legs,” explains Denise Beauchamp, operations manager at Mesiba and LilliStar. “Bright, acidic white wines with zesty citrus notes and a complex finish are perfect for this—think unoaked chardonnay from Chablis or its neighbor, sauvignon blanc from Sancerre. For red wines, the ideal match is a youthful, light, fruit-forward selection—such as a recent vintage pinot noir from Burgundy or the Sonoma Coast—or even a natural wine that introduces funk, texture, and excitement to your meal.”
Wine Pairing With Ham
Balance the sweetness and richness of ham with a nice golden white wine. “For a traditional glazed ham, I’d recommend a fruity, high-acid, off-dry riesling,” says Jason Hedges, beverage director at Laurent Tourondel Hospitality and author of The Seasonal Cocktail. “This wine has just the right acidity to cut through the ham’s richness, with enough sweetness to complement the honey glaze.”
Wine Pairing With Vegetables
“I love pairing Thanksgiving dishes with Chenin blanc,” says Lisa Komara, beverage director at Blackfoot Hospitality. “It comes in various forms. A sparkling version that’s not too dry offers a delightful apple note, making it a great match for this meal. The still varieties, ranging from dry to slightly off-dry, are also perfect. They bring a pleasant texture that complements turkey and enhances the sweeter flavors of autumn vegetables.”
Wine Pairing With Stuffing
Pair stuffing with a nice red wine. “Stuffing typically has a blend of savory and herbal flavors. A wine with earthy notes and a touch of spice works well,” suggests Hedges. “Consider a medium-bodied, slightly herbaceous red, such as a grenache from the southern Rhone. This type of wine has the right complexity to complement the stuffing’s flavors without overwhelming them.”
Wine Pairing With Cranberry Sauce
A lighter-bodied, fruit-forward red is ideal for pairing with the festive sides on the table. Komara favors gamay, known for its savory notes. “The juicy red fruit flavors pair wonderfully with cranberry sauce and complement sweeter vegetables like squash, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin,” she shares. “The savory undertone harmonizes with the herbs in your stuffing and turkey seasoning, creating a perfect match.”
Wine Pairing With Pie and Desserts
For dessert, opt for a sweet wine. “For pumpkin or pecan pie, I love a sweet Marsala from Sicily, especially the Vigna La Miccia made by Marco de Bartoli,” says Bella Babbit, wine director at NoMad London. “These wines are wonderfully nutty and sweet, yet still fresh.”
Another great dessert wine option is Madeira, a fortified wine from Portugal, similar to port or sherry. “I adore Madeira with all sorts of dishes, but it pairs especially well with pie. Both Bual and Malmsey Madeira are fantastic choices, but these wines are so complex, they pair beautifully with various pie flavors,” explains Liz Martinez, general manager and sommelier at The Apparatus Room at Detroit Foundation Hotel. “With lower viscosity than port and higher acidity, these wines are a much better match for food.”
