Whether you’re hosting a feast, attending one, or just getting takeout this year and saying F-it, there’s a single certainty: You’re going to need wine. It’s the fermented nectar of the Gods, after all, and pretty much built to accentuate everything on the Thanksgiving table, from turkey and cranberry sauce to veggies, crafty sides, and even desserts.
We won’t get too romantic about a good bottle of wine and its relationship to communal holidays like Thanksgiving, but it’s hard not to. The holiday is engineered for groups, conversation, nibbling, and laughter (especially now that we can mostly do all of that in person), and if there’s anything better than wine to facilitate such a thing, well, we don’t know what it is.
If you prefer to make cocktails, that’s fine, we got you covered there. Would you rather drink beer? We have those, too! No matter what, though, you’ll want to have at least a bottle or two of good wine at the ready, especially food-friendly ones like the list below. So, if you like white, pink, red, or sparkling, we’ve got you set up to impress guests and hosts alike. It’s a fun mix of new discoveries, old standbys, and some overlooked options in between.
White Wine
Masciarelli Marina Cvetic Trebbiano
Trebbiano is adored in Italy but practically unheard of here, and for shame. It wants your dinner table so badly and deserves it, thanks to its many flavorful layers, dry as a bone makeup, and tightly-wound fresh fruit notes. Mashed potatoes and gravy, you have a new best friend.
Standing Stone Vineyards Riesling
The U.S. is slowly and quietly becoming the new world headquarters for outstanding Riesling. This one from New York makes the grade, showcasing the varietal’s clean nature and juicy acidity. It’s off-dry, so there’s a bit of sweetness to counter some peppery or slightly spicy dishes on the table.
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Pazo Señorans Albariño
When it comes to a great Thanksgiving wine, you want acidity and vibrant flavors. This wine has both covered and then some. It’s brimming with Key lime and passion fruit notes, along with clean-as-a-whistle minerality. It’s an exemplary introduction to the wide and wonderful world of Albariño.
Sokol Blosser Evolution Chardonnay
One of Willamette Valley’s most iconic labels touts an impressive entry-level lineup. Better still, the label is boxing some of its work. This Chardonnay defies its 1.5-liter vessel, rather elegant and full of bright flavors. Look outside the box; this wine will please all (and if you’re really worried, pour it blind in the kitchen and people will assume it came from a glass bottle).
Vietti Arneis
A role model in the small but ever-interesting galaxy of Arneis, Vietti knows what it’s doing. This offering is full of melon rind and crisp goodness, an ideal wine to match your entry Thanksgiving dishes likes salads and roasted vegetables.
Rosé Wine
Inman Family Wines Endless Crush Rosé
There’s hardly a better grape for rosé than Pinot Noir. This one is made in the soft-spoken Provence style, with a moderate alcohol content and tons of action on the palate. You get all the most inviting flavors, from wild strawberries and watermelon to subtle citrus notes that remind you of quince. It’s a delight.
Tenuta di Fessina Etna Rosato
We’ve listed this pink wine before and we probably will again. It’s a boisterous wine from Mt. Etna in Italy, a true volcanic wine. You’ll wow your guests with the complexity on hand, not to mention a lovely savory element and kiss of ocean salt.
Red Wine
Valentina Montepulciano 2018
Rustic may be out the door in terms of wine adjectives (and for good reason), but there is a classic element to this Italian red. It’s not just fruity; it’s so much more — salty, savory, tannic, utterly delightful, and great with food. A powerful wine with some restraint, it will both accompany lighter dishes and stand up to bigger ones.
Darioush Merlot
Merlot has got its game back and this Californian one wears that on its sleeve. It’s made from Mt. Veeder fruit and shows dark fruit, herbs, and pie crust. Basically, all the flavors on the table are sourced from one of the best appellations in all of esteemed northern California.
Sonntaler Schiava
Schiava is a lovely grape that does especially well in the Alto Adige of northern Italy. This one pulls from vines aged 60-90 years, offering all kinds of complexity and reason for reflection. It’s a great one to sip on its own to truly appreciate what’s happening as well as match with some of the protein on the Thanksgiving table.
Tablas Creek Mourvedre
Tablas Creek is just one of those go-to names you should always have on your radar if you like wine. Typically, Mourvedre is thrown into a tasty GSM blend, and while we love those, this grape deserves its own red carpet now and again. It’s made with native yeast and truly spotlights the potential of this lovely standalone Rhone grape.
Maggy Hawk Jolie Pinot Noir
The Anderson Valley is one of few places left in California cool enough to pull off a mesmerizing Pinot Noir. This exemplifies that, a detailed wine chock-full of delicacy. This is the wine you pour to accompany the turkey, but also enjoy on its own, as it beams with layer upon lasting layer.
Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir
If you don’t associate great Pinot Noir with New Zealand yet, get with the program. This one from the Waipara Valley of the North Canterbury region is overflowing with character without overdoing it. There’s big stone fruit up front, followed by some spicier, earthier undertones. It promises to pair well with everything from roasted turkey to sweet potatoes, even the most out-there stuffing recipe.
Sparkling Wine
Pol Roger Champagne
It’s the holidays, splurge for some real Chardonnay. It’s almost always worth it, especially with a reliable selection like this. This wine is everything the Champagne enthusiasts talk about — the complexity, the length, the minerality, the mouthfeel. It’s a joy to drink.
Nyetimber Sparkling Wine
We’ve said it before, but southern England may well soon be the capital of sparkling wine. If producers follow Nyetimer’s lead, the scene is in good shape. This release might as well be from Champagne, exuding all kinds of subtlety and craftsmanship. It’s the one you pour to toast a friend or family member you haven’t seen in some time.
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