Thanksgiving is a holiday centered around sharing an abundant meal with family and friends, and that means the food takes center stage.
With a spread that might include roast turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, tangy cranberry sauce, buttery rolls, herbaceous stuffing, sweet potatoes, and various casseroles, the meal is as diverse as it is delicious. The big question for many hosts: what wine can possibly pair well with all these different flavors?
The beauty of Thanksgiving dinner is that it actually lends itself well to many types of wine. By focusing on versatile, food-friendly options that offer bright acidity, moderate alcohol, and fruit-forward profiles, you’ll be well-prepared to complement everything on your plate.
Here’s a detailed guide to the best wines for your Thanksgiving table, covering whites, reds, rosés, and even dessert options.
Why Thanksgiving Is Perfect for Versatile Wines
Thanksgiving isn’t a single-course meal where a wine can be tailored to one dish; it’s a smorgasbord of contrasting flavors and textures. That means your wine has to be a team player.
Acidic wines are key because they cut through the richness of buttery sides and creamy sauces. Moderate tannins and alcohol help prevent the wine from overpowering delicate dishes like roast turkey breast while still standing up to more robust bites, like sausage stuffing.
Top White Wine Picks
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Riesling
A perennial Thanksgiving favorite, Riesling offers bright acidity and a beautiful balance of fruitiness. Dry or off-dry Rieslings are ideal because they complement both savory dishes and sweeter elements like cranberry sauce. The wine’s natural freshness keeps your palate lively, and its moderate alcohol won’t overpower the meal.
Pair with: Turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce.
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Chardonnay
Chardonnay can be a wonderful partner to Thanksgiving fare, especially when you match the style to your meal. Oaked Chardonnay brings rich, buttery notes that pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, gravy, and roast turkey. Meanwhile, unoaked Chardonnay offers a leaner, crisper profile that works well with lighter dishes and vegetable sides.
Pair with: Turkey, creamy casseroles, mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables.
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Sauvignon Blanc
For a bright, zippy option, Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent choice. With citrusy, herbal notes and high acidity, it cuts through rich, fatty foods and pairs beautifully with green vegetables and herb-laden stuffing.
Pair with: Herb stuffing, green beans, salads, and tangy sauces.
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Gewürztraminer
Known for its aromatic profile and subtle spiciness, Gewürztraminer is a lesser-known but fantastic option for Thanksgiving. Its exotic fruit and floral notes enhance spiced dishes and balance savory fare.
Pair with: Spiced stuffing, turkey with gravy, and sweet potato dishes.
Top Red Wine Picks
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Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a classic Thanksgiving go-to, thanks to its light-to-medium body, bright red fruit flavors, and silky tannins. It’s versatile enough to complement both light and rich dishes and won’t overwhelm the turkey’s delicate flavors.
Pair with: Turkey, mushroom stuffing, roasted root vegetables.
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Gamay (Beaujolais)
Fresh and fruity with soft tannins, Gamay—especially a good Beaujolais-Villages or Cru Beaujolais—is practically made for Thanksgiving. Its bright acidity and vibrant berry flavors are a festive addition to the table.
Pair with: Turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing.
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Zinfandel
If your Thanksgiving table leans hearty and bold, Zinfandel offers juicy berry fruit, peppery spice, and enough body to handle robust flavors. Its slightly higher alcohol content pairs well with rich meats and savory side dishes.
Pair with: Dark meat turkey, sausage stuffing, and spiced sweet potatoes.
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Grenache
Known for red fruit and warm spice notes, Grenache (or blends like Côtes du Rhône) offers an approachable, medium-bodied option that works across the Thanksgiving spectrum.
Pair with: Turkey, casseroles, and roasted vegetables.
Rosé and Sparkling Wines
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Dry Rosé
Don’t overlook rosé, especially a dry style. With bright berry notes and crisp acidity, rosé brings freshness and adaptability to the Thanksgiving table, pairing well with a variety of dishes.
Dry Rosé -
Pair with: Turkey, cranberry sauce, salads, and lighter sides.
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Sparkling Wine
Bubbles bring a festive touch and excellent food-pairing flexibility. Champagne, Cava, or Prosecco offers high acidity and refreshing effervescence that cleanses the palate between bites of rich food.
Pair with: Virtually everything, especially fried or creamy dishes.
Dessert Wine Pairings
Thanksgiving isn’t complete without dessert, and the right wine can elevate your pie game.
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Late Harvest Riesling: Its sweetness and acidity make it a beautiful partner for apple pie and fruit-based desserts.
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Moscato d’Asti: Lightly sparkling and sweet, it’s perfect with lighter desserts or fruit tarts.
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Port: Rich and fortified, Port pairs wonderfully with pecan pie, chocolate desserts, and strong cheeses.
Serving Tips
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Temperature matters: Chill whites and rosés to 45–50°F, but avoid over-chilling as that can mute flavors. Serve reds at a slightly cooler-than-room temperature (about 60–65°F) for optimal taste.
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Offer variety: Given the variety of dishes, offering both a white and a red (or rosé/sparkling) ensures guests have options that suit their plates and palates.
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Decant if needed: Some reds, like Zinfandel or Grenache, may benefit from decanting 30 minutes before serving to open up their aromas and soften tannins.
Budget-Friendly Tip
Thanksgiving often involves a crowd, so look for wines that deliver quality without breaking the bank. Wines from regions like Alsace (Riesling), Chile (Sauvignon Blanc), and Spain (Cava) offer great value, as do domestic options from Oregon (Pinot Noir) and California (Zinfandel).
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving is about more than just the perfect food and wine pairing—it’s about sharing good times with loved ones. The best wines for your table are those that enhance the meal and keep the mood celebratory. Whether you gravitate toward a lively Riesling, a classic Pinot Noir, or festive bubbles, the right wine will add to the joy and warmth of your holiday gathering.
