Thanksgiving Pairings

Thanksgiving is a celebration of gratitude, delicious food, and cherished moments with loved ones. With so many rich and diverse flavors on the table, selecting the right wine to pair with your Thanksgiving classics can elevate your meal to new heights. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a bottle to share, these wine pairings will complement the holiday staples beautifully.

1. Turkey (Roasted or Smoked)

Turkey’s mild and savory flavor shines with wines that balance acidity and fruit.

• 2021 ROCO Gravel Road Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley, OR)

  • Price: $30
  • Tasting Notes: Cranberry, strawberry, and Christmas spice.
  • Why It Works: This Pinot Noir mirrors the tanginess of cranberry sauce and enhances the herbaceous notes of turkey.

• 2022 Tendril Capers Joly Cuvée Chardonnay (Willamette Valley, OR)

  • Price: $28
  • Tasting Notes: Ripe stone fruit and citrus blossoms.
  • Why It Works: A perfect match for the roasted flavors and buttery gravy, adding freshness to each bite.

2. Stuffing (Savory or Sausage-Based)

Rich and herbaceous stuffing calls for wines that enhance its depth and complement its flavors.

• 2022 Lange Capers Cuvée Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley, OR)

  • Price: $35
  • Tasting Notes: Fruit-driven with orange zest and baking spice.
  • Why It Works: Its fruit-forward profile and spice notes highlight the stuffing’s savory herbs and any sweet additions like cranberries.

• 2022 Lingua Franca Avni Chardonnay (Willamette Valley, OR)

  • Price: $50
  • Tasting Notes: Lemon zest, green apple, and river stone.
  • Why It Works: Its bright acidity cuts through the richness of sausage or bread-based stuffing, adding a refreshing balance.

3. Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

This creamy and indulgent side needs wines that offer contrast and enhance its flavors.

• 2022 Tendril Capers Joly Cuvée Chardonnay (Willamette Valley, OR)

  • Price: $28
  • Tasting Notes: Ripe stone fruit and citrus blossoms.
  • Why It Works: The bright citrus notes lift the richness of the potatoes, while the wine’s body complements the hearty gravy.

• 2016 Solena Domaine Danielle Laurent Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley, OR)

  • Price: $60
  • Tasting Notes: Ripe strawberries, marionberry, and toasted oak.
  • Why It Works: This Pinot Noir’s silky texture and subtle fruitiness provide a delightful contrast to the earthy gravy flavors.

4. Green Bean Casserole

The creamy mushroom sauce and crunchy onion topping call for wines with earthiness and freshness.

• 2022 White Walnut Estate Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley, OR)

  • Price: $50
  • Tasting Notes: Violets, black tea, rose petals, and Swiss chocolate.
  • Why It Works: This Pinot Noir’s floral and earthy profile complements the mushrooms while elevating the casserole’s savory depth.

• 2019 Goodfellow Whistling Ridge Chardonnay (Willamette Valley, OR)

  • Price: $30
  • Tasting Notes: Lemon curd with a mineral background.
  • Why It Works: The minerality cuts through the creaminess, while the citrus keeps the pairing fresh.

5. Sweet Potatoes (With or Without Marshmallows)

Sweet potatoes, whether savory or sweet, pair beautifully with wines that offer balanced acidity and fruit.

• 2021 College Cellars Capers Merlot (Washington)

  • Price: $25
  • Tasting Notes: Velvety tannins, fruitcake, vanilla, and red currants.
  • Why It Works: The Merlot’s rich red fruit notes and soft tannins complement both savory sweet potatoes and marshmallow-topped versions.

• 2016 Rasa Vineyards QED Syrah (Washington)

  • Price: $45
  • Tasting Notes: Velvety texture, brambly berries, and dried herbs.
  • Why It Works: Its bold flavors pair well with the caramelized notes of sweet potatoes, adding complexity to the dish.

6. Pumpkin or Pecan Pie

Finish your Thanksgiving feast with these dessert-friendly pairings.

• 2021 College Cellars Capo Port-Style Wine (Washington)
  • Price: $18
  • Tasting Notes: Spiced apple and sweet cherries, aged for 12 years.
  • Why It Works: This fortified wine complements the spices of pumpkin pie and the caramelized richness of pecan pie.
• 2018 Justin Isosceles (California)
  • Price: $50
  • Tasting Notes: Bold, dark fruit with cedar, licorice, and leather.
  • Why It Works: Its bold structure and dark fruit flavors enhance the nuttiness and sweetness of pecan pie.

Pro Tips for Thanksgiving Wine Pairings

• Versatility is Key: If you’re serving a crowd, consider versatile wines like Sparkling Brut or Rosé, which pair well with most dishes.
• Serve a Mix: Provide both red and white options so guests can choose based on their preferences.
• Temperature Matters: Chill whites and rosés slightly (45–50°F), and serve reds at a cool room temperature (60–65°F).

This Thanksgiving, let the wine flow as freely as the gratitude. With the perfect pairings, you’re sure to create a meal that’s as memorable as the holiday itself. Cheers!