Sip, Savor and Celebrate:

The Beginner’s Guide:  Choosing the "Right" Wines for Thanksgiving!

Feeling stressed out with the thought of selecting the “right” wines to serve at your Thanksgiving celebration?  With all the hustle-bustle and craziness before the holidays, the last thing you need to worry about as a novice wine enthusiast is pairing the "right" wines with your Thanksgiving meal! Let’s simplify the process and take the guesswork out of the equation.  When it comes to choosing the wines for Thanksgiving, I like to keep it simple. Selecting options that are affordable and appeal to a wide range of palates will make your busy life easier. From Prosecco to Port, there’s truly something for everyone. Thanksgiving may not be the time to provide the perfect pairing for each course. If your holiday tradition leans more toward a cozy, down-to-earth family gathering rather than an ultra-sophisticated soiree, these tips are for you!

Basic Wine Pairing Philosophy from a Winemaker's Perspective

Selecting the perfect wine to accompany Thanksgiving dinner can feel daunting, given the array of dishes served. My approach to Thanksgiving wine pairings is straightforward and practical. It might not align with a sommelier’s guide, but we’re here for ease, comfort and enjoyment, right? Rather than focusing solely on pairing wine with the turkey, here are some ideas and recommendations that complement all the flavors on your Thanksgiving table and bring joy to each moment.

1. Consider Your Guests' Wine Knowledge and Palate

Choose wines that your guests will feel comfortable with and enjoy. Offer well known varietals, as these are approachable, familiar, and affordable. Wines from international regions or less-familiar varietals can feel intimidating to novice or casual wine drinkers. When serving common varietals, even a more discerning palate can easily appreciate their quality so there is something for everybody. Remember, there’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ wine to serve — only what you like and enjoy sharing with friends and family.

2. Think in Terms of "Times of the Day" Instead of Courses

Organize your wine offerings by moments rather than specific dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Welcome Drinks: A sparkling wine cocktail sets a festive tone for celebration. Start with Prosecco or a refreshing Royal (Chambord Liqueur & Sparkling wine) or Poinsettia (cranberry mimosa with Orange Liqueur) as guests arrive and mingle.
• Dinner Time Transition: It's nice to have several offerings for your Thanksgiving table so guests may taste through their options, try different pairings, then top up their glass with their favorite pour during the meal. In addition to any left-over bubbly consider the following:
• For White Wine Lovers: ​Serve popular crowd-pleasing varietals such as Sauv Blanc, Dry Riesling, Chardonnay or Viognier. These are great options which pair well with turkey and traditional sides without overwhelming them. From fresh fruit and bright acidity to light and elegant or full bodied and buttery, these are all perfect choices to complement the feast before you.

• For Red Wine Lovers: Lighter-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir and Grenache are food-friendly choices that will not overpower the rich flavors on your plate. If you want an option with a little more spice and body, try Zinfandel. These wines will all nicely complement savory and sweet dishes alike.
• Dessert and Beyond: End the evening with a late-harvest dessert wine or a smooth Port or Sherry to accompany pies and sweet treats. This will provide a warm, satisfying finish to the evening. 

(*For serving and temperature suggestions and general tasting notes for these varieties be sure to check out my next blogs on Part 2 & 3 : The Beginner's Guide to Serving Wine for Thanksgiving.)

3. A Final Note on Gratitude and Connection

 Thanksgiving is about giving thanks and showing gratitude for family, friendships, and all the blessings in our lives. Sharing wine to enhance the food, spark conversation, and elevate the joy is a bonus. Don’t worry so much about serving the "right wine" but just find the wine that is "right” for you then turn your focus on savoring this delicious experience with those you love.

During dessert, consider sharing what you are grateful for about each guest at your table. Making people feel loved, appreciated and acknowledged is a beautiful gift. This simple gesture can make the day even more meaningful.

I recently heard a quote that resonated deeply: "Tell people you love them while they are still here, so you don’t have to wish they were here to tell them you love them." ❤️

Wishing you the best holiday imaginable, with gratitude,

Your Wine Country Wine Coach  ~  Ciao for Now!

Ready to elevate your wine game this holiday season? 

Be sure to check out my new course: Wine Tasting 101 ~ The Beginner’s Guide to Wine Tasting Mastery.  Learn how to taste wine like the pros while discovering how to identify wines fit for YOUR palate.  Gain the confidence to taste wines anytime, anywhere with anyone! You’ll love impressing friends and family with your newfound knowledge and skills!”