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There are so many different varieties of wine to choose from! You can have a new wine list every few months if you want to follow seasonality or you can add a few new bottles around special times of year. We have already covered holiday wines, as well as 4th of July wine, and even unique and exotic wines. And with November coming so soon, now it’s the perfect time to talk about wine for Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving is a special holiday, loved by so many people. It’s a time when people get together to celebrate with friends and family and want to enjoy a cozy evening together with quality food and drinks. Leading up to the day, restaurants can only benefit from getting into the spirit of the holiday and getting people excited about it. That’s why we recommend serving heart-warming dishes and delicious drinks, including the best wine for Thanksgiving!
Do you want to know which wine for Thanksgiving you should add to your wine program? We are here to help with exactly that! Below you will find a full list of amazing wines that are perfect for this time of the year and the occasion.
Best Wine for Thanksgiving: 12 Different Varieties
If you want to earn the hearts of wine enthusiasts this Thanksgiving season, you should ask your wine director or sommelier to curate a new wine list. But in case you don’t have such professionals on staff, you can always follow our tips and do the wine list curation on your own.
In the following paragraphs you will find the wine for Thanksgiving you should not skip. When picking the varieties, don’t forget to consider the wine pairings, too!
1. Riesling
The reason why Riesling works so well as a wine for Thanksgiving is its bright acidity and fruity notes (apple, pear, citrus). This makes it perfect for balancing rich and savory dishes, from turkey to sweet potatoes. A dry or off-dry Riesling brings just the right amount of sweetness and acidity.
2. Chardonnay
A rich, buttery Chardonnay complements creamy dishes and roasted vegetables. Opt for an oaked Chardonnay for a fuller, rounder texture that pairs well with mashed potatoes, stuffing and turkey. It’s one of the most popular types of white wine that you sure need to add to your list.
Key Takeaway: The best wine for Thanksgiving comes in different flavors and can be paired with various festive dishes. Make sure you offer a variety to your guests so they can enjoy this occasion to the fullest with the Thanksgiving wine and dishes they love the most.
3. Gewürztraminer
This type of wine has an aromatic profile and spicy, floral notes. Gewürztraminer stands up to bold flavors like cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes. This wine is also a great option if you are serving a lot of herb-focused dishes at your restaurant.
4. Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a wine known for its bright acidity, light body, and red fruit flavors. It’s a true Thanksgiving classic! It pairs well with turkey and has enough structure to balance earthy sides like stuffing and green bean casserole. It’s a wine for Thanksgiving all restaurants must offer.
5. Gamay/Beaujolais
Beaujolais and other Gamay-based wines are light, fruity, and low in tannins, making them perfect for pairing with a variety of dishes. They are also great for diners who prefer red wine with a softer profile.
6. Zinfandel
Zinfandel’s jammy fruit flavors and a hint of spice make it ideal for pairing with turkey, cranberry sauce, and dishes with a touch of sweetness. Its bold profile also makes it a hit with flavorful side dishes. This wine for Thanksgiving will leave many people happy with their overall experience.
7. Sparkling Rosé
We have said many times that sparkling wines are a great way to celebrate any special occasion. That’s why you should not skip sparkling wine for Thanksgiving! Sparkling rosé brings both elegance and versatility to the table, with a touch of fruit and acidity that complements everything from appetizers to the main course. It’s light, festive, and refreshing!
8. Sauvignon Blanc
This crisp, herbaceous white wine pairs well with dishes that incorporate fresh herbs. It has enough acidity to cut through creamy sides and balances savory flavors nicely. It’s a staple for every wine list, so you should get Sauvignon Blanc from the best regions.
9. Grenache
With its fruity, medium-bodied profile, Grenache pairs beautifully with turkey and rich, savory sides. It’s a crowd-pleasing red that offers both bright berry notes and enough structure for Thanksgiving fare.
10. Syrah/Shiraz
Syrah is the best wine for Thanksgiving for people who love a bolder red. This wine offers dark fruit flavors, peppery spice, and a medium to full body. It’s an excellent choice for pairing with roasted meats and savory sides.
11. Prosecco
Prosecco‘s bubbles and light body made it a great pre-meal option or pairing for lighter dishes. It adds a festive touch to the gathering and is versatile enough to pair with appetizers and main dishes, too.
12. Rosé
A good rosé brings both freshness and subtle fruitiness, making it a great match for turkey, vegetables, and sides. It’s a versatile wine that it light enough for daytime gatherings, but it’s also flavorful enough to pair with main meals.
Adding a selection of these wines to your Thanksgiving list provides options that complement traditional dishes for this occasion. The wines cater to a variety of tastes, making for a truly memorable and harmonious holiday meal. The best wine for Thanksgiving is the one that will pair perfectly with the meals you serve at your restaurant and that will boost customer satisfaction.
Start working on your wine selection now if you haven’t already. It’s time to stock up on quality wines in larger quantities. Look through the historical data from previous years to see what amount of wine was consumed during the festive season and take this into account when planning the wine inventory.
Frequently Asked Questions about Best Wine for Thanksgiving
If you still have some questions about the best wine for Thanksgiving, you should read the following paragraphs. We have answered some of the most common questions on this topic, which will provide you with additional helpful information!
What Wine Pairs Best with Turkey?
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Beaujolais/Gamay are all great choices with turkey. They each provide different flavors and textures that enhance the mild flavor of turkey.
Is Sparkling Wine a Good Choice for Thanksgiving?
Yes! Sparkling wines like prosecco or sparkling rosé add a festive touch and have acidity that pairs well with various dishes, from appetizers to main courses.
What’s a Good Dessert Wine for Thanksgiving?
A light, sweet wine like Moscato or an off-dry Riesling can pair well with Thanksgiving desserts like pumpkin pie or apple crisp. Port or late-harvest wines are also excellent choices for a richer dessert experience.
Are There Good Wines to Pair with Stuffing and Gravy?
Medium-bodied reds like Grenache or fuller-bodied whites like oaked Chardonnay work well with stuffing and gravy. They have the richness and complexity to stand up to these savory flavors.