Thanksgiving is the time of year when we gather with loved ones, fall into food comas, and try to survive family debates with a little (or a lot of) wine in hand. The feast is a cornucopia of flavors: savory turkey, buttery mashed potatoes, tangy cranberry sauce, herb-laden stuffing, and sweet potato pie. So, how do you pair all of this with wine? Keep reading to find a fun, no-stress way to think about your wine list.

1. Start with Bubbles

Sparkling wines like Prosecco, Cava, or an affordable Champagne set a festive tone and work as an aperitif to refresh the palate. For something unique, try a sparkling rosé—it’s fruity, fun, and pairs well with appetizers like cheese boards, deviled eggs (if you’re not me!), or crispy brussels sprouts.

Pro Tip: Don’t splurge on a fancy vintage bottle here. A solid $20 option will do the trick, and it leaves room in your budget for more wine later!

2. White Wines

If you’re a white wine fan, Thanksgiving is your moment to shine. The star here is a good, food-friendly white that can stand up to turkey and all the trimmings.

Chardonnay: For lovers of rich, buttery whites, go for a lightly oaked Chardonnay. It’s a classic choice that pairs well with roasted turkey and mashed potatoes.

Sauvignon Blanc: Prefer something crisper? Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of gravy and stuffing with its bright acidity.

Riesling: A slightly off-dry Riesling balances the savory and sweet elements of Thanksgiving (hello, cranberry sauce!) like a pro.

Adventure Tip: If you’re feeling bold, try a white Rhône blend. It’s got a touch of weight without being overpowering, and the subtle nutty flavors pair with roasted vegetables like magic.

3. Reds

For red wine drinkers, Thanksgiving is a n opportunity to explore. You want reds with soft tannins, bright fruit, and enough complexity to handle a table full of flavors.

Pinot Noir: This is Thanksgiving’s MVP. Light, elegant, and brimming with red fruit, Pinot Noir complements everything from turkey to stuffing to green bean casserole.

Zinfandel: If you like a bit of boldness, Zinfandel’s jammy fruit and spicy notes play well with the smoky flavors of roasted meats and sweet potatoes.

Grenache: A medium-bodied Grenache or Rhône blend is a versatile choice that pairs with both light and hearty dishes.

Wildcard: Tempranillo! Its earthy undertones and bright cherry flavors are surprisingly Thanksgiving-friendly.
4. Rosé All Day? Yes, Please!

Don’t underestimate the power of rosé on Turkey Day. A dry rosé bridges the gap between white and red wine drinkers while offering enough acidity to handle the rich and varied flavors on your plate. Plus, its cheerful pink hue just feels festive.

5. Dessert Wines

When the pies hit the table, it’s time to bring out the dessert wines.

Port: A classic with sweet potato or pecan pie, port’s warm, nutty flavors are like a cozy blanket for your taste buds.

Moscato: For something light and sweet, Moscato is a delightful pairing for fruit pies and even goes well with whipped cream.

Non-Traditional Suggestion: Try a sparkling Moscato d’Asti—it’s light, slightly fizzy, and won’t leave you in a sugar coma.

6. For Those Who Want It All: Wine Flights

Can’t decide? Offer a mini wine flight! Set out small glasses of a white, red, and rosé so guests can experiment and find their favorite pairing. This is a fun way to keep things interactive and ensure everyone gets something they love.

At the end of the day, Thanksgiving is about sharing good food, wine, and laughter with people you care about. Don’t stress about finding the “perfect” wine—drink what makes you happy, and the pairings will take care of themselves.

Here’s to a Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, great conversation, and glasses that never run empty. Cheers!