Your Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving Wine Pairings

Thanksgiving is synonymous with family gatherings, indulgent feasts, and, for many, the perfect glass of wine. Choosing the right wine for each dish can make all the difference, turning a great meal into an extraordinary one. This guide will help you find the ideal pairings for your Thanksgiving dinner.

Appetizers to Entice

1. Butternut Squash Soup with Viognier
Butternut squash soup is a warm and velvety starter that pairs excellently with Viognier. This aromatic white wine, with notes of peach, honeysuckle, and apricot, accentuates the soup’s sweet and earthy qualities while adding a hint of floral elegance.

2. Fig and Prosciutto Crostini with Rosé
For a more adventurous appetizer, try fig and prosciutto crostini paired with a dry rosé. The wine’s crisp acidity and strawberry notes balance the salty prosciutto and sweet figs, providing a delightful contrast.

Classic Main Courses

3. Traditional Roast Turkey with Pinot Noir
A Thanksgiving staple, roast turkey pairs seamlessly with a light to medium-bodied Pinot Noir. The wine’s cherry and raspberry notes enhance the turkey’s savory flavors, while its earthy undertones add depth. For a richer experience, choose a Pinot Noir from California or New Zealand.

4. Maple-Glazed Ham with Zinfandel
For those serving ham, a slightly sweet maple glaze pairs wonderfully with Zinfandel. The wine’s jammy black fruit flavors and spice undertones mirror the sweetness of the glaze, creating a perfect balance.

Show-Stealing Sides

5. Sweet Potato Casserole with a Rich Chardonnay
Sweet potato casserole, topped with a hint of cinnamon or marshmallow, pairs beautifully with a full-bodied Chardonnay. Look for one that has undergone malolactic fermentation to bring out buttery, creamy textures that match the dish’s richness.

6. Brussels Sprouts with Lardons and Beaujolais
For a side of Brussels sprouts sautéed with lardons, a Beaujolais is an unexpected but delightful choice. The wine’s light body and fresh red fruit flavors complement the smoky, savory notes of the lardons and the slightly bitter edge of the sprouts.

Vegetarian Choices

7. Stuffed Acorn Squash with Chenin Blanc
Stuffed acorn squash, filled with wild rice, cranberries, and nuts, is an autumnal delight that pairs well with Chenin Blanc. The wine’s bright acidity and honeyed notes bring out the sweetness of the cranberries while balancing the richness of the squash.

Sweet Finishes

8. Pecan Pie with Tawny Port
Pecan pie is a Thanksgiving favorite, and its rich, caramel-like flavors pair best with Tawny Port. The wine’s nutty undertones and sweet profile perfectly echo the pie’s filling, creating a luxurious pairing.

9. Chocolate Ganache Tart with Cabernet Sauvignon
For a decadent dessert like a chocolate ganache tart, a bold Cabernet Sauvignon is the way to go. Its deep, dark fruit flavors and structured tannins complement the intense chocolate, making each bite a rich experience.

10. Cranberry Sorbet with Lambrusco
For a lighter end to the meal, serve cranberry sorbet with Lambrusco. This slightly sparkling red wine has hints of red berry and a touch of sweetness that pairs well with the tartness of the sorbet, leaving your palate refreshed.