Nov 15, 2025
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and as we prepare for the biggest, most complex meal of the year, one crucial question remains: What are the best wines for Thanksgiving dinner?
The sheer variety of flavors on a typical Thanksgiving table—sweet, savory, herbaceous, and rich—requires wines that are highly versatile, food-friendly, and delicious. We’ve put together a foolproof guide to ensure your wine pairings are just as memorable as the feast itself.
Jump to these wine pairings:
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Phase 1: The Welcome Spread & Thanksgiving Cheese Board
Before the main event, set a festive, relaxed tone with wines that can cut through rich appetizers and robust cheeses. This is where bright acidity is key.
The Recommendation: A crisp Sparkling Wine (look for drier Brut or Extra Brut styles) or a vibrant, grassy Sauvignon Blanc.
Why it Works:
- Sparkling wine cleanses the palate with tiny bubbles and bright acidity, perfectly complementing creamy and nutty cheeses.
- Sauvignon Blanc’s citrus backbone stands up beautifully to bolder spreads and tangy relishes.
Phase 2: The Main Course: Turkey & All the Trimmings
The star of the show—the Thanksgiving turkey—demands a versatile, aromatic wine. Given the savory richness of the bird and the sweetness often found in side dishes (like yams and cranberry sauce), an aromatic white wine is often the best choice for this challenging main course.
The Star White Wine Pairing
The Star: An Off-Dry Gewürztraminer, especially one with a little age.
Why it Works: This wine's slight sweetness and fragrant notes of lychee and rose water bridge the gap between sweet cranberry sauce and savory stuffing, creating a harmonious and balanced Thanksgiving wine pairing.
The Red Wine Alternative (A Must-Have Addition)
If your table requires a red wine, reach for a medium-bodied, low-tannin option that won't overwhelm the turkey.
The Choice: A medium-bodied Pinot Noir.
Why it Works: Whether it's an elegant, earthy Burgundy or a delicate selection from Oregon, Pinot Noir offers the acidity and light tannins needed to complement turkey without overpowering the entire meal.
Phase 3: Dessert Decadence: Wine with Pie
Pairing wine with pie is a crucial, indulgent step. The golden rule here is to choose a dessert wine that is distinctly sweeter than the dessert itself.
- For Pumpkin Pie: The honeyed richness and balanced acidity of a classic Sauternes is unbeatable.
- For Apple Pie: A delicate, intensely concentrated Late Harvest Riesling matches the caramelized sugars and spices perfectly.
- For a Fizzy Finish: If you prefer a lighter, lower-alcohol option with bubbles, a delightful Moscato d'Asti brings subtle floral notes and bright refreshment.
The Secret Ingredient: Optimal Wine Serving Temperature
A perfect pairing can be ruined if the wine is served too warm or too cold. Using your fridge correctly is the cheat code to achieving the perfect wine serving temperature and enhancing aromas and freshness.
Quick guide to serving temps:
- Sparkling & Sauvignon Blanc (Crisp Whites) — 46F (8C)
- Gewürztraminer & Sweet Wines (Sauternes, Riesling) — 54F (12C)
- Pinot Noir (Medium Red) — 60F (16C)
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Cheers to a delicious and perfectly paired Thanksgiving!
