Best Wine for Thanksgiving Dinner: 10 Crowd-Pleasers

Thanksgiving dinner is a pairing nightmare—in the best way. Turkey, gravy, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, green beans, stuffing... all on one plate. The secret is choosing versatile wines that complement without competing. Here are our go-to bottles.

Why Thanksgiving Is Different

Most wine pairing advice focuses on one protein. Thanksgiving throws everything together: roasted poultry, savory gravy, sweet and tangy cranberries, rich buttery sides, and often dessert. You need wines with enough versatility to handle this circus.

The Best Red Wines for Thanksgiving

1. Pinot Noir

The ultimate Thanksgiving red. Pinot Noir's light body won't overwhelm turkey, its acidity cuts through rich gravy, and its earthy undertones complement mushroom stuffing. Oregon and Burgundy versions are classics.

2. Beaujolais

Beaujolais offers Pinot-like versatility at friendlier prices. Cru Beaujolais (Morgon, Fleurie, Moulin-à-Vent) has enough substance for turkey while keeping that essential freshness. Slightly chilled, it's a revelation.

3. Côtes du Rhône

For guests who want something heartier, Southern Rhône blends offer dark fruit and spice without aggressive tannins. They're fruit-forward enough for cranberry sauce but structured enough for gravy.

4. Zinfandel

American wine for an American holiday. Zinfandel's jammy fruit and spice profile mirrors Thanksgiving flavors—think clove, cinnamon, and dried fruits. Choose a restrained style (not 16% alcohol monsters).

The Best White Wines for Thanksgiving

5. Riesling (Off-Dry)

A touch of sweetness in Riesling works magic with Thanksgiving. It bridges turkey and cranberries, handles spicy sides, and refreshes the palate between bites. German Spätlese or Alsatian Riesling are perfect.

6. Gewürztraminer

Exotic and aromatic, Gewürztraminer's lychee and rose petal notes are surprisingly good with roast turkey. It especially shines if your stuffing includes fruit or Asian-influenced sides make an appearance.

7. Viognier

Rich and aromatic with stone fruit and floral notes, Viognier has enough weight to stand up to turkey without the oak-heaviness of some Chardonnays. It's unexpected but excellent.

8. Chenin Blanc

Versatile and underrated, Chenin offers apple and honey notes with balancing acidity. South African or Loire Valley versions both work. It's particularly good with buttery mashed potatoes.

Sparkling Options

9. Champagne or Crémant

Start Thanksgiving with bubbles, or go bold and drink them through the meal. Champagne's acidity and bubbles cut through richness better than almost any wine. Crémant offers similar pleasure at lower cost.

10. Sparkling Rosé

Rosé Champagne or sparkling rosé offers a bit more body than blanc de blancs while keeping festive bubbles. It's crowd-pleasing and photograph-ready for the holiday table.

How Much Wine for Thanksgiving?

Plan for about one bottle per two guests for dinner, plus additional for before and after. For a table of 8, have at least 4 bottles of wine, ideally 6 (some white, some red). It's a long meal—nobody wants to run out.