Quick answer: The best Thanksgiving wines are versatile, high acid, and low in tannin. Pinot Noir and Beaujolais are the top reds, dry or off dry Riesling and Chenin Blanc are the top whites, and sparkling wine works with everything on the table. Plan about one bottle for every two to three guests.
Thanksgiving is one of the hardest meals to pair wine with. The table is crowded with dishes that are sweet, savory, rich, tart, and herby all at once. Instead of trying to match every dish, choose a few flexible wines that work across the whole plate. Here is how.
What Makes a Good Thanksgiving Wine
- High acidity to refresh the palate between rich bites of gravy, stuffing, and buttery potatoes
- Low to moderate tannin so the wine does not clash with turkey, cranberry, or sweet potatoes
- Ripe fruit to complement cranberry sauce and roasted vegetables
- Moderate alcohol for a long meal with lots of toasts
The Best Red Wines for Thanksgiving
Pinot Noir
The most popular Thanksgiving red for good reason. Pinot Noir’s red cherry, cranberry, and earthy mushroom notes echo the classic flavors of the meal. Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Burgundy, and Sonoma Coast are all excellent. Read our full Pinot Noir pairing guide.
Beaujolais
Beaujolais Nouveau is released on the third Thursday of November, which makes it a fun seasonal tradition, but a Cru Beaujolais such as Morgon or Fleurie offers more depth. Juicy, low tannin, and refreshing when slightly chilled.
Zinfandel
An American grape for an American holiday. Zinfandel’s jammy, spicy fruit works with dark meat, smoked turkey, sausage stuffing, and sweet potatoes. Look for bottles under 15 percent alcohol to keep it fresh.
The Best White Wines for Thanksgiving
Riesling
Dry or off dry Riesling may be the single most food friendly wine on the table. Its high acidity cuts through rich food, and a touch of sweetness flatters cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes.
Chenin Blanc
From Vouvray or South Africa, Chenin Blanc offers apple, quince, and honey notes with bright acidity. A great match for turkey breast and herbed stuffing.
Chardonnay
A lightly oaked Chardonnay complements roast turkey, buttery mashed potatoes, and creamy gratins. Avoid very heavy, oaky styles.
Sparkling Wine and Rosé
Start with sparkling wine as guests arrive and keep it on the table. Champagne, Crémant, Cava, and dry sparkling rosé work with appetizers, the main course, and even dessert. A dry rosé is another crowd pleasing bridge between red and white drinkers.
Thanksgiving Menu Pairing Guide
- Roast turkey (white meat): Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir
- Roast turkey (dark meat): Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Beaujolais
- Smoked or fried turkey: Zinfandel, Syrah, dry rosé
- Ham: off dry Riesling, Beaujolais, sparkling rosé
- Stuffing with sausage and herbs: Pinot Noir, Côtes du Rhône
- Cranberry sauce: Beaujolais, Pinot Noir, off dry Riesling
- Mashed potatoes and gravy: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
- Sweet potato casserole: off dry Riesling, Gewürztraminer
- Green bean casserole: Sauvignon Blanc, Grüner Veltliner
- Pumpkin pie: tawny Port, late harvest Riesling, Sauternes
- Pecan pie: tawny Port, Madeira, Pedro Ximénez Sherry
Thanksgiving Appetizer Board
Keep guests happy before the turkey with a fall cheese board: aged Cheddar, Brie, a blue cheese, apples, pears, candied pecans, and fig jam. Pour sparkling wine or Pinot Noir. Our charcuterie board guide and Brie pairing guide have more ideas.
How Much Wine to Buy for Thanksgiving
A standard 750 ml bottle pours about five 5 ounce glasses. For a long holiday meal, plan on about half a bottle per adult guest, plus a little extra.
- 6 guests: 3 to 4 bottles
- 10 guests: 5 to 6 bottles
- 16 guests: 8 to 10 bottles
Buy a mix of roughly half red, a third white, and the rest sparkling or rosé, then adjust to your crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best wine for Thanksgiving dinner?
Pinot Noir is the most popular and versatile Thanksgiving red. Riesling is the most versatile white, and sparkling wine pairs with every course.
Red or white wine with turkey?
Both work. Light, low tannin reds like Pinot Noir and Beaujolais and high acid whites like Riesling and Chenin Blanc complement turkey without overpowering it.
What wine goes with Thanksgiving dessert?
Tawny Port pairs well with pecan and pumpkin pie. Late harvest Riesling and Sauternes are excellent with fruit pies and pumpkin desserts.
How many bottles of wine do I need for Thanksgiving?
Plan about half a bottle per adult guest. For 10 guests, buy 5 to 6 bottles.
