With October behind us and frost dancing on the grass each morning, our thoughts turn from leaf-peeping to holiday hosting. But before we pull out a tree, menorah, or Festivus pole, we should remember to give thanks—and what better way than with wine (…and maybe some turkey)?  

To help alleviate the pressure of hosting and gifting, we have curated a list of delicious wines for every guest’s palate. No matter where you land on the white meat vs. dark meat debate or whether you’re just here for the sides—we have a wine for you! Keep reading for some of our favorite Turkey Day sips and tips.  

WHITE WINES

Reach for a white if you want a classic pairing. 

Burgans Albariño  (Spain)  

This dry white wine hails from the Rias Baixas wine region of Spain. Notes of stone fruit and apples are rounded out with a saline finish, invoking the coast where the grapes are grown. Reach for this Albariño as an aperitif or while enjoying a helping of turkey or some of our delightful baked brie.  

Joel Gott  Pinot Gris (Oregon)  

Joel Gott was born in Napa Valley and is a fourth-generation winemaker. A richer wine than its Grigio counterpart, this Pinot Gris from the Willamette Valley in Oregon has a melony, lime nose that welcomes you and prepares your palate for notes of citrus and tropical fruits. Its bright acidity and balanced finish pairs perfectly with the richer flavors of turkey, pork, and soft cheeses.   

McBride Sisters Collection Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)   

The story behind McBride Sisters is just as remarkable as their wine. These half-sisters grew up on different sides of the world and grew their connection over their love of winemaking. Their sustainably grown Sauvignon Blanc has hints of citrus, tropical fruits, and a touch of honey making it pair nicely with shrimp cocktail and bright, herby sides.  

Oliver Gessler Côtes du Gascogne (France)   

This wine is produced by the Gessler family, fourth-generation winegrowers in the southwest of France. The region is known for its dry white wines. Tropical fruit flavors pair nicely with all of your favorite Thanksgiving dishes. It also has a low alcohol content of 11% – a nice bonus!   

Pine Ridge Vigonier/Chenin Blanc (California) 

Pine Ridge makes a delicious blend of Chenin Blanc and Viognier. The Chenin grape makes a crisp, yet fruity wine in a variety of styles, from still to sparkling. Viognier tends to be rich and less dry. This particular blend balances a honeyed fruit with a nice acidity that pairs excellently with turkey, sweet potatoes, and appetizers.   

 

RED WINES

Although white wines might pair more traditionally with poultry, pick up a red if you enjoy dark meat and a more complex flavor.

Beaujolais Nouveau (France)   

Made to drink young at the end of harvest season, this “new” wine is a fresh and fruity, easy-to-drink gamay that often has a little bit of spritz to it due to the special fermentation process. The flavors tend toward strawberry and banana, believe it or not, so it goes really well with turkey and cranberry sauce. You can even chill it a little, which makes it a refreshingly light drink.     

J Lohr Valdiguie (California)   

 A relatively unknown red grape, Valdiguie makes a vividly pink-purple wine bursting with fruit and spice. It tastes like cherries and cranberries and cloves, and, like Beaujolais Nouveau, can be lightly chilled for serving. Lighter in body, it won’t slow you down when you are contemplating another spoonful of sweet potatoes. The J Lohr California Wildflower Valdiguie also has the added bonus of coming in a pretty, gifty bottle.  

Anton Bauer  Pinot Noir  (Austria) 

This light-bodied red wine is produced by fourth-generation Austrian Anton Bauer. The grapes are handpicked on the winemaker’s farm in Feuersbrun/Wagram, where his family has been making wine for generations. His Pinot Noir and Gruner Veltliner wines have won numerous awards over the years. A beautiful ruby color and a palette of dark red fruit pairs well with meats and cheeses.   

Elizabeth & Francois Jourdan Cinsault  (France)   

Although the Cinsault grape variety is often used for rosés, the Jourdans used these grapes to create a light red wine that’s silky and approachable. Most Thanksgiving tables are void of snails–the traditional pairing, so instead sample this Cinsault with any other protein you have at your table. The fruity, red berry flavor might even be enough to satiate your sweet tooth…but what’s Turkey Day without a third helping of pie?  

Kermit Lynch Côtes du Rhone  (France)   

As Kermit Lynch’s house blend, this cuvée merges a Grenache base with Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Marselan, and Cinsault. The Côtes du Rhone is an easy-drinking wine that is—ideally the opposite of your dinner conversation—unfiltered and unrefined. With hints of black cherry and black olive, this bottle can be served alongside a charcuterie board as you wait for the perfect color on your turkey.

 

SPARKLING  WINES

Add a little bubbly and make it a true celebration!  

Prosecco (Italy)   

If you want to keep things light and bouncy, try Italy’s take on sparkling wine. One prosecco we love is the Cavicchioli 1928 Prosecco. The Cavicchioli family started bottling their own wine in 1928, hence the name. They hand-pick their grapes underripe in order to preserve the acidity. This extra dry sparkler is lemony with hints of apple and mint. The flowers on the stunning bottle are indicative of the delicate, floral aroma. Excellent as an aperitif before the big meal.  

Cava  (Spain) 

This Spanish sparkling wine from Casteller is bright and citrusy with touches of apple blossom and lime. Drink this with appetizers to excite your taste buds and prepare your palate for all the delights to come. The excellent price point on this Cava Brut makes it an even easier choice than a second helping of potatoes.  

Sparkling Rosé   (France)

The elegant bottle and pink hue of this sparkling rosé  from RivaRose will instantly elevate any Thanksgiving table. Hailing from Provence, this sparkler blends Grenache and Syrah to create a dry and refreshing beverage. The Grenache provides an intense aroma while the Syrah gives this wine notes of flavorful red berries and a light spice.  

 

CIDERS from Fable Farms (Vermont) 

If a traditional wine isn’t your thing, try a cider for a more playful pairing experience. These three “ciders as wine” choices from Fable Farm still come in elegant, tall wine-like bottles but have an alcohol content between 6-7%, allowing you to nurse this drink from appetizers to dessert.

Fable Farm in nearby Barnard uses locally sourced fruits, herbs, saps, and honey to make their delicious bottled ciders/wines and vinegars. Their wild-fermented ciders barrel- and bottle-age for up to five years in an underground cave. Keep reading for quick notes on three of our favorites.
 

Fluxion   

In true Vermont style, maple syrup is included in the bottling process and aids in a continued fermentation process. This sparkling cider is dry, earthy, and refreshingly acidic.    

Emanation   

Fable Farm uses apples from Walden Heights Orchard to create this dry sparkling cider. It is crisp and tart and has the bonus of a low 6% alcohol content.  

 Walden  

Over one hundred apple varietals from Walden Heights Orchard in the Northeast Kingdom are used to create this cider. The slight effervescence of this beverage brightens the oaky, apple flavors.   

With any of these bottles on your table, your family and friends will be able to agree on at least one thing–your wine choices. Enjoy 15% off any case of wine during our Winestock deal.

Happy Thanksgiving!