The Best Thanksgiving Wines Chosen by Wine Experts

Thu, Oct 16, 25

Thanksgiving isn’t just about the turkey; it’s about the table. The laughter, the stories, and that cozy sound of glasses clinking as everyone digs in. And let’s be honest, the right wine makes everything taste a little better.

If you’ve ever stood in the wine aisle wondering what to bring, you’re not alone. Choosing the best Thanksgiving wines can be confusing, do you go bold with red, light with white, or pop something sparkling? The good news is that there’s no wrong answer. Thanksgiving is all about balance, and that’s exactly what wine adds to the meal.

Whether you’re hosting family, heading to a Friendsgiving, or just wanting to impress with a thoughtful bottle, this guide will help you find the good Thanksgiving wines that fit every style and dish. Because when it comes to Thanksgiving and wines, the best pairings are the ones that make the table and the memories even better.

The best Thanksgiving white wines

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If you’re not sure what to pour this Thanksgiving, start with a white wine, it’s light, fresh, and pairs with almost everything on the table. From turkey to mashed potatoes, these good Thanksgiving wines make Thanksgiving and wines pairing easy and stress-free.

King Estate Pinot Gris

Tasting Notes

Bright and elegant, this white wine opens with inviting aromas of Bartlett pear, ripe white peach, wildflowers, and crushed gravel. On the palate, layers of peach, Key lime, nectarine, and pear create a lively interplay of fruit and freshness. Crisp acidity and a silky texture lead to a refined, lingering finish that keeps every sip vibrant and refreshing.

Food Pairing

A perfect match for soft cheeses, charcuterie, and roast turkey, this wine also shines alongside butternut squash risotto or honey-glazed carrots making it one of the best Thanksgiving wine. Its fruit-forward notes and bright acidity make it one of the good Thanksgiving wines that transitions beautifully from appetizers to the main course.

St Innocent Pinot Noir Temperance Hill Vineyard

This Pinot Noir from Temperance Hill opens with inviting aromas of ripe cherries, raspberries, and a touch of smoky spice, a hallmark of its cool-climate character. Notes of spruce, wildflowers, and soft plum add depth. On the palate, it’s smooth, fruit-forward, and balanced, finishing with elegant freshness that makes it instantly enjoyable.

Food Pairing

A versatile red that complements Thanksgiving favorites, this Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with roast turkey, grilled salmon, mushrooms, and seasonal vegetables. Its bright fruit and gentle earthiness make it a reliable choice for any fall table.

Hearst Ranch Three Sisters Cuvee White

With its light golden hue and elegant depth, this wine reflects the character of the best Thanksgiving wines- bright, balanced, and full of charm. Aromas of wild daisies, beeswax, and soft oak lead into vibrant flavors of honeydew melon and pineapple. A creamy mid-palate and firm acidity create harmony, ending with a clean, refreshing finish.

Food Pairing

It pairs beautifully with roast turkey, creamy side dishes, or soft cheeses. For those exploring Thanksgiving and wines, its mix of freshness and richness makes it a versatile companion from appetizers to the main course.

The best Thanksgiving red wines

Red wines add richness and comfort to every Thanksgiving spread, enhancing everything from roast turkey to herb-filled stuffing and sweet cranberry sauce. Balanced, food-friendly choices like Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Zinfandel are good Thanksgiving wines that make Thanksgiving and wines pairings feel thoughtful, flavorful, and perfectly in tune with the season. If you want the best Red wines under a budget, check it out here.

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J. Bouchon Pais Viejo

Tasting Notes

Crafted from 100-year-old Pais vines, this Chilean red delivers the freshness and character that define the best Thanksgiving wines. Aromas of strawberry, wildflowers, and sour cherry lead into a bright, juicy palate that’s light yet full of flavor. Its crisp acidity and smooth texture make it an inviting, easy-to-enjoy wine, especially when served slightly chilled.

Food Pairing

Ideal for fall gatherings, this Pais complements stuffed mushrooms, cranberry-glazed pork, roasted root vegetables, or grilled salmon. Light, juicy, and easy to sip, it’s one of the best Thanksgiving wines for those who enjoy a softer red that pairs with nearly everything on the table.

Marcel Lapierre Raisins Gaulois

Tasting Notes

Lapierre’s Raisins Gaulois is made from 100% Gamay grown in Morgon, one of Beaujolais’ most celebrated Crus. Sourced from high-yielding old vines, it’s bright, juicy, and effortlessly drinkable, with notes of raspberry, cherry, and wildflowers. Light-bodied and fresh, this wine captures the joyful, approachable side of Beaujolais that is lively, pure, and perfectly balanced.

Food Pairing

A top pick among the best Thanksgiving wines, this Gamay pairs beautifully with roast turkey, mushroom stuffing, glazed ham, and grilled vegetables. Its freshness and soft fruit make it one of the most good Thanksgiving wines for relaxed celebrations and casual holiday gatherings.

Luiggi Ferrando Canavese Rosso..

Tasting Notes

A blend of 70% Nebbiolo and 30% Barbera, this wine bursts with wild strawberry, raspberry, and subtle spice, layered over a hint of warm earthiness. The tannins are fine and delicate, giving it a graceful texture that makes it approachable even when young. Bright fruit and lively acidity make it one of those reds that feels both elegant and easy to enjoy.

Food Pairing

Among the best Thanksgiving wines for versatility, this blend pairs beautifully with pasta, mushroom risotto, grilled meats, or roast turkey. Its balance of fruit, spice, and structure makes it one of the good Thanksgiving wines to pour throughout the meal, a perfect choice for those exploring Thanksgiving and wines that bridge richness with freshness.

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The best Thanksgiving Rose wines

Rosé wines are among the best Thanksgiving wines because their bright acidity and red-fruit flavors complement both light and rich holiday dishes. They bridge the gap between white and red wines, making them a versatile choice for diverse Thanksgiving wine pairing. With their refreshing balance and festive character, rosés are truly good Thanksgiving wines for any Thanksgiving dinner.

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Chateau de Trinquevedel, Tavel Rose

Tasting Notes

Hailing from France’s Tavel AOC, this rosé earns its place among the best Thanksgiving wines for its richness and charm. Made primarily from Grenache, it bursts with strawberry, watermelon, and hints of wild herbs and spice. Dry yet full-bodied, it’s a vibrant and expressive wine that brings both freshness and depth to the table, a rosé with real personality.

Food Pairing

This Tavel is one of the good Thanksgiving wines that pairs effortlessly with roast turkey, spiced vegetables, or hearty grain salads. Its balance of fruit and structure makes it an inspired choice for anyone exploring Thanksgiving and wines that go beyond the traditional reds and whites.

Feudo Montoni Rose di Adele Sicilia

Tasting Notes

From one of Sicily’s oldest estates, Feudo Montoni Rosé di Adele captures the elegance and soul of the Nerello Mascalese grape. Named after a rose garden dedicated to family love, this wine offers delicate aromas of roses, wild strawberries, pomegranate, and a hint of black pepper. On the palate, it’s graceful and balanced — fresh fruit lifted by subtle spice and a refined minerality that lingers beautifully. It’s a standout among the best Thanksgiving wines for its harmony and charm.

Food Pairing

This Sicilian rosé pairs effortlessly with roast turkey, herbed chicken, seafood pastas, or Mediterranean-style vegetables. Its brightness and floral depth make it one of the good Thanksgiving wines to serve throughout the meal, offering a fresh perspective for anyone exploring Thanksgiving and wines that combine elegance, history, and heartfelt character.

The Withers Rose EI Dorado

Tasting Notes

Inspired by the classic rosés of Bandol, this wine is beautifully layered and refined. It opens with aromas of peach skin, nectarine, watermelon rind, and grapefruit, followed by a palate full of stone fruit and citrus zest. The brisk acidity and medium-bodied texture create a perfect balance between freshness and structure, leading to a long, elegant finish. Complex yet graceful, it easily ranks among the best Thanksgiving wines for its depth and versatility.

Food Pairing

This rosé pairs effortlessly with seafood, roast turkey, creamy pastas, and herb-roasted chicken. Its lively acidity and fruit-driven character make it one of the good Thanksgiving wines to serve throughout the meal.

The best Thanksgiving Orange wines

Orange wines bring something special to the table i.e depth, texture, and balance. They’re among the best Thanksgiving wines thanks to their ability to complement both roasted and sweet dishes. With subtle spice and earthy tones, they make Thanksgiving wine pairing beautifully seamless.

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Santa Julia 'El Zorrito' Natural Orange...

Tasting Notes

The Santa Julia ‘El Zorrito’ Natural Orange Chardonnay pours a golden yellow hue and bursts with floral aromas, tropical white fruits, and orange peel. On the palate, it’s fresh, vibrant, and boldly textured, offering a lively balance of fruit and acidity. Its slightly tannic grip adds structure without heaviness, making it one of the best Thanksgiving wines for those who love something unique and expressive.

Food Pairing

This natural orange Chardonnay pairs beautifully with roast turkey, pumpkin ravioli, grilled seafood, or spiced vegetable dishes. Its zesty freshness and subtle tannins make it one of the good Thanksgiving wines to serve with richly flavored or earthy dishes. For anyone exploring Thanksgiving and wines that break from tradition, El Zorrito offers a vibrant, modern twist on the holiday table.

Pali Huntington Wild Series Orange

Tasting Notes

The 2023 Pali Huntington Wild Series Orange is a captivating blend of 55% Gewürztraminer and 45% Pinot Noir from California’s Central Coast. Its rose-gold hue and slight haze hint at its natural winemaking style. On the nose, it offers fresh plum, tart lychee, apricot, and a touch of saline minerality. The palate is bright and textured, finishing with a clean, dry acidity that keeps it lively and refreshing , one of the best Thanksgiving wines for those who enjoy aromatic, food-friendly orange wines.

Food Pairing

This vibrant blend pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, spiced couscous, grilled salmon, and autumn salads with citrus or nuts. Its crisp acidity and subtle fruit tones also complement soft cheeses and charcuterie.

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Conclusion: A Toast to Every Table

At the heart of Thanksgiving is connection and the right wine has a way of bringing people just a little closer. Whether it’s a crisp white, a cozy red, a refreshing rosé, or an adventurous orange, the best Thanksgiving wines are the ones that make every dish and every moment shine brighter.

So as you gather around the table this season, pour something that feels like celebration. Because when the glass is full and the company is good, every sip becomes part of the story and that’s truly something to be thankful for.

Best Thanksgiving Wine FAQ

1. What type of wine goes with Thanksgiving dinner?

The best wines for Thanksgiving dinner are those that balance the meal’s wide range of flavors from savory turkey and stuffing to sweet cranberry sauce. Light to medium-bodied wines with bright acidity work beautifully.

Try Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling, or sparkling wine for whites. If you prefer something pink, rosé is a festive and refreshing choice. These wines complement rich dishes and keep your palate fresh throughout dinner.

2. What is a good idea for a Thanksgiving wine tasting?

Hosting a Thanksgiving wine tasting is a fun way to make the meal interactive. Offer a lineup that showcases variety:

Start with Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris for crisp whites.
Move to Pinot Noir or Grenache for balanced reds.
Finish with a Zinfandel or dessert wine to pair with pie.

Set up small pours and tasting cards so guests can rate their favorites — it turns your Thanksgiving dinner into a memorable experience.

3. What red wine goes with Thanksgiving?

If you’re wondering what red wine goes with Thanksgiving, the top choice is Pinot Noir. It’s light, earthy, and pairs perfectly with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

Other great options include:

Zinfandel – bold and spicy, perfect with glazed ham or roasted vegetables.
Beaujolais – fruity and smooth, ideal for those who prefer lighter reds.
Grenache – juicy and aromatic, a crowd-pleaser for any Thanksgiving spread.

Avoid overly tannic reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, which can overpower the meal’s delicate flavors.

By Arlington Wine and Liquor