Thanksgiving is all about abundance – a table filled with turkey, sides, and plenty of flavours competing for attention. The right wine(s) can bring everything together so here’s a guide to the best wine pairings for a classic Thanksgiving spread.
Roast Turkey
Turkey has a mild flavour but can easily dry out, so wines with juicy fruit and lively acidity are the best partners. Pinot Noir from Oregon’s Willamette Valley or Burgundy in France is a classic choice, with bright red fruit and earthy depth. For a white option, an oaked Chardonnay from Burgundy or California’s Napa Valley brings body, richness, and subtle vanilla and spice notes that complement the turkey without overpowering it. If you prefer something a little warmer, Grenache-based reds from Spain’s Rioja or France’s Rhône Valley offer soft spice and ripe fruit.
Stuffing
Stuffing is savoury, herby, and often rich, so it needs a wine with enough body to hold up. Zinfandel from California is a natural match, especially with sausage-based stuffing, thanks to its ripe fruit and peppery spice. For a white, try Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley in France or South Africa, both of which bring vibrant acidity and subtle fruit. If your stuffing includes mushrooms, Pinot Noir from Burgundy or New Zealand’s Central Otago is a perfect earthy companion.
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Creamy mashed potatoes and savoury gravy call for wines that balance richness. A buttery yet structured Chardonnay from Napa Valley, Burgundy or Australia’s Margaret River region pairs beautifully. If you want something aromatic, Viognier from the Rhône Valley works well with its stone fruit and floral character. For red wine lovers, Merlot from Bordeaux’s Right Bank or Washington State offers soft tannins and plush fruit that work nicely with gravy.
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce brings bright, tangy sweetness to the table, and it’s best matched with wines that can echo those flavours. A chilled Beaujolais is a top pick, with juicy red fruit and lively acidity that mirror cranberries’ tartness. For a white option, a slightly off-dry Riesling from Germany’s Mosel region or Alsace in France is ideal, balancing sweetness with crisp acidity.
Thanksgiving Desserts
No Thanksgiving is complete without pie, and both pumpkin and pecan demand wines with enough sweetness and depth to match.
Pumpkin Pie
The spiced, creamy sweetness of the pumpkin pie pairs beautifully with a late-harvest Riesling from Germany or the Finger Lakes in New York. For something more indulgent, Moscato d’Asti from Piedmont in Italy adds gentle sweetness and refreshing bubbles.
Pecan Pie
Rich, nutty, and caramelised, pecan pie is best matched with fortified wines. Tawny Port from Portugal is the ultimate pairing, echoing the nutty, toffee-like flavours. Alternatively, Madeira (Bual or Malmsey styles) brings roasted nut and citrus notes, while a Pedro Ximénez Sherry offers deep raisin and molasses flavours for a decadent finish.
Quick Thanksgiving Wine Shopping List
Not sure where to start? Here are some reliable wines that work beautifully with a Thanksgiving feast.
Pinot Noir – Willamette Valley, Oregon
Bright red fruit, soft tannins, and a touch of earthiness make this perfect for roast turkey and mushroom stuffing.
Chardonnay – Burgundy or Napa, California
Buttery, rich, and subtly spiced, perfect with roast turkey and mashed potatoes.
Beaujolais – Beaujolais-Villages, France
Juicy Gamay with fresh acidity, a fantastic match for cranberry sauce and lighter dishes on the table.
Zinfandel – California
Ripe, spicy and bold enough to handle stuffing, gravy, and even meaty sides like sausage or roast ham.
Tawny Port – Douro, Portugal
Smooth and nutty, with caramel and dried fruit flavours that complement both pumpkin and pecan pie.
Pedro Ximénez Sherry – Spain
Rich, sweet, and decadent, with raisin and molasses notes that make it a perfect partner for pecan pie.
