POUR CHOICES
Three Exceptional Wines for
Your Thanksgiving Table
Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays because it’s about bringing family and friends together around the dinner table, enjoying great food, good wine, and, most importantly, each other’s company. At Sam’s Italian Deli & Market, we’ve been helping families prepare for their holiday gatherings for 46 years. One thing I’ve learned over those years is that selecting the right wines doesn’t have to be complicated. The best wines are those that complement the food, bring people together, and make the occasion a little more memorable.
Start with something bubbly. Then offer both white and red options. Thanksgiving naturally lends itself to gathered and collected dishes, so the wines present should be versatile and easy to pair with a variety of savory flavors. For this Thanksgiving, I’ve selected three wines that I think are exceptional choices for the traditional turkey dinner and all the wonderful fixings that go along with it, along with notes on how to go about making your own pairings.
Bubbles
The Perfect Way to Begin Any Gathering
Recommendation: Charles Le Bel 1818 Inspiration Champagne
Champagne is one of my favorite ways to welcome guests, whether it's Thanksgiving dinner or simply an evening with friends. While many people think of Champagne as something reserved for celebrations and special occasions, I've always considered it one of the most versatile and food-friendly wines in the world. Its refreshing acidity, delicate bubbles, and elegant character make it a wonderful companion to just about any appetizer or salad. Whether you're serving traditional Italian antipasto, fine cheeses, seafood, or a fresh seasonal salad, it pairs beautifully with so many different flavors. And don't feel you need to put the Champagne away when dinner is served. It's also a wonderful match for roasted turkey and many of the traditional Thanksgiving side dishes. I've always believed you don't need a special occasion to open a great bottle of bubbly. Sometimes opening the Champagne is what makes the occasion special, and Charles Le Bel 1818 Inspiration Champagne is one of my favorites to share.
White
A Beautiful Match for the Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner
Recommendation: Cliff Lede Napa Valley Chardonnay
When it comes to Thanksgiving, a well-balanced Chardonnay is hard to beat. I particularly enjoy the Cliff Lede Napa Valley Chardonnay because it offers a beautiful combination of richness, elegance, and freshness without overwhelming the food. With its inviting notes of apple, pear, and subtle baking spices, along with a smooth, beautifully balanced finish, this Chardonnay complements so many of the traditional flavors we associate with Thanksgiving. These tasting notes make a terrific pairing with roasted turkey, especially the white meat, along with buttery mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, roasted vegetables, and turkey gravy. What I especially appreciate about a Chardonnay like this is that it has enough richness to stand up to the heartier dishes on the table while maintaining the freshness that makes you look forward to the next bite.
Red
An Elegant, Dark Sipper for the Thanksgiving Table
Recommendation: Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
If there’s one red wine I consistently recommend for Thanksgiving, it’s Pinot Noir. Unlike bigger, heavier reds that can overpower turkey and some of the more delicate side dishes, a good Pinot Noir has the elegance, acidity, and balance to complement just about everything on the table. Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a beautiful example. With its bright red fruit character, subtle earthy notes, and silky texture, it’s a wine that brings out the best in traditional Thanksgiving flavors. I particularly enjoy these notes alongside roasted turkey, herb stuffing, mushroom dishes, roasted root vegetables, and even cranberry sauce. The natural acidity and restrained tannins in Pinot Noir make it incredibly versatile throughout the meal. For guests who prefer red wine with their Thanksgiving dinner, this would be one of my first recommendations.
One of the things I’ve always enjoyed most about wine is sharing it with others. You don’t have to be a wine expert to appreciate a great bottle, and there’s certainly no rule that everyone at the table needs to drink the same wine. My suggestion is simple: have all three available. Start the gathering with Champagne, offer the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with dinner, and let your guests enjoy whichever wine they prefer. After all, choosing wine for Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s less about finding the perfect pairing and more about bringing people together around the table. Great food, good wine, and, most importantly, the company of family and friends are what make the occasion memorable.
Features Contributor Nick Marziliano
Photographer Ellie Koleen
