Best Wines For Thanksgiving + Pairing Chart

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Best Wines For Thanksgiving 2025

Choosing the best wine for Thanksgiving can be tricky with so many flavors on the table—from savory turkey and rich gravy to tart cranberry sauce and pies. The key is versatility. To help you pour with confidence, we’ve created a helpful guide and Thanksgiving wine pairing chart for 2025. Think of it as your holiday cheat sheet, making sure every bottle you open will pair deliciously with delicious dishes and festive fixings.

THANKSGIVING WINE PAIRING CHART

This handy Thanksgiving wine pairing chart gives you a quick overview of classic choices. Use it as a starting point to discover which wines will best complement your holiday menu.

RED Wine for thanksgiving

A good red wine for Thanksgiving should have bright acidity, moderate tannins and plenty of fruit to complement the meal without overwhelming it. Here are three top contenders.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is the quintessential Thanksgiving wine for a reason. Its bright acidity cuts through rich, fatty foods, while its notes of red cherry, strawberry, plum, spice and earthy mushroom beautifully complement everything from turkey and stuffing to baked mushrooms and gravy. Its silky tannins and light-to-medium body ensure it won't overpower more delicate dishes.

Beaujolais (Gamay)

Made from the Gamay grape, Beaujolais is another fantastic option. It's light, juicy and bursting with flavors of fresh raspberry, red currant and a touch of earth. Its low tannins and refreshing acidity make it incredibly drinkable and a perfect match for the tartness of cranberry sauce and the sweetness of roasted root vegetables. Look for a "Cru" Beaujolais (from one of the ten top villages like Morgon or Fleurie) for more complexity.

Zinfandel

For those who prefer a bolder red, a fruit-forward Zinfandel is an excellent choice. Zin offers a vibrant array of fruit flavors, from blackberry jam to raspberry, with black pepper and clove. It will stand up beautifully to the darker, richer components of the meal, like dark meat turkey and savory gravy. Its spice notes also pair well with classic autumnal ones like clove and cinnamon.

Sauvignon Blanc

With its zesty acidity and notes of grapefruit, green apple and fresh herbs, Sauvignon Blanc is a fantastic palate cleanser. It’s a perfect match for green vegetable dishes like green bean casserole and roasted asparagus, and works as a wonderful aperitif to serve before the main feast begins.

Chardonnay

A versatile Chardonnay can be a star player at the Thanksgiving table. An unoaked style (like Chablis) offers crisp apple and lemon notes that cut through richness. A lightly oaked Chardonnay brings notes of pear, butter and vanilla that beautifully complement creamy mashed potatoes, butternut squash soup, as well as the roasted flavors of the turkey.

riesling

The slight sweetness and high acidity of an off-dry Riesling make it a surprisingly brilliant partner for the Thanksgiving table. Its notes of peach, apricot and honey complement sweet potato casserole and glazed carrots, while its acidity provides a refreshing counterpoint. It’s also an excellent match for any dishes with a bit of spiciness.

Dry Provence Rosé

The classic rosé from Provence is pale pink, crisp and elegant. With lighter red-fruit notes like strawberry and watermelon with a hint of herbs, these classic pinks are light enough for appetizers but have enough flavor to stand up to the main course. It's the ultimate utility player for a complex meal.

Sparkling Rosé

What's a celebration without bubbles? A sparkling rosé brings a festive energy to the table. Its lively acidity and notes of red berries and citrus zest make it a perfect pairing for salty appetizers, cheese boards or a celebratory toast to kick off the meal.

Tavel Rosé

For a rosé with more body and structure, look to Tavel from France's Rhône Valley. These are deeper in color and flavor, with notes of ripe cherry, pomegranate and spice. This style has enough weight to pair confidently with dark meat, gravy and even richer side dishes.

Best Wines For Thanksgiving 2025

Discover the best wines for Thanksgiving with our comprehensive expert guide. Find ideal wine matches for the celebration. Cheers to a perfect feast!