Best Wine Pairings for Turkey Dinner

A crisp and aromatic white wine can be a perfect match for turkey. It cuts through the richness of the meat while complementing its savory flavors. Look for wines with good acidity and expressive fruit.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is a fantastic choice, especially when it’s a style that balances fruit with subtle oak. A vibrant white Burgundy (100% Chardonnay) offers fresh apple, pear and spice, while lightly oaked Chardonnay from California’s Napa Valley or Sonoma Coast express notes of peach, pear and vanilla. Each flavor profile harmonizes with the roasted flavors of the turkey and creamy side dishes like mashed potatoes.

Sauvignon Blanc

Known for its zesty acidity and herbal notes, Sauvignon Blanc is another excellent white wine for turkey. Its bright citrus and green apple flavors cleanse the palate, and its herbaceous character beautifully complements stuffings and green vegetable sides. Sauvignon Blanc from France’s Loire Valley (such as Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé) or New Zealand’s Marlborough region are two solid choices.

Riesling

An off-dry Riesling is a brilliant—and often overlooked—match for roasted turkey. Its slight sweetness and high acidity work wonders with both light and dark meat, and it's a perfect partner for sweeter side dishes like sweet potato casserole or honey-glazed carrots. The stone fruit flavors of peach and apricot are a delightful match for a classic roast turkey.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is the quintessential red wine with turkey, thanks to its light body, silky tannins and vibrant acidity. Flavors of red cherry, cranberry and earthy mushroom complement every part of the meal, from the main dish to the savory stuffing and cranberry sauce. A bottle from Burgundy, Oregon or California’s cool coastal regions (like Sonoma or Santa Barbara) is an excellent choice.

Beaujolais (Gamay)

Made with the Gamay grape, Beaujolais is another fantastic light-bodied red. It’s juicy, fresh and bursting with flavors of raspberry and red currant. Its low tannins and refreshing character make it incredibly food-friendly, and it won't clash with any of the diverse flavors on your plate. For a Beaujolais with more complexity, look for a Cru Beaujolais from villages like Morgon or Fleurie.

Zinfandel

If you prefer a bolder red, a well-balanced Zinfandel can be an outstanding pairing, especially with dark meat. Look for a style that is more restrained and not overly alcoholic. Its flavors of ripe raspberry, blackberry jam and black pepper are a great match for rich gravy and spiced side dishes, adding crowd-pleasing fruit flavors to the meal.

Rosé Wine That Goes Well With Turkey

A dry rosé is a true utility player, offering the crispness of a white wine with the fruit character of a red. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for a complex meal like a turkey dinner.

Provence Rosé

A classic dry pink wine from Provence is a superb rosé wine for turkey. It’s crisp, elegant and light-bodied, with notes of strawberry, watermelon and fresh herbs. This style is refreshing enough to serve as an apéritif but has enough character to carry through the entire meal, pairing well with everything from appetizers to the main course.

Tavel Rosé

For a rosé with more structure and body, turn to Tavel from France’s Southern Rhône Valley. These rosés are deeper in color and richer in flavor, with notes of red cherry, pomegranate and a hint of spice. This style has enough weight to stand up to dark meat and even richer preparations like a smoked or grilled turkey.

Sparkling Rosé

A festive meal calls for bubbles, and a sparkling rosé is an outstanding choice. Its lively acidity and fine bubbles cleanse the palate between bites, while its notes of red berries and citrus zest complement the savory flavors of the turkey and sides. It’s a celebratory and delicious pairing that works from start to finish.