The Ultimate Thanksgiving Wine Pairing: How to Choose the Perfect Wine for Every Dish

Thanksgiving brings a harmony of flavors: turkey, gravy, stuffing, sweet casseroles, and cranberry sauce. With so many flavors to choose from, pairing the right wine brings the entire meal together. Wine should complement, not contest, and that is what we try to achieve here at Woodland Hills Wine Company (WHWC) when considering pairing options for your holiday table.

In this blog, you'll learn to pair wines with turkey to pie that honor what makes Thanksgiving unique, without sacrificing balance.

Best Wines for Turkey: White & Red Options That Always Work 

Since turkey is usually the prominent dish at Thanksgiving dinner, let’s examine wine pairings with turkey first. Wine can enhance the experience of turkey, particularly when roasted, herbed, or smoked.

White Wines with Turkey  

• Chardonnay (Unoaked or Lightly Oaked): A Chardonnay with moderate oak offers aromas of apple, pear, and cream. All of which is a great combination with roasted turkey and rich gravy.
• Chenin Blanc: Chenin is not typically at the top of mind, but it has bright acidity and orchard fruit flavor, which fits in nicely with herb stuffing and fresh green beans. 
• Riesling (Dry or Off-Dry): A Riesling that has high acidity and a touch of sweetness can serve to bridge the tartness of the cranberry sauce. 

Red Pairings with Turkey (Only Gentle Tannins)

The big, tannic reds should not be in the conversation during Thanksgiving; it is more about lighter-bodied, fruit-driven reds.

• Pinot Noir: This is usually the number one red for Thanksgiving: silky, soft, red-fruit-forward (think cranberry/cherry). 
• Beaujolais (Gamay): Juicy, festive, and food-friendly. Gamay wines will pair all the way across the Thanksgiving table, from turkey to mashed potatoes to pie.
• Zinfandel (Lighter Styles): When your turkey has smokiness or spice, a lighter Zinfandel will also pair beautifully. 

With these choices, you’re guaranteed a wine that enhances the turkey, complements the sides, and keeps the whole table happily sipping.

Wine Pairings for Classic Thanksgiving Sides

Now let’s fill out the rest of the menu. Here is how to pair wine with the supporting cast of sides: 

1. Stuffing & Herb-Heavy Dishes

• Best Pairings: Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir

Herbs and acidity go together. The crispness of a Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc refreshes the palate, while a more subtle Pinot Noir provides depth without overpowering the herbs.

2. Mashed Potatoes & Gravy 

• Best Pairings: Medium-Bodied Chardonnay or White Burgundy

Rich creamy flavors benefit from weight, and having some soft creaminess will add to the experience. A Chardonnay like Sandhi Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills 2021 features apple, bread, and a mineral quality, which would pair seamlessly with this dish. 

3. Cranberry Sauce 

• Best Pairing: Off-Dry Riesling, Gamay, Rosé

Cranberry sauce has a sweet-tart essence, so pairing wines with a similar balance will work well. An off-dry Riesling or juicy Gamay would work beautifully with the bright acidity. 

4. Sweet Potato Casserole:

• Best Pairing: Gewürztraminer, Moscato, Viognier

These aromatic varieties tend to bring out the floral aspects and fruit that sweet potatoes and casserole may have imparted.  

5. Ham (if served): 

• Best Pairings: Zinfandel, Riesling, Grenache.

A lightly spiced Zinfandel, a bright Riesling, or a juicy Grenache capturing a salty-sweet profile would be a ham match.

Best Red Wines for Thanksgiving Dinner

High acidity and low tannins are the primary characteristics of food-friendly red wines that won't dominate the palate. Here are five great examples:

• Pinot Noir: Bright red fruit and soft tannins make this wine versatile for both turkey and cranberries. 
• Beaujolais Cru / Gamay: Bright and lively fruit married with subtle spice makes this varietal extremely versatile with meats. 
• Grenache: Warm spices mixed with juicy fruit make it a great pairing, especially if there is any hint of sweet and savory. 
• Zinfandel: If the turkey has a smoky or spiced rub, try a lighter Zinfandel. Expect berries and depth without excessive boldness. 

WHWC Sommelier Tip: Serve port-style or lighter reds a little cooler; around 60-63°F will provide them the best opportunity to shine.

Best White Wines for Thanksgiving Dinner

Here are some white options that shine throughout your menu: 

• Chardonnay: This is the perfect blend of buttery, nutty, and rich, where especially breadths among roasted, creamy, and dismissed. 
• Riesling: Many can handle sweetness and richness, and it provides both; it can be paired with cranberry dishes. 
• Chenin Blanc: These have brightness, complexity, and acidity. They work with herb dishes. 
• Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio: Crisp and refreshing, a good palate cleanser. 

WHWC Sommelier Tip: Whites should be chilled to about 45–50°f to get the best flavour.

Sparkling Wines: The Secret Weapon of Thanksgiving Pairing

Sparkling wine often does not get the respect it deserves, and yet, during Thanksgiving, sparkling wine is a real game-changer. The high acidity in sparkling wines, their bubbles, and their ability to cleanse the palate make sparkling wine a very versatile option. 

Our Recommendations:

• Crémant
• Prosecco
• Champagne
• Sparkling Rosé 

Each of these wine styles would pair beautifully with turkey, appetizers, or even dessert!

Dessert Pairings: Sweet Wines for a Sweet Ending

To finish a meal, you will want a sweeter wine than the dessert. Here are some classic matches:

• Pumpkin Pie with Late-Harvest Riesling, Sauternes, or Tokaji
• Pecan Pie with Tawny Port, Madeira
• Apple Pie with Ice Wine, Moscato, or off-dry Riesling

Serve dessert wines slightly chilled if they are sweet, not frosty. 

FAQs Related to Thanksgiving Wine Selection 

Q1. Which wine is the best for Thanksgiving dinner?

A multipurpose wine, like either a Pinot Noir or a Chardonnay, will go very well with your meal.

Q2. Which wine pairs best with turkey?

You might consider Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, or a dry Riesling. 

Q3. Are red or white wines better for Thanksgiving meals?

Both types of wine will pair well. Just make sure to use the ones with balanced acidity and soft structure.

Q4. Is it ok to serve sparkling wine with Thanksgiving dinner?

Absolutely. Sparkling wines (Champagne, Prosecco, etc.) pair beautifully with nearly everything!

Q5. What’s the best temperature for Thanksgiving?

Whites: 45–50°F

Reds: 60–63°F

Sparkling wines: 43–46°F

Set Your Thanksgiving Table with the Perfect Pairings

Thanksgiving is a celebration of contrasts. Savory vs sweet, herbaceous vs fruity, light vs rich. We recommend considering wine pairing to make everything flow with those contrasts manifesting naturally and effortlessly!

If you are looking to shop, browse​ WHWC's Trending page to understand the trends of this season. So, let’s lift a glass to thanks, and thanks to our food-friendly wines that accentuate each dish!