Keeping it Simple with a Complicated Menu
Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season conjure up images of family, friends, food, and fun. Seeing people we care about, catching up on each others’ lives, and meeting new people are all part of the equation. These can also be stressful times, too, with considerations for decor, menus, guest lists, meal preparation, and the dreaded deep house-cleaning.
One of the most common questions wine merchants get at this time of year, and one of the most common questions searched on the web, is, “What’s the best wine for Thanksgiving?” or “How to pair wine with Thanksgiving/Holiday meals?”
There are countless articles and recommendations, which can leave your head spinning, and add to the stress. Some give general recommendations, while others declare a specific bottle to be the perfect wine for Thanksgiving. No one wants to serve or bring the wrong wine, so how do you decide?
After about 50 years of drinking wine, reading recommendations, attending seminars, tastings, competitions, and asking the experts I think I’ve got it down. Here are the 5 rules I go by that really help me to just enjoy this special time of year with a little less stress.
Rule 1: Pair to the Guest List
Don’t just pair based on dishes. Base your selections on WHO you’re serving, not what. Some of your guests may be wine experts, some may not know much or care to know much about wine. Some don’t drink wine, and some don’t drink alcohol at all!
I remember probably 30 or so years ago, someone had given me a $75 bottle of wine as a gift. Seventy-five bucks is a lot to spend on wine for most people today (including me), but back then, that really was pricey. I wanted to save it for that special occasion. My wife’s family had come over, and even though her dad wasn’t much of a drinker (he was a 7-Up guy), I wanted him to try some great wine. I told him about it, and offered him some. “Sure, I’ll have some!” he said. I poured him a couple of ounces, and watched as he poured it into his 7-Up. He took a sip, and said, “That’s pretty good!”
That was the day that I learned that not everyone shares my interest in wine.
My guest list includes some wine geeks, some casual drinkers, a few who prefer beer, and some who don’t drink at all. And that takes me to…
Rule 2: Have a Variety
For my holiday gatherings, in addition to wine, I’ll have beer, make-your-own cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. Something for everyone. People want to drink what they like to drink, which may be different from what you like. Water. Always have water on hand.
Rule 3: Know a Few Basics
Many experts will warn you away from heavily tannic wines, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Petit Sirah, which may clash with sweet, starchy, fatty Thanksgiving dishes. Instead, they recommend lighter, fruitier, and/or high-acidity varietals. Whether you like white, rosé, or something heavier, here are some great choices:
| Category | Examples & Notes |
| Sparkling | Gloria Ferrer, Rack and Riddle, and Chandon all make relatively inexpensive sparkling wines, perfect for any occasion. |
| Whites | Riesling or Gewürztraminer – They tend to be sweet, pairing well with sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce. |
| Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc – More acidic, which can provide a nice contrast and cut through sweet and fatty dishes. | |
| Viognier – Aromatic, medium acidity, fuller bodied. | |
| Lighter Reds | Rosé – Pick a drier one. |
| Gamay – Really popular for fall and therefore Thanksgiving. | |
| Grenache – A personal favorite of mine. Easy drinking. | |
| Pinot Noir – Fruity, light on tannins. | |
| Heavier Reds | Zinfandel – Bolder but jammy, not tannic. |
| Barbera – The high acidity combined with cherry-like fruitiness makes this one a standout as well. |
Rule 4: Buy Local Whenever You Can
The foothills surrounding Sacramento feature some great wineries, producing most of the varietals mentioned above. Give them a shot. Some notable examples:
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Casque – Located in Loomis, their Sauvignon Blanc and Vin Gris Rosé are outstanding.
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Holly’s Hill – Rhône varietals are their specialty. Great Viognier and Grenache.
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Gwinllan Estate – Producing award-winning sparkling wine.
There are many others, and the Nugget Market in El Dorado Hills carries a good variety.
What about beer? Look for some of the same characteristics. Eric Schmidt, owner of Folsom’s Red Bus Brewing, has four of his favorites in mind:
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Check Engine Light – Light Lager – Clean and refreshing.
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This is California – West Coast IPA.
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Double Cab – Doppelbock, heavier and richer.
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Vanilla Night Sky – Vanilla Chocolate Stout – Great with sweets.
Rule 5: Don’t Break the Bank
You don’t have to buy a $100 Sonoma Pinot to have a nice holiday meal. There are many great wines available in the $20 to $40 range, and it’s a good idea to supplement with some inexpensive bottles from a shop like Trader Joe’s. Their employees are happy to make recommendations, and I always have a few bottles of inexpensive Pinot Noir, Sauv Blanc, sparkling, and others for people to have after their palates are shot and they don’t much care what they’re drinking.
Bonus Rule 6: Throw out the Rules
Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season are times for celebrating, not stressing. If the thought of searching for the perfect wine for Thanksgiving still leaves your head spinning, just grab something new, ask for recommendations, or go with what you know. The most important thing is to be with people you care about, and to have a good time.
So…
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Q: What is the best wine for Thanksgiving?
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A: The best wine is the one your guests enjoy! Focus on variety and simple, fruit-forward wines like Pinot Noir, Gamay, or dry Rosé, as they pair well with the complex flavors of the meal (see Rule 3).
And with that, I’ll wish you a happy Thanksgiving and a beautiful, safe, and happy Holiday Season!