From traditional dining to solo indulgence, find the perfect wine for every moment — because every feast deserves a great pour.
Thanksgiving begins with tradition — the smell of sage and butter wafting through the kitchen, the clatter of dishes as family and friends gather, and the table set with classics like roast turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce. But tradition isn’t static. It’s a canvas, ready for modern twists and personal flair. It’s the buttery nostalgia of Grandma’s stuffing, the audacious addition of your best friend’s curry-spiced yams, and the quiet triumph of finally mastering that pie crust. And while the food tells its own story, the drinks tie it all together.
Below, you will find a little bit of everything but, we admit, it is a heavy dose of Pinot Noir. It’s a wine that just works — light enough to complement your turkey, yet structured enough to stand up to all the sides. Still, whether you’re hosting a raucous Friendsgiving, savoring a quiet solo feast, or venturing into international flavors, we know you’ll find everything here to pair your plate with the perfect pour.
The classic family dinner: Pinot, Syrah and Sparkles
Vibe: Nostalgic and hearty with all the staples.
Turkey is the centerpiece, but the sides steal the show: buttery mashed potatoes, sage-heavy stuffing, green beans drenched in cream of mushroom, and tangy cranberry sauce. A Pinot Noir is Thanksgiving royalty — its light body and red berry notes dance with turkey while the bright acidity cuts through rich gravies and creamy casseroles. For those who like a bit more punch, Syrah offers a peppery kick and smoky undertones that marry beautifully with earthy sides like mushroom stuffing or sweet potato casserole with a pecan crust. And for toasts and desserts, a dry Brut sparkling wine keeps the palate refreshed, especially when tackling that overly sweet pumpkin pie.
- Ita Wines 2021 Pinot Noir | A supple Pinot Noir with subtle fruit and earthy complexity, aged in neutral oak.
- Willamette Valley Vineyards 2021 Bernau Block Pinot Noir | Complex with dark berries, cloves and oak, finishing with a smooth, long note.
- 2022 Evesham Wood Pinot Noir Le Puits Sec Vineyard | Bright and fresh with red berries, violet and balanced acidity, finishing clean.
- Two Vintners 2021 Syrah | A bold Washington Syrah with lush fruit, lavender and white pepper.
- Corollary 2019 X-Omni Blanc des Blancs | A field blend of Chardonnay with roasted hazelnut and citrus flavors.
Friendsgiving: Grenache, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Vibe: A communal chaos of mismatched serving platters, new recipes and at least one mystery casserole that nobody claims.
Friendsgiving is about variety. Your table could feature everything from mac and cheese to tamales and leftover Halloween candy. For red wine lovers, Grenache is your MVP: juicy, medium-bodied and versatile enough for spicy stuffing or BBQ brisket. For a white option, go for an unoaked Chardonnay with its crisp apple notes and clean finish that pairs effortlessly with cheesy sides or roasted root veggies. And when in doubt, there’s always Pinot Noir. It’s the safe choice that’ll never let you down, with its earthy, berry-forward profile that works with pretty much anything on the table — cranberry relish, caramelized onion tart, or that random dish you just decided to throw together at the last minute.
- Veer Wine Project 2022 Garnacha | A complex Garnacha with bold berry fruit, soft tannins and layers of depth, aged in 40% new French oak.
- 2022 Grosgrain Vineyard Grenache | Estate-grown Grenache from Walla Walla Valley, with volcanic minerality and subtle structure.
- 2022 Haden Fig Chardonnay Juliette | Rich and creamy with almond, honey and subtle oak, finishing smooth and refined.
- 2019 Stoller Reserve Pinot Noir | A dense Pinot Noir with dark berries, pomegranate and coffee notes.
International twist: Merlot, White Pinot Noir and Riesling
Vibe: Thanksgiving goes global, with tamales, curry-spiced turkey or sushi rolls making an appearance on the table.
When Thanksgiving embraces bold global flavors — spicy lamb kofta, shrimp curry, or kimchi mac and cheese — your wines need to rise to the occasion. Merlot, with its rich dark fruit and delicate florals, is a perfect match for grilled meats or spiced roasted vegetables, offering structure and depth. For seafood or herb-heavy dishes, a White Pinot Noir is a fantastic choice. It brings a crisp, refreshing balance with delicate citrus notes and a clean minerality that complements the spices without overpowering them. And for those spicy dishes — like curry or kimchi — look no further than a slightly off-dry Riesling. Its subtle sweetness works wonders to tame the heat, while its bright acidity enhances the flavors and adds a touch of freshness that pairs beautifully with the intensity of spicy or aromatic foods.
- Abeja 2022 Columbia Valley Merlot | An expressive Merlot layered with ripe plum, fresh strawberry and savory herbs.
- 2023 Côte Bonneville Riesling, DuBrul Vineyard | A bright Riesling with melon aromas and refreshing acidity, with just a hint of sweetness.
- 2022 Domaine Serene ‘Coeur Blanc’ White Pinot Noir | Fresh and crisp with green apple, citrus zest and baking spice
Solo Thanksgiving: Sparkling Wine and Cab Sauv
Vibe: Quiet indulgence — think Netflix, comfy socks and your favorite dish (turkey optional).
Thanksgiving for one is your time to indulge without compromise. Start the day with a little sparkle — pop some bubbles to turn a simple charcuterie board into a moment of luxury. Pair the bubbles with creamy cheeses, smoked salmon or a buttery biscuit for the perfect bite. As you dive into the heartier part of your meal — maybe roasted veggies or a personal pot pie — go for a mini bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. Whether you choose a half-bottle or full bottle, the velvety texture and dark fruit flavors are decadent enough to feel like a treat but won’t leave you with more wine than you can handle. And hey, if there are leftovers, even better — Cab is a great companion for any day-after-Thanksgiving leftovers!
- Adelsheim 2019 Sparkling Brut Cuvée | A lively sparkling wine with apricot and hazelnut aromas and vibrant acidity.
- Kiona 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon | A powerful and balanced Cabernet Sauvignon with deep, rich fruit flavors.
- Edgefield 2019 Winemaker’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon | Bold and structured with dark plum, espresso and spice, with smooth tannins.
- Nysa Vineyard 2017 Sparkling Blanc de Noir | Crisp and lively with green apple, tangerine and a touch of almond.
Outdoor Thanksgiving: Rosé, Gamay and Riesling
Vibe: Picnic tables, fire pits and dishes that taste better under the stars.
Whether it’s a picnic in a heated pergola or a rustic outdoor feast, you’ll want wines that are light, portable and easy-drinking. A Rosé — whether canned or bottled — is a star player, pairing with everything from goat cheese-stuffed figs to roasted squash salads. For reds, a lightly chilled Gamay offers bright cherry notes and low tannins, making it ideal for finger foods like sliders or veggie skewers. And a Riesling (dry or slightly off-dry) adds zest to the table, especially when paired with spiced nuts, pickled veggies or tangy goat cheese.
- Spring Valley Vineyard 2022 Rosé of Cabernet Franc | A creamy Rosé with aromas of citrus and orange, balanced by hints of lemon zest and minerality.
- Battlecreek 2022 Unconditional Rosé of Pinot Noir | Light and refreshing with watermelon, strawberry and rhubarb, finishing smooth and balanced.
- Et Fille 2023 Gamay Noir | Bright and fresh with red cherries, spice and a touch of earthy depth, balanced by crisp acidity.
- Brooks 2023 Willamette Valley Gamay Noir | A fresh, fruit-forward wine with wild strawberries, raspberries and a floral character.
- Sleight of Hand Cellars 2023 ‘The Magician’ Riesling | A bone-dry Riesling with peach blossom, green apple and chamomile, framed by racy acidity.
American-Italian Thanksgiving: Sangiovese, Chardonnay and Zinfandel
Vibe: More pasta, please — this is all about marinara, lasagna, garlic bread and roasted veggies dripping in olive oil.
For an American-Italian Thanksgiving with a Pacific Northwest twist, focus on wines that complement bold, hearty flavors like red sauces, garlicky breads and rich, meaty roasts. A Sangiovese or Barbera, two Italian varietals that thrive in the Northwest, offer bright red fruit and acidity to balance marinara-based dishes like lasagna or stuffed pasta. For a white wine option, choose a fuller-bodied Chardonnay, which pairs beautifully with creamy dishes like risotto or garlic bread. Round it out with a juicy Zinfandel, which brings warmth and spice to roasted meats or eggplant Parmesan.
- 2021 Koenig Vineyards Sangiovese | A vibrant Sangiovese with ripe cherry, herbs and balanced acidity, perfect with Italian dishes.
- 2017 SKY Zinfandel | Bursting with black cherries and wild blueberries, complemented by black pepper and brightness.
- 2022 Dancing Vineyards En Avant Rogue Valley Chardonnay | Bright and lively, this Chardonnay bursts with plum and grapefruit flavors, finishing with a crisp, refreshing bite.
Vegetarian/vegan feast: Sauvignon Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, and Merlot
Vibe: A celebration of fresh veggies, whole grains and umami-packed sides.
Plant-based dishes deserve wines that highlight their fresh, earthy flavors. Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect partner for herby sides, with zippy lime and green apple notes that brighten grain salads or garlicky roasted asparagus. For something peppery and crisp, try Grüner Veltliner, which complements earthy dishes like farro with mushrooms or a roasted beet tart. On the red side, a velvety Merlot with hints of plum and cocoa enhances hearty lentil loaf or charred cauliflower steaks.
- BoomTown 2022 Sauvignon Blanc | A vibrant Sauvignon Blanc with citrus and tropical fruit notes.
- Liquid Light Sauvignon Blanc | Zesty with grapefruit, lime and pineapple, ending in a mouthwatering finish.
- 2022 Syncline Grüner Veltliner | Crisp and dry with lemon balm, jasmine and melon flavors.
- 2021 Among The Giants Merlot | Velvety with ripe blackberry, cocoa and earthy notes.
Sweet endings
Vibe: Pie, tarts, cookies — and maybe seconds.
For all the pies and nutty treats, reach for a dessert Muscat. Its jammy fruit and spicy notes complement the caramel and nuts in your favorite Thanksgiving desserts.
- Edgefield 2016 Fireside Muscat | A rich Muscat dessert wine with apricot, honey and toasted vanilla, finishing with smooth sweetness.
Wine wildcard: Orange Wine and Tempranillo
Vibe: Curious, experimental, a night for sparking conversations.
Feeling adventurous? Try an orange wine, a skin-contact white that offers tannins and earthy flavors — perfect for pairing with roasted squash, spiced chickpeas or even turkey. For something bold yet approachable, switch to Tempranillo. This Spanish red, with its deep fruit and subtle spice, complements a range of flavors from savory mains to smoky side dishes.
- Gilbert Cellars 2023 Orange Wine | This bottle offers flavors of honey, herbal tea and tree fruit, with plenty of texture.
- Hat Ranch 2021 Tempranillo | A feisty Tempranillo with ripe fruit and earthy spice, with a savory finish.
Non-alcoholic options: Apple cider and dealcoholized wines
Vibe: Inclusive and elevated, these options let everyone join the toast.
For those skipping alcohol, Thanksgiving can still feel celebratory. A sparkling apple cider is the quintessential autumnal option, pairing beautifully with roasted turkey, sharp cheeses or cinnamon-spiced desserts. For something closer to wine, opt for a high-quality dealcoholized red or white wine, like a crisp Chardonnay alternative to cut through creamy dishes or a rich Cabernet-style option to enhance savory mains. A splash of sophistication, zero hangovers.
- Temperance Cider | Aromatic bubbles and an elegant large-format bottle that’s perfect for a festive table.
- Waterbrook Clean Non-Alcoholic Cabernet Sauvignon | A dealcoholized Cabernet Sauvignon with rich plum, chocolate and dark cherry notes.
- Waterbrook Clean Non-Alcoholic Chardonnay | A refreshing dealcoholized Chardonnay with fresh stone fruit and green apple aromas, rounded with oak and honey.
Now go forth — pour, nibble, laugh and toast to the holiday season, with a glass of your favorite bottle in hand. Happy Thanksgiving!
