Thanksgiving is a meal full of different flavors, textures, and traditions, so why settle on just one wine? This year, I've put together a special Thanksgiving wine collection to help make your holiday table a little easier to plan.
Our Thanksgiving 3-Pack features three versatile Washington wines:
2023 Viognier
2020 Zinfandel
2020 Preface Cabernet Sauvignon
Want something to enjoy alongside dessert, too? The Thanksgiving 4-Pack includes all three wines plus our Port-style red dessert wine, a perfect way to end the evening!
Whether you're hosting the whole family or bringing a bottle to share, here's how I'd pair each wine with your Thanksgiving favorites.
🥂 2023 Viognier: Your Thanksgiving White
Aromatically expressive, with notes of honeysuckle, white flowers, ripe peach, apricot, and a touch of tropical fruit, our Viognier is a lovely match for the variety of flavors on a Thanksgiving table. Its rounded texture and gentle acidity make it especially versatile with creamy, savory, and slightly sweet dishes.
Pour it with:
Appetizers: Think creamy spinach dip, deviled eggs, soft cheeses, or a cheese board with aged Gouda, chèvre, and fruit-forward accompaniments.
Roast turkey: A great match for both white and dark meat, especially when served with traditional turkey gravy.
Herb stuffing: The wine's floral and honeysuckle aromas complement savory herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme.
Roasted fall vegetables: Try it with butternut squash, sweet potatoes, parsnips, or honey-glazed carrots.
Something with a little spice: Viognier's aromatic fruit makes it a natural partner for dishes featuring ginger, cumin, or mild curry spices.
A little extra: Don't put the Viognier away after Thanksgiving! It's delicious with leftover turkey salad or a turkey curry the next day. My family makes a turkey shawarma that I plan to pair with this wine on Friday!
🍷2020 Zinfandel: The Crowd-Pleaser
Juicy blackberry, raspberry, and black cherry meet hints of vanilla, earth, and classic cracked black pepper in this fruit-forward Zinfandel. Bright acidity and gentle tannins keep it easy-drinking and food-friendly, making it a natural fit for the sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that show up at Thanksgiving.
Pour it with:
Cranberry sauce: One of my favorite pairings! The wine's juicy berry flavors complement the tart fruitiness of cranberry sauce.
Roasted or smoked turkey: Its softer tannins work nicely with turkey, while the bright fruit and acidity stand up to richer gravies.
Sweet potatoes and yams: Caramelized edges, brown sugar, pecans, or warm spices bring out the wine's peppery, fruit-forward character.
Sausage and herb stuffing: Zinfandel's black pepper and herbal notes are right at home with savory sausage, sage, and rosemary.
Apple pie: If you're looking for a still red to pour alongside your apple pie, Zinfandel is a great contender! Its juicy berry fruit and subtle spice make it a lovely match for the warm apple and baking spices in the pie.
A little extra: Try serving your Zinfandel just slightly chilled (around 57-59°F). A little chill brings the juicy fruit forward and makes it especially enjoyable alongside the holiday spread.
🍷 2020 Preface Cabernet Sauvignon: For the Richer Dishes
For those who prefer a more structured red, our 2020 Preface Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Mountain is ready for the holiday table. Beautiful violet aromas lead into juicy dark fruit, fresh herbs, and earthy notes of forest floor. Full-bodied with a creamy texture, integrated oak, and surprisingly approachable tannins, this wine has plenty of character without being overly aggressive.
Cabernet can be a little more particular about its Thanksgiving companions, so think richer, savory dishes rather than plain turkey breast.
Pour it with:
Dark turkey meat: Roasted thighs and legs, especially with a rich, savory gravy, are a great match.
Mushroom and herb stuffing: Earthy mushrooms, caramelized onions, rosemary, thyme, and sage complement the wine's savory character.
Beef alternatives: Serving prime rib, beef roast, or short ribs? This is your bottle.
Savory mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a rich brown gravy or mushroom gravy will perfectly complement the wine's structure.
Roasted vegetables: Try Brussels sprouts with pancetta, balsamic-roasted root vegetables, or caramelized winter squash.
A little extra: Don't be afraid to bring Cabernet into the kitchen. A splash in your gravy or cranberry sauce can create a delicious connection between what's in your glass and what's on your plate.
🍷 Port-Style Wine: Save Room for Dessert!
If you opt for the Thanksgiving 4-Pack, you'll have one more wine to look forward to after the dinner dishes are cleared. Our Port-style wine brings a rich, fruit-forward finish to the evening and is a wonderful companion to holiday desserts and cheese.
Pour it with:
Dark chocolate torte: A rich chocolate dessert is a natural partner for the wine's concentrated fruit.
Berry cobblers and pies: Ripe berry flavors complement fruit-filled desserts beautifully.
Pecan pie: The wine's richness pairs nicely with the caramelized, nutty flavors.
Pumpkin pie: A fun alternative to the usual coffee pairing, especially with the pie's warm baking spices.
Blue cheese and aged cheeses: If you're not quite ready for dessert, pour a little alongside a cheese board.
A Little Something for Everyone
The best wine for Thanksgiving is the one you enjoy drinking! There are no hard-and-fast rules about what belongs in your glass or what should be on your plate. Drink what you love, eat what you love, and don't be afraid to mix things up. These pairings are simply a few ideas to help you discover new favorites and make the most of what's around your holiday table.
We've got your holiday table covered. Cheers to good food, good wine, and even better company!