This November on VinePair, we’re celebrating everything about American Wine. From up-and-coming regions and our favorite bottles, to the challenges winemakers are facing right now, we’re turning a spotlight on the industry across the United States.
Fall has officially arrived, and in this short-but-sweet period after the faux spider webs and pumpkin decor have vanished and Christmas bells have not yet rung, our minds are fixated on thoughts of cornucopias and pecan pies.
And while many may argue that turkey is the star of the Thanksgiving table, we at VinePair believe that the holiday would be just as incomplete without a bottle or three of delicious wine. But with the myriad flavors on the holiday table, it can be hard to choose the perfect wines to complement the meal.
That’s why VinePair tasted dozens of wines to compile a well-rounded list of Turkey Day accompaniments. These are the 25 best of the bunch, at price points accessible for oenophiles on any budget. Read on for the absolute best wines to drink this Thanksgiving.
The Best Red Wines for Thanksgiving
Under $25
Decibel Wines ‘Giunta’ Malbec Nouveau 2020 ($18)
An inventive swap for your typical Thanksgiving Beaujolais Nouveau, this Malbec Nouveau smells like blackberries and cooking herbs and is nice and juicy with a savory punch. The acidity is on point, making this an ideal pairing for everything from cheese plates to mashed potatoes. Rating: 90
Cambria Estate Winery Julia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018 ($18)
With aromas of cherries, fresh earth, and a sprinkling of cinnamon, this is a Pinot sure to please everyone at the table. It’s well balanced, with a tight fruit core, a slight tannin on the palate, and a nice acidity that keeps it bright. Rating: 89
Bonnaventure Château de Coulaine Chinon Rouge 2020 ($20)
This is a funky wine, with notes of cracked black pepper and freshly crushed blackberries. It would pair well with stinky cheese or the dark meat on your Thanksgiving bird. Rating: 91
Albert Bichot Morgon Les Charmes 2018 ($23)
Aromas of overripe strawberries and white pepper make this a wonderful, quintessential holiday wine. The palate is bright, but has a depth of fruit that shines. This wine would show nicely after a 30-minute chill in the fridge — refreshing the palate during a heavy holiday meal. Rating: 91
Michel Tete Domaine du Clos du Fief Juliénas ‘Cuvée Tradition’ 2019 ($23)
Bright, brambly fruit and freshly turned soil awaken the senses. This is an earthy wine, with high acidity that amplifies on the palate. Another wine to chill down, this classic Thanksgiving Beaujolais would be the perfect pairing for juicy turkey and all your favorite sides. Rating: 95
Under $50
Ex Post Facto Syrah 2019 ($34)
On the nose, this bottling is reminiscent of bruised apple, blackberry jam, and hints of herbs and pepper. The palate has a nice savory appeal to it, along with a good concentration of fruit and enough acidity to complement that density. If you love big, bold reds, this wine is for you. Rating: 90
A Tribute to Grace Grenache 2019 ($35)
Aromas of cinnamon, honeysuckle, and cherries continue from the nose to the palate, followed by just the right amount of fruit depth. This is a juicy, balanced Grenache that’s ripe and ready for drinking on its own or with all the holiday staples. Rating: 93
Emeritus Vineyards Hallberg Ranch Pinot Noir 2018 ($35)
With inviting salinity on the nose, this wine tantalizes the senses with notes of cheese rind, cherry liqueur, and balsamic glaze. Paired with baked macaroni and cheese, this wine would truly shine. Rating: 89
Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir 2019 ($35)
This is a floral Pinot, with notes of earthy moss and red fruit. Bright and light on the palate, this high-acid bottling is a crowd-pleaser with a little something for everyone at the table. Rating: 88
Volatus Pinot Noir Paso Robles Adelaida 2020 ($36)
With a burst of bright, juicy cherry on the nose, this wine has a great concentration of fruit that balances out its high levels of acid. It is a crowd-pleasing Pinot to sip throughout the meal and beyond. Rating: 91
Albert Boxler Vin d’Alsace Pinot Noir 2018 ($43)
Aromas of dried cherries are followed by soft flavors of cherry cola. A good concentration of fruit and minimal acid make this wine beautifully balanced. The best part? It’s extremely easy to find, meaning you can grab a few bottles to last you through the holiday season. Rating: 90
Tablas Creek Vineyard Mourvèdre 2019 ($45)
Notes of dark berry fruit, earth, and balsamic vinegar sing on the nose and continue on the palate. Good acidity, lean fruit, and a solid tannin structure lift the wine up on the palate, making it light, bright, and ideal for pairing with the heaviest of holiday meals. Rating: 90
Under $100
Grape Creek Vineyards Invention 2018 ($52)
The sweetness of dried fruit is complemented by a nice acidity and a distinct tannin structure that’s present without overwhelming the palate. This is a great example of how delicious Texas wine can be. Rating: 91
Tablas Creek Vineyards Esprit de Tablas 2019 ($60)
Dark berry fruit shines on the nose and palate, followed by an earthiness that’s lifted up by lean fruit and bright tannins. This is a youthful wine that’s ready to drink now — or cellar for a couple more years. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Rating: 89
Papapietro Perry Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2018 ($69)
Though this wine is from Sonoma, its lively aromas of ripe raspberry jam and freshly turned earth make it reminiscent of Oregon Pinot. It shows just the right amount of oak, bringing out a whisper of vanilla that accentuates its concentration of fruit. Its near-perfect balance of fruit and acid makes this wine worth its higher price tag. Rating: 96
The Best White Wines for Thanksgiving
Under $25
Setzer Grüner Veltliner 2020 ($9)
Notes of key lime and white pepper are balanced by an enticing minerality in this delightful bottling. This is a versatile wine, pairing with everything from schnitzel to sauteed salmon, and would be perfect for a Friendsgiving celebration. Rating: 88
Lagar de Cervera Albariño 2020 ($16)
This perfumed offering smells like spring, with aromas of freshly sliced green apple, honey, spiced pear, and baking spices. Floral and ripe fruit notes stay on the palate for a long, satisfying finish. Rating: 91
Cambria Estate Winery Katherine’s Vineyard Chardonnay 2019 ($18)
The classic, buttery characteristics of California Chardonnay are met with the energizing zing of tart lemon zest. Keep this wine in mind for guests who think they don’t like Chardonnay. This bottle may just change their tune. Rating: 89
Standing Stone Vineyards Timeline Dry Riesling 2019 ($24)
Flavors of wet stone, citrus, and ripe pear, combine in one well-balanced, slightly effervescent bottling. While some Rieslings can be overly sweet, this wine is kept in check with good, zesty acidity. Rating: 89
Santo Wines Assyrtiko 2020 ($24)
This is a delicious wine, full of the fresh, light flavors of cucumber and tart dried fruit. Grippy on the palate, with a nice minerality and good acidity, it’s everything we seek in an Assyrtiko. Paired with butternut squash soup or a fall salad, this wine is ultra versatile. Rating: 93
Under $50
Weingut Hirsch Kammern Grüner Veltliner 2019 ($30)
The slight sweetness of this Grüner Veltliner is balanced by aromas of lemon pith and the scents of river rocks after a rainstorm. The result is a very balanced offering that can brighten up any meal. Rating: 90
Alta Colina Downslope White 2020 ($32)
Aromas of spiced pear, fig jam, and honeysuckle carry over from the nose to the palate — followed by notes of fresh flowers and tropical fruit. This is a wine to complement all of autumn’s favorite flavors. Rating: 88
Under $100
Tablas Creek Vineyard Esprit de Tablas Blanc 2019 ($53)
This wine is bursting with aromas of fresh anjou pear, white flowers, and honey. On the palate, honeysuckle is the star — complemented by a nice, concentrated fruit depth. This is a wine to pair with light appetizers or even fruit-based desserts. Rating: 93
Hanzell Sonoma Valley Chardonnay 2016 ($64)
An old-school California Chard, this wine has everything we look for in the style: notes of buttery popcorn, vanilla, and lots of oak. But its acidity keeps these flavors in check, resulting in a balanced, dry palate that invites you back for that second sip. Rating: 88
Trombetta Family Wines Gap’s Crown Vineyard Chardonnay 2018 ($65)
This is a great American Chardonnay. It has aromas of fancy French bistro butter, freshly scraped vanilla beans, and granola. The palate is very balanced for all the depth it gives, making this a great bottle for daytime sipping. It can certainly be paired with a cheese board, but this wine has a drink-on-its-own quality to it. Rating: 92