Thanksgiving Day
Ah, Thanksgiving—that glorious time of year when we gather with family, stuff ourselves with turkey, and silently pray that the wine keeps flowing.
But for those of us who take our vino as seriously as our stuffing (and maybe a little more), Thanksgiving offers a unique opportunity: the art of pairing wine with every bite of food in sight.
Wine pairing is a skill set that needs honing. It’s not as simple as it sounds (especially after the third glass). Luckily, that’s where we step in. So fear not; here’s how to make sure your wine-pairing game is as smooth as the turkey gravy... or at least smoother than your Aunt Linda’s mystery casserole.
For added fun, make it a tasting with one of our custom flight boards! Gather around the table and sample an array of wines to find out what goes best with the food on your plate!
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1. Turkey - The Shining Star of the Show
Ah, turkey. The bird that holds the entire meal together. Whether you’re roasting, grilling, or deep-frying, the turkey is what really sets the stage for the entire meal. So what’s the perfect wine to elevate this classic Thanksgiving centerpiece?
Pinot Noir to the rescue! Its light body and bright acidity complement the turkey without overpowering it. Be sure to enjoy a glass or two before you slip into that inevitable food coma that comes after a big turkey dinner!
2. Stuffing – The Ultimate Sidekick
Stuffing is a masterpiece. No Thanksgiving Day feast would be complete without it. No matter how you dress it up, the stuffing is a forever Thanksgiving classic. With all those herbs and savory flavors, what wine could possibly keep up?
Chardonnay is the answer— buttery, rich, and smooth, like the stuffing's perfect dance partner. Chardonnay and stuffing make a fine pair.
3. Cranberry Sauce – The Bold Rebel
Cranberry sauce is the spice of the Thanksgiving table. On a table loaded up with rich, heavy foods, it’s the tart, bold, jolt of freshness you didn’t know you needed. What wine do you pair with a kicking side dish like this?
Riesling is your answer. With its crisp acidity and just enough sweetness, it’s the perfect complement to the tangy sauce.
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4. Mashed Potatoes—The Ultimate Comfort Food
Mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. Is there anything better than loading up your plate with an absurd amount of potatoes and smothering them in a nice, rich gravy? Some may say these are the actual shining stars of the entire event (sorry turkey). Now for these creamy clouds of joy, you need a wine that’s smooth and reliable.
Merlot to the rescue! Its velvety texture and mellow flavors are the perfect companion to the rich, buttery goodness that is mashed potatoes.
5. Pumpkin Pie—The Grand Finale
Ah, pumpkin pie. The grand finale of Thanksgiving. After all the turkey, wine, and awkward family conversations, this is the moment we’ve all been waiting for! So which vino is a must to complement that sweet, spiced slice of pumpkin perfection?
A glass of port is the obvious choice. Its rich, velvety sweetness will match the pie’s bold flavors without overshadowing them. Grab a glass and cap off another successful Thanksgiving meal.
Where to get your holiday wine
Now that you have your pairing menu, it’s time to stock up on all that wine! In the spirit of the holiday and upcoming Small Business Saturday, it could be an excellent opportunity to try your local wine store or winery. No matter where you get your vino, make sure you get enough for the whole crowd. Nobody wants to run out of wine on Thanksgiving, so stock up now!
Thank You from Barrel-Art
And there you have it! The ultimate guide to pairing wine with your traditional Thanksgiving dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just in it for the "I’ll take another pour" attitude, remember that Thanksgiving is all about enjoying the moments with family, food, and, of course, some delicious wine.
This Thanksgiving, remember to pair wisely. Kick back and enjoy the day with good company and good wine.
Cheers to fun times, great food, and even better wine!
Happy Thanksgiving!
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