While I truly enjoy wines from around the world, when it comes to American Thanksgiving, I prefer to drink closer to home. For me, Thanksgiving wine is American wine. I have discussions with people all the time about how there is just so much wine out there, which makes it hard to find your way through the sea of bottles lining the shelves. Limiting my picks to one country at least helps to narrow things down. Now, I will not apologize that I prefer to stick with classics like sparkling wine, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir as they are time-tested and proven. It’s the same way I feel about the family’s side dishes (most of which we eat just once a year) and will absolutely give the side-eye when people try to bring “new” or “reimagined” dishes. Y’all know Grandmother would NOT approve of pineapples in the sweet potatoes….IJS. When it comes to a feast like Thanksgiving with so many different flavors and textures, the classics typically play well with most things that you through at them.
But, I absolutely realize that I’m popping bottles for a wide array of palates and preferences, so I do like to make sure I have something for everyone. And yeah, there are SO many wines that are great for Thanksgiving beyond the classics. The only true rules I have are that it’s not too high in alcohol (we gotta make it through the night game) and that it’s not too bold and tannic. Here are a few Thanksgiving wine picks (with price links on where to buy) that will satisfy just about everyone who walks through the door. And I tried to choose wines with some distribution that you can find in the store, but as I always say, don’t be afraid to order direct from the winery or use a platform like Wine.com.
Bubbly May Be My Fave Thanksgiving Wine
I mean, is it even a holiday if there is no sparkling wine? Yes, I love Champagne, but it will have to take a back seat this time.
Chandon California Rose Sparkling Wine $17, $18, $18
This is my budget pick and continues to surprise me. I chose it as one of my top picks during a blind tasting of 50 American sparkling wines and always love the decadent strawberries and cream vibes this one provides.
Domaine Carneros Rose Cuvee De La Pompadour $44, $44,$47
Another wine that rose to the top of the aforementioned blind tasting, I adore this wine. I’ve enjoyed it at the winery, by the fire at Christmas, and beyond. Richly textured with ripe red berries, brioche, and spiced pears.
Caraccioli Cellars Brut Cuvée, Santa Lucia Highlands $32
A trip to the Santa Lucia Highlands firmly cemented my love of all things California Central Coast wines. And this bubbly was one of the standouts. So beautiful and pristine, I was shocked that such an amazing domestic producer existed that I knew nothing about. Better late than never! Gives me all those toasty Champagne vibes without going there.
Darcie Kent Almost Famous Sparkling Gruner Veltliner, Monterey County $50
As an acid head (of the right kind) that is a big fan of Austrian wine I was quite intrigued when I saw Darcie Kent’s Almost Famous Sparkling Gruner Veltliner. Razor sharp with green herbal and mineral notes, I am reminded a bit of Austria.
Messina Hof Texas Sparkling Almond, Texas $35
For the sweet wine drinkers, Messina Hof makes a delightful demi-sec Chenin Blanc. Think caramel apple with toasted nuts. And great companion to the pie!
Chardonnay
If you’re an ABC’er (Anything But Chardonnay) move along because you’re obviously a misguided soul. I adore Chardonnay and we definitely consume our fair share in our house.
Frank Family Chardonnay, Carneros $34, $33, $32
If there’s a lot of wine out there, there is definitely a LOT of Chardonnay out there. This one is damn good (Carneros has a special place in my heart), family owned, and allows us to give back. Through July 2025, proceeds from every bottle of Frank Family wine will benefit 4ocean in its mission to help end the ocean plastic crisis. Here’s more about this important effort. As for the wine, a richer style with lemon cream and toast balanced by vibrant acidity.
The Hilt Estate Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills $50 $54
If you’ve been ‘round these parts, you know that Sta. Rita Hills is one of my fave wine regions. I got to spend some time with winemaker Matt Dees earlier this year, and he is seriously crafting magic. Lithe, elegant, refined, structured are words that come to mind when drinking his wines.
Sokol Blosser Evolution Chardonnay, Willamette Valley $20 $22
Willamette Valley Chardonnay gets as much love from me as those from Sta. Rita Hills. And I’ve long been a fan of the family behind this storied winery. Evolution is the Sokol Blosser’s line of affordable, approachable, and versatile wine that are perfect for casual gatherings. Mostly stainless steel with just a touch of oak for structure, it’s really a crowd pleaser.
The Calling Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast $27 $26
There is nothing that winemaker James MacPhail makes that I don’t love. His Tongue Dancer wines are some of the best wines of my life. Seriously. When he’s not making wines for his own wine line, he makes wine for The Calling (and others), which is owned by famed CBS sports commentator Jim Nantz and Peter Deutsch of Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits. This one sits squarely in the middle of the full-bodied, oaky style Chard and the high-acid, lean versions.
White Wine Beyond Chardonnay
Smith-Madone Riesling, Spring Mountain, Napa Valley $26
If it were up to me, I’d bring a bottle of bubbly and a bottle of Riesling and call it a day. I promise that misunderstood Riesling can be a superstar if y’all will let it. And the one from Smith-Madrone is definitely a star. In fact, it was named the Reserve Grand Champion Best of Show in the 2024 Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition, of which I am one of the wine judges. It takes balls to grow Riesling in Cabernet land, but that’s what they do because it’s that dang good!
Lewis Wines “2021” Chenin Blanc, Phillips Vineyard, Texas High Plains $32 $40
I tasted this wine at a Texas wine road show, and out of all the wines I tasted, this one stayed with me. This off-dry wine is stunning! In a rare occurrence, 2021’s wet, humid conditions caused botrytis (the noble rot that gives us those beautiful Sauternes wines) to develop in a portion of the Chenin Blanc, creating this off-dry wine. It has “some” natural sweetness (I promise its not overly sweet and is beautifully balanced) and offers up honey, ginger and candied apricot characteristics that complement the traditional pear, quince and minerality that comes with Texas Chenin Blanc. Your holiday ham will thank you!
Cliff Lede Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley $28 $35
77% Sauvignon Blanc and 23% Sémillon, I so appreciate Cliff Lede’s nod to a Bordeaux style white wine. Through trial and error and practice and tasting, I’ve learned that I love Sauv Blanc when it’s accompanied by Sémillon. These have actually become my gumbo wines. The combo of the acidity from the Sauv Blanc and the richness and body of the Semillon gives this one so much range. Even better that they are family-owned and operated and have achieved some of Napa’s highest standards for sustainability.
Rodney Strong Charlotte’s Home Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County $11 $17 $12
Let me be clear, I do not often love Sauvignon Blanc. So, it’s surprising that I’m including yet another second Sauvignon Blanc here. But this tropical stunner is one of those wines that hammered home the point for me – I CAN enjoy Sauv Blanc! Lots of citrus, melon, with just a smidge of green, it’s clean and refreshing and so damn enjoyable. I’ve now had it on several occasions and yep, I still like it. And the price point is just ridiculous!
Teutonic Wine Company Rosé, Willamette Valley $35
My one nod to rosé is from Teutonic Wines. A perennial favorite in our house, don’t think this is one of those pale, summery Provençal rosés. This one has a little “oomph” to it which gives it such versatility. I dare say you even get a little tannin in it. I’ve had it with everything from sushi to roast chicken to red beans and rice. Great acid to cut through all the foods and a nice texture and weight to hold its own with those buttery mashed potatoes.
Pinot Noir (Maybe My 2nd Fave Thanksgiving Wine)
Umm, did you honestly think there wouldn’t be any Pinot Noir? In addition to the ones below, I still stand by last year’s Pinot picks too. And let me just say, that you absolutely could not go wrong with any of The Hilt Pinots whose Chardonnay I referenced above.
Maggy Hawk Pinot Noir Anderson Valley Jolie $63 $75
I recently found my love of Anderson Valley wines and I’m letting go any time soon. Maggy Hawk is practically synonymous with the region and crafts some really unique expressions of Pinot. The wines are unfined, unfiltered, with varying degrees of whole bunch fermentation and such a vibrant purity of fruit whether on the lighter, silkier end of the spectrum or something that offers up a little power. “Jolie” falls on the fall on the lighter and more delicate end of the spectrum with brighter red fruits and elegance.
Elk Cove Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $27 $28 $30
Located in the new-ish Tualatin Hills AVA, Elk Cove Vineyards is one of Oregon’s oldest and most respected wineries and is family-owned and still operated by the founding Campbell family. This Pinot is a blend of their various estate vineyards and is fruit-forward, easy-drinking, and a great intro to their portfolio.
Sandhi Wines Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills $33 $40 $53
More love to St. Rita Hills. While the fruit for this wine comes from different vineyards within the SRH, the predominant source is Domaine de la Côte Vineyards – which is known as a standout for cool-climate Pinot Noir. The vineyard is owned and operated by Rajat Parr and Sashi Moorman, a duo known for their uncompromising focus on purity and terroir-driven wines. Given how hard it can be to get your hands on their wines, this one is a god bet.
Morgan Winery Twelve Clones Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands $34 $33
A trip to the Santa Lucia Highlands firmly cemented my love of all things California Central Coast wines. I visited Morgan and absolutely fell in love with their wines. The wine is actually named for the diverse Pinot clones planted in their estate vineyards. This combo provides a balanced wine that showcases the complexity and range of the greater region. It’s like “seasoning” and getting all the different spices right.
Red Wine Beyond Pinot Noir
CL Butaud – Carbonic Counoise, Texas $33
As a lover of Beaujolais, I appreciate CL Butaud’s Carbonic Counoise. It’s made using carbonic maceration, a technique associated with Beaujolais, where whole grapes are fermented in a tank filled with carbon dioxide, without the use of yeast. The result is a light, fruity, lower alcohol, low tannin wine that is insanely drinkable. This one is fruity with lots of raspberry and earth with some mushroom and a touch of herbs. At only 11.6% alchol, you’ll still be wake for all the football.
Tribute To Grace Grenache, Santa Barbara, CA $40
Grenache has been on mind a lot lately. And I love the ones from Santa Barbara! I visited the region a couple of years ago and just loved the expressions of the wines made there. A Tribute To Grace Wine Company is all about crafting authentic expressions of Grenache. All of their wines are single-vineyard and 100% Grenache including Rosé of Grenache, Grenache Blanc, and of course, Grenache Rouge. So if your’e dedicated to single varietal, you know it has to be good. Lithe, lean, and elegant with bright, tart cherry and racy acidity, mushroom, earth and maybe a touch of cinnamon spice.
DeLille Cellars D2 Red Blend, Columbia Valley, WA $48 $48
Yes, of course, there is something for folks that want something a little bolder. I always tell folks that if they like Bordeaux varietals and bends, Washington state provides ridiculous quality at prices much easier on the wallet than their coastal neighbors to the south. A trip to Washington wine country many years ago opened my eyes to all the great things going on out there. DeLille Cellars is the third oldest operating winery in Washington and are considered pioneers of the state’s wine industry. They are known “Bordeaux-style” blends, and this D2 is always a fave of mine from them. A Merlot-dominant blend, it was created as a second wine to their Chaleur Estate wine, but it soon became one of the winery’s most sought after labels.
Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, CA $45 $49 $53
It’s the ultimate American holiday, so we gotta include Zinfandel, which has deeps roots in America’s wine heritage. A trip to a Zinfandel conference last year (open to consumers and highly recommend!) really opened my eye to nuances of Zinfandel. I honestly thought all Zin was slutty (yep, I went there), over the top, overly fruity, overly alcohol, overly…you get the point. But, no! I was wrong. Beautifully balanced, food-friendly Zin does indeed exist. Ridge Vineyards’ is among some of the best. These are some of the most celebrated expressions of Zinfandel that provide balance, complexity, and a focus on terroir. And so darn good!
Happy holidays y’all. Let’s raise a glass to American Thanksgiving wine.
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