The Best Thanksgiving Wine Pairings for a Meaningful Meal
Some people think that it’s not what’s on your Thanksgiving table that matters, but simply who surrounds it. Close family and friends that gather together to reconnect, laugh and make memories. But the things that stand out in my memory of Thanksgiving feasts reach beyond who I shared them with, and begin with the dinnerware, the tablecloths, the whirlwind of aromas of rosemary and cloves in the air, or simply the small dish of gerkins and olives on the table. Every aspect, every tiny decision that creates the atmosphere...the ambience, (the terroir?) of the evening holds significance, even if not in the most obvious way.
The compilation of these details are setting the stage for your holiday meal. One that’s often most overlooked, the wine pairing. It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of the long weekend and wine choices can sometimes be left until the last minute. The wrong wine pairing can ruin a meal if not carefully selected, just as a thoughtful wine pairing can enhance the meal altogether. Whether you’re cooking for one or twelve, hosting, or a guest, wine selection shouldn’t be an afterthought.
Below, is a list of tried-and-true wine pairings to help you elevate your Thanksgiving dinner.
Tornatore Etna Rosso 2023
This is a medium-bodied, fruity red made with native grapes Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio grown on the volcanic soils of Etna in Sicily, Italy. Its lively aromatics consist of wild strawberry, red apple, and sweet baking spices, while the palate unveils delectable depth with sage, thyme and dark cherry. An iron-infused minerality lays upon on a bedrock of bright acidity and fine tannins with a gentle grip that carry all flavours on an everlasting finish. This bottle represents a region that all wine lovers love to get their hands on! Excellent value. $24.95
Pair with…
Stuffing
Why it works: You want a wine that can go head-to-head with the complexity of the dish. The dried herbal notes of sage and thyme in the wine can directly match or compliment the herbs in your dressing.
Henry of Pelham Dry River Estate Riesling 2023
This sustainable, cool-climate Riesling is crafted with estate grapes grown near an ancient river-valley in the Short Hills Bench sub-appellation. Medium-bodied with a noticeable weight mid-palate. It’s energetic acidity coils around luscious pineapple, peach and lemon notes. Succulent and full of life. $16.20
Pair with…
Roasted Ham
Why it works: For the same reason ham and pineapple make a classic pairing, so do ham and Riesling. The tangy acidity makes an excellent contrast to the richness and sweetness in the ham. The wine makes each bite brighter, and even more illuminating when you find pineapple flavours in a Riesling like this one from Henry of Pelham.
Need help navigating the LCBO shelves? Check out my expert advice here.
The Grange Farmers’ Series County Pinot Noir 2025
This Pinot is sourced from Redtail in Prince Edward County and sees a 10-month French oak aging period. The nose draws you in with sautéed mushrooms, fall leaves, cranberry and beetroot. At first sip, the delicate mouthfeel begins bright and juicy before turning to sweet oak and earthy aspects on the back palate. Nutmeg and other baking spices mingle with notes of fresh black raspberries that persist on a long finish. $30.00
Pair with…
Root Vegetables/Sides
Why it works: Ontario Pinot Noir portrays earthiness that can seamlessly match the earthy flavours of root vegetables like carrots, beets, and turnips that may otherwise be difficult to pair. The red fruit and acidity in Pinot also offer a complimentary pairing for cranberry sauce, squash, and gravy.
Mesta Tempranillo D.O. Ucles Organic 2024
This is an organic, vegan-friendly, unoaked Tempranillo from the DO Ucles wine region in Spain that boasts bright red cherry, red plum, and eucalyptus aromas from the glass. A medium-bodied profile exudes fresh, red fruit and licorice notes that transition to savoury dried herbs and woodsy flavours revealing new complexities towards the back palate with a lingering finish. Terrific value! $10.95
Pair with…
Turkey
Why it works: The prominent notes of an unoaked Tempranillo are already things we are classically pairing with turkey: Cranberry, dried herbs, and spice. The light tannins of the wine also make an excellent textural match for the meat grain of the bird.
Lailey Winery Sparkling 2022
This is a single-vineyard, off-dry sparkling wine made with 100% Vidal from old vines in the Lailey vineyard. It’s crafted using a small dosage of Vidal Icewine that adds a slight sweetness and depth to its authentic, Canadian charm. Baked apple and peach with soft caramel undertones delight the palate upon a delicate yet playful mousse. A friendly sparkler that makes it easy to open and enjoy any time. $26.00
Apple Pie
Why it works: Bubbles are commonly poured as an aperitif, but they shouldn’t be forgotten at the end of (or throughout) the meal. The apple and autolytic notes in the wine are perfect for any stone fruit filling and buttery, flaky crust. Plus, the crisp acidity acts as a great palate cleanser, especially with sweet desserts.
Bonus tip: All the wines featured above go across the board, or table so to speak. You don’t need to pour a new wine for each dish. The profiles of each food-friendly bottle make a sound selection for an entire Thanksgiving spread. So, now that your wine selection is covered, pull up a chair, pour a glass, pass the potatoes, and don’t forget to relish in the company and all the small things in between this Thanksgiving holiday.
