Pairing the Perfect Wine With Your Holiday Dishes

Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner, and I am excited to share some affordable wines to elevate your holiday feasts as you begin your planning. I also have some "splurges" I will share in case your budget allows you to pick out something more elevated for your occasion.

One of the best parts of the holidays is the excuse to get around the dinner table and share memories and a bottle (or two) of wine. When it comes to choosing the right wines to accompany your holiday meals, there are some helpful guidelines that you can remember when pairing certain foods. I outlined five varietals to show you how you can pair your wine with your holiday dishes.

At the bottom of this post, I also share a graphic to help you remember what pairs well with certain desserts. If you want to see other vineyards I recommend you visit, check out this blog post.

Wine Pairing for Your Holiday Dishes

Pinot Noir

• Overall: Pinot Noir is a versatile wine that can complement a wide range of Thanksgiving dishes.

• Tasting notes: Light to medium body, red fruit flavors, gentle tannins

• Pairs well with: An ideal match for turkey, whether roasted, smoked, or deep-fried. The wine's acidity helps cut through the richness of gravy and pairs perfectly with cranberry sauce. A quality Pinot Noir doesn't have to cost a fortune, so it's an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a great wine without overspending.

• Easy recommendation ($15): 2020 Grand Conseiller Pinot Noir Reserve (bonus: Costco may carry it)

• Splurge recommendation ($66): 2019 Johan Pinot Noir "Three Barrels"

Cabernet Sauvignon

• Overall: Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its bold and robust character, offers a symphony of tasting notes that make it a standout choice for holiday feasts. The robust nature of Cabernet Sauvignon allows it to evolve beautifully with age, making it a versatile and classic choice for festive occasions.

• Tasting notes: With its deep red color and full-bodied structure, this wine often presents rich flavors of black currant, blackberry, and plum. The palate is further complemented by notes of cedar, tobacco, and subtle hints of vanilla from oak aging. The wine's firm tannins and balanced acidity contribute to a lingering finish that adds an elegant touch to the overall experience.

• Pairs well with: The robust nature of Cabernet Sauvignon allows it to evolve beautifully with age, making it a versatile and classic choice for festive occasions. For a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, Cabernet Sauvignon's bold flavors make it an excellent pairing with a variety of dishes. Its dark fruit notes harmonize particularly well with the richness of roasted meats, such as herb-infused roasted turkey or a succulent prime rib. The wine's structured tannins can cut through the savory elements of hearty casseroles, like beef stew or lamb shanks, enhancing the dining experience. Additionally, Cabernet Sauvignon's versatility extends to cheese boards featuring aged cheddar or blue cheeses, providing a delightful contrast to the wine's fruit-forward profile.

• Easy recommendation ($40): Frank Family, Napa Valley, 2019

• Splurge recommendation ($80): Frogs Leap, Rutherford Estate, 2020

Chardonnay

• Overall: Chardonnay is a popular white wine (my favorite white wine) that can add a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving dinner due to its versatility on your palate depending on what you pair it with. For those who belong to the ABC (anything but Chardonnay) club, I encourage you to try some Chardonnays from labels you may not be familiar with like Frog's Leap, Honig, Artesa, Brooks, Failla, among others...I promise there is more to Chardonnay than "big oak"!

• Tasting notes: It can have a full-bodied character and/or can be described as creamy or chalky with notes of apple, butter, pear, and vanilla.

• Pairs well with: Chardonnay can make a wonderful pairing for roasted or grilled poultry. It complements creamy mashed potatoes and buttery dinner rolls perfectly as well as pumpkin pie.

• Easy recommendation ($35): 2022 Duckhorn Chardonnay

• Splurge recommendation ($100): 2019 Bergstrom Willamette Valley Chardonnay

Riesling

• Overall: Riesling, a varietal celebrated for its aromatic elegance, offers a symphony of tasting notes. This white wine is renowned for its vibrant acidity, which serves as a lively backbone to the overall flavor profile. Riesling's primary fruit notes include crisp green apple, peach, and citrus.

• Tasting notes: Riesling is an aromatic white wine that offers a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, but depending on what you are looking for, Rieslings can range from bone dry to quite sweet. Delicate floral aromas, often reminiscent of jasmine or honeysuckle, contribute to the wine's aromatic complexity.

• Pairs well with: Riesling's nuanced tasting notes make it a perennial favorite for wine enthusiasts seeking a balance of sweetness, acidity, and aromatic finesse. Its crispness and fruitiness make it an excellent partner for a variety of Thanksgiving sides, including sweet potatoes and green bean casserole. Additionally, its natural sweetness harmonizes with the flavors of honey-glazed ham and balances the spiciness of dishes like stuffing with sausage.

• Easy recommendation ($21): Seenhof Riesling Trocken, vom Boden, 2022

• Splurge recommendation ($40): Domaines Schlumberger Grand Cru Saering Riesling 2019

Zinfandel

• Overall: Zinfandel, with its bold and spicy character, can stand up to the strong flavors

• Tasting notes: Zinfandel, a charismatic red wine, can be characterized by its bold and jammy fruit profile, with prominent notes of blackberry, raspberry, and often a hint of peppery spice. Zinfandel's medium to full body and moderate tannins contribute to a lush mouthfeel, while a touch of oak aging can introduce subtle vanilla or smoky undertones. The wine's inherent versatility allows it to complement the diverse array of flavors found in a holiday dinner.

• Pairs well with: Zinfandel can bring a burst of flavors to your holiday dinner, partnering well with traditional and eclectic dishes. Its fruity and peppery qualities harmonize beautifully with roasted turkey, bringing out the savory richness of the meat. The wine's inherent spice notes make it a natural match for classic Thanksgiving side dishes like cranberry sauce, stuffing, and sweet potato casserole. Zinfandel's ability to balance boldness with approachability also makes it an excellent companion to a variety of cheese selections, from creamy brie to sharp cheddar.

• Easy recommendation ($26): The Prisoner Wine Company, Saldo

• Splurge recommendation ($44): Grgich Hills Estate, Zinfandel, 2018

Don't Forget Dessert!

I have included a cute graphic below to help you navigate what you pair your desserts with around holidays this year:

With these wines, you can elevate your Thanksgiving feast, and your friends and family are sure to appreciate your thoughtful wine selections that enhance the flavors of the season!

Related: If you want to see how I styled my dining table for the autumn season, read this blog post, and if you want to see some of my favorite cozy home decor recommendations, explore here.

Travel far, sip tastefully, live purposefully,

Cassie Ann