The Best Wines to Serve for Thanksgiving — and the Perfect Temperatures to Enjoy Them
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Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because it’s the perfect blend of comfort food, cozy hosting, and wines that truly shine with a fall menu. Whether you're planning a laid-back gathering or a full on, event worthy tablescape, choosing the right bottles — and serving them at the right temperature — makes the entire meal feel luxurious ,and effortless.
Here’s my go-to guide for the wines that pair beautifully with a traditional Thanksgiving spread, plus the exact temperatures that bring them to life. (You will notice of course I start with Champagne, as always)
Start with Something Bubbly
Thanksgiving is an all-day holiday, and nothing sets the tone like a sparkling wine.
I always recommend:
• Brut Champagne
• Crémant de Bourgogne- for second helpings.
• Sparkling Rosé from California's North Coast
Bubbles cut through the richness of appetizers, cheeses, and salty snacks — and they instantly make your home feel celebratory. I start on these while cooking. ;-)
Serve at: 40–45°F
(Your wine cooler’s lower zone is perfect for this.)
The Thanksgiving MVP: Pinot Noir
If Thanksgiving had an official wine, it would be Pinot Noir.
It’s light enough not to overpower the turkey but still has enough depth and spice to match stuffing, gravy, mushrooms, and herbs.
Look for bottles from:
• Sonoma Coast
• Russian River Valley
• Willamette Valley
• Burgundy (always a classic)
Serve at: 55–58°F
(If you normally keep reds at room temp — bring them down a bit. Slightly cool Pinot is magic.)
A White That Wins Every Time: Chardonnay
Thanksgiving food is creamy, buttery, savory… and Chardonnay loves all of it.
Choose styles like:
• Lightly oaked Sonoma Chardonnay
• Chablis
• Carneros Chardonnay
These complement mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and turkey without overwhelming the palate.
Serve at: 48–52°F
(This is a little warmer than sparkling but cooler than reds — the sweet spot for Chardonnay.)
For People Who Prefer Sweetness: Riesling or Gewürztraminer
If you have guests who like a softer, aromatic white, this is where Riesling and Gewürztraminer shine. I prefer the dryer styles, but holidays can be paired with a variety of flavor options.
They come alive with:
• Spiced dishes
• Honey-glazed ham
• Sweet potato sides
• Anything with cinnamon, clove, or nutmeg
Serve at: 45–50°F
A Crowd-Pleasing Red: Zinfandel
Zinfandel is Thanksgiving’s “secret weapon” red.
It has warmth, spice, berry notes, and a cozy richness that pairs beautifully with:
• Turkey with gravy
• Sausage stuffing
• Cranberry sauce
• Roasted squash
Serve at: 60–62°F
(If it’s too warm, it tastes hot and jammy — so let it settle in your cooler for 20 minutes before serving.)
A Few Menu Pairings That Always Work
If you need inspiration for your table, here are tried-and-true pairings:
Turkey + Pinot Noir
The herbs, the gravy, the texture — Pinot just glides with every bite.
Stuffing + Chardonnay
Especially if your stuffing has butter, cream, or mushrooms.
Ham + Off-Dry Riesling
The salt/sweet combo is heaven.
Pumpkin Pie + Sparkling Rosé
Trust me, this pairing always surprises people in the best way.
Thanksgiving is meant to feel warm, inviting, and effortless. The right wines — served at the right temperature — elevate the entire experience without adding any stress.
If you need help storing and serving everything at perfect temps, explore our curated selection of wine coolers and dual-zone units at Grand Cru Wine Coolers. A little preparation goes a long way, and your bottles (and guests) will thank you. In Vino Veritas!
