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Every year, choosing the perfect wines for Thanksgiving feels like a daunting task, as hosts aim to complement the feast’s dazzling array of flavors. When the table is loaded with savory stuffing, tangy cranberry sauce, buttery mashed potatoes, sweet pumpkin pie, and of course, juicy roasted turkey, it’s no wonder that buying the right wine can feel overwhelming. The diverse flavors and textures demand a thoughtful approach to pairing—one that embraces contrast and harmony alike.
That’s where Kendall-Jackson comes in. Kendall-Jackson wines are balanced, food-friendly, and consistently delicious, bringing versatility to your Thanksgiving feast. Planning a large family feast? Headed to a Friendsgiving celebration? We’ve got you covered. We’ll walk you through the best Thanksgiving wine pairings, and you’ll even find a cheat sheet to make shopping in our online store a breeze. Ready? Let’s roll—like a Parker House roll (get it?).
Thanksgiving and Wine Quick Tips
Here are five expert-approved tips to help you choose the best wines for Thanksgiving dinner:
- Embrace Versatility: Opt for wines with lower alcohol and bright acidity, like Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc. These balanced wines can hold their own against rich gravies and tart cranberry sauce alike. They also help cut through richer dishes, keeping your palate refreshed.
- Good Doesn’t Have to Mean Expensive: Thanksgiving is often a group affair. Affordable yet high-quality options like our Vintner’s Reserve wines are ideal for keeping everyone’s glass full.
- Don’t Forget Rosé and Sparkling Wines: Rosé wines add a touch of elegance to the table, while sparkling wines with their effervescence can lighten heavier dishes and definitely amp up the celebratory feel.
- Pair Sweet with Sweet: For desserts like pumpkin pie, a lightly sweet wine such as Riesling or late-harvest dessert wine can beautifully complement the spices without overpowering the dish.
- Don’t stress about rules: Thanksgiving is about gratitude and joy—not perfection. Choose wines you love, and your guests will feel the love, too.
Why Wine Pairing Matters for Thanksgiving
Okay, we know we just said 'don’t stress about rules,' but hear us out—when it comes to Thanksgiving wine pairings, maybe stress just a little. Here’s why it matters. The right wine can make a dish pop, refresh your palate, or balance heat and spice. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc can cut through the richness of mashed potatoes and gravy, while a lush, fruit-forward Pinot Noir can bring out the savory depth in roasted turkey. A slightly sweet Riesling melds perfectly with a sweet potato casserole topped with mini-marshmallows.
On the flip side, mismatched wines—too oaky, too tannic, or too sweet—can clash with dishes and disrupt the flow of the meal. That’s why Kendall-Jackson crafts wines with food in mind. With a focus on balance, bright acidity, and expressive flavor, our wines are designed to bring harmony to even the most eclectic holiday table.
The Best Red Wines for Thanksgiving
Reds can be tricky to pair with Thanksgiving because of their bold flavors. The key is to choose a style that is fruit-forward, smooth, and not overly tannic.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a Thanksgiving superstar. Its light body, earthy undertones, and bright red cherry and raspberry flavors pair brilliantly with roasted turkey, stuffing, and even cranberry sauce. With its gentle tannins and fruit-forward profile, Pinot Noir is also an easy-drinking wine.
Shop Pinot Noir now: Kendall-Jackson Pinot Noir
Merlot
Silky, plummy, and soft, Merlot complements the richer side of Thanksgiving—think sausage stuffing, mashed potatoes, and roasted root vegetables. Its mellow structure won’t overpower delicate dishes, and it adds just the right amount of fruitiness.
Try it here: Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Merlot
Zinfandel
For those who love bold flavors, Zinfandel is your go-to pick. With ripe berry notes, spice, and a touch of sweetness, it holds its own with flavorful dishes like cranberry sauce, spiced yams, or even barbecue-glazed turkey.
Discover more: Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Zinfandel
Shop Best Selling Red Wines from Kendall-Jackson
The Best White Wines for Thanksgiving
White wines offer freshness and lift to the Thanksgiving table, balancing out rich and savory dishes with crisp acidity and subtle sweetness.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay comes in many styles: crisp, minerally, fruity, and rich. Choose a style that will either complement or contrast your dish. If you’re roasting your turkey, select a rich Chardonnay that will enhance the meat’s savoriness. If you’re in the fried turkey camp, you’ll want to serve it with a crisp Chardonnay that will help cut through the richness. A fruity Chardonnay would be delicious with a yam casserole, whereas a mineral Chardonnay goes well with roasted root veggies. From bright and unoaked to rich and barrel-aged, and everything in between, there’s a Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay for everyone and every dish.
Explore the collection: Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Zesty and herbaceous, Sauvignon Blanc is a fantastic contrast to decadent Thanksgiving dishes. It cuts through creamy textures and enhances herbaceous sides like Brussels sprouts, asparagus, and green beans.
Discover the options: Kendall-Jackson Sauvignon Blanc
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc’s crisp apple, ripe pear, and honeyed notes, paired with bright acidity, make it a versatile Thanksgiving favorite. It goes seamlessly with herbed stuffing, citrus-glazed turkey, and sweet potato casserole.
Grab your bottle here: Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chenin Blanc
Riesling
Off-dry Riesling is an unsung hero at the holiday table. Slightly sweet with zippy acidity, it pairs fabulously with spicy sausage stuffing, honey-glazed ham, sweet potatoes, and even dessert.
Find it here: Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Riesling
Pinot Gris
Stainless steel fermentation brings out the bright, fresh flavors of Pinot Gris, like green apple and pear, making it the ideal pour for lighter fare like green bean casserole, herbed stuffing, or salads. Its clean finish and gentle fruitiness make it incredibly food-friendly.
Find it here: Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Pinot Gris
Shop Best Selling White Wines from Kendall-Jackson
Rosé and Sparkling Wines: Unexpected Thanksgiving Heroes
Don’t overlook these options—both rosé and Sparkling wines offer surprising versatility and a fun, celebratory touch.
Rosé
Dry rosé offers the best of both worlds: the red fruit of red grapes and the crispness of a white wine. It shines with turkey, cranberry sauce, and charcuterie, and it’s also a festive aperitif.
Drink pink this holiday: Kendall-Jackson Rosé
Sparkling Wine
Nothing says celebration like a bottle of bubbly. Sparkling wine pairs with almost everything on the table, from appetizers to mains to pumpkin pie. Its crispness and effervescence brighten everything—guests’ moods included!
Add sparkle to your meal: Kendall-Jackson Brut Reserve Sparkling Wine
Pairing Wine with Thanksgiving Dishes Cheat Sheet
| Dish | Wine Pairing |
|---|---|
| Charcuterie | Brut Reserve Sparkling Wine |
| Roasted Turkey | Grand Reserve Chardonnay or Anderson Valley Pinot Noir |
| Fried Turkey | AVANT Unoaked Chardonnay or Vintner’s Reserve Rosé |
| Cranberry Sauce | Vintner’s Reserve Pinot Noir or Monterey County Riesling |
| Herb-Based Stuffing | Kelsey Hills Sauvignon Blanc or Monterey County Albariño |
| Sausage Stuffing | Cloud Landing Pinot Noir, Vintner’s Reserve Merlot, or Zinfandel |
| Green Bean Casserole | Grand Reserve Pinot Noir or Vintner’s Reserve Pinot Gris |
| Sweet Potato Casserole | Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, or Riesling |
| Creamed Spinach | Vintner’s Reserve Sauvignon Blanc |
| Pumpkin Pie | Late Harvest Orange Muscat, Late Harvest Chardonnay, or Brut Reserve Sparkling Wine |
Make Thanksgiving a Hit with Kendall-Jackson Wines
Thanksgiving is all about connection, comfort, and good food—and the right wine makes every moment even more memorable. With a diverse portfolio of food-friendly wines, Kendall-Jackson has a wine to delight every palate and pair with every dish.
Skip the stress of the wine aisle—shop our online store for convenient delivery right to your door. You’ll have more time to cook, decorate the table, and cherish time with family and friends. Enjoy the holiday and make it memorable—with Kendall-Jackson wines at the heart of the table!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best wine to serve at Thanksgiving?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and rosé are incredibly versatile and tend to pair well with most Thanksgiving dishes.
Should I choose red or white wine for Thanksgiving dinner?
Both! Offering a red and a white gives guests options and ensures you have pairings for everything from turkey to pie.
How many bottles of wine should I buy for Thanksgiving dinner?
Plan on one bottle for every two guests—this ensures generous pours throughout the meal, with a little extra to enjoy after dessert (or with tomorrow’s leftovers).
Should I serve the same wine with all courses, or offer a variety?
Offering a variety keeps things interesting and helps pairings shine across the menu. Plus, it’s a fun way to engage your guests in tasting and conversation.
