Truth be told, a traditional Thanksgiving dinner is probably the one holiday meal where you could get away with putting just about any wine on the table without running into problems. That’s because roast turkey, basic stuffing, green bean casserole, and mashed potatoes make for one of the most benign food palates known to humankind. Pinot Noir is a classic pairing… and for good reason: its lighter body and pleasant acidity keep those menu staples in check. However, a recent Surdyk’s class spotlighted some wines that work incredibly well not only with a traditional Thanksgiving but also with menus that get more adventurous in ingredients, seasonings, and cooking methods. If you’re looking for a bit more excitement this Thanksgiving, these are the wines to try.
Give Thanks - Great Wine for your Holiday Table
Posted on Nov 20th 2025
Avinyó Petillant
A bright, lightly effervescent Catalan white—similar in spirit to Txakolina—with a refreshing prickle that lifts each sip. Made from Muscat de Frontignan, Macabeo, and Xarel·lo, it balances floral aromatics with citrusy snap and a clean, mineral finish. Its low alcohol, palate-cleansing sparkle, and versatile acidity make it an ideal pairing for the wide range of flavors on a Thanksgiving table. It’s also a great with appetizers!
Hexamer Riesling 'Quarzit'
This vibrant Riesling from Germany’s Nahe region, has stony minerality that reflects its quartz-rich soils. It offers bright citrus and green apple notes, balanced by racy acidity and a subtle, refreshing off-dry touch. This structure and zest make it a perfect Thanksgiving wine, cutting through rich dishes while complementing lighter sides and herbs.
RockWerk Grüner Veltliner Niederosterreich
RockWerk Grüner Veltliner delivers a vibrant, aromatic profile with crisp green apple, lemon zest, and subtle white-pepper spice. Its medium body and lively minerality make each sip refreshing without overpowering the palate. Perfect for Thanksgiving, where the array of dishes swing from herb-forward to buttery with every bite.
Tenuta Hans Rottensteiner Kitz Bianco Vigneti delle Dolomiti
This feels like a crisp mountain breeze in a glass, with juicy white peach, lemon zest, and a hint of wild herbs. Its racy acidity and stony minerality keep it lively, making every sip feel refreshing and light on the palate. A perfect Thanksgiving companion, it brightens roasted turkey and root vegetables while standing up gracefully to richer, buttery sides.
Bodegas CARE Old Vine Garnacha
This Old Vine Garnacha is a vibrant, full‑bodied red with juicy red and black fruit — think raspberries, cherry, and a hint of bramble — plus deeper notes of cacao and coffee bean. Its old vines (over 50 years) give the wine a rich, layered structure, complemented by warm spices and subtle toasty oak. This makes it a great Thanksgiving pick: its fruit-forward juiciness pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, while its spice and weight hold up to savory sides and hearty mains.
Union Sacre Cabernet Franc
Union Sacré Cabernet Franc is a bright, expressive red with peppery herb notes, juicy blueberry and plum fruit, and a floral touch of violet. Its body feels light to medium, with a lively yet grounded earthiness that makes it both elegant and approachable. For Thanksgiving, it’s a smart pick — the savory herbal character pairs well with roasted turkey and stuffing, while the fruit keeps it versatile alongside richer sides.