Thanksgiving Wine Pairing

Turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, and that’s just the first plate. With such a wide variety of flavors competing for attention on the Thanksgiving table, choosing the right wine for the table can feel like its own kind of juggling act. But according to Kevin Cleary, executive chef and founding partner at Wine Time, it’s actually simpler than you might think. “Since there are so many dishes on the Thanksgiving table, I like to go with wines that are very versatile and pair well with lots of foods,” Cleary says. “They also need to be bold enough to stand up to all the different flavors going on.” Here’s Kevin’s expert breakdown for navigating Thanksgiving, one delicious glass at a time:

Start sparkling

Nothing sets the tone for celebration like bubbles, and according to Cleary, sparkling wine is a perfect place to begin. “It’s always good to start with a sparkler,” he says. “Champagne is the first choice, of course, but a Franciacorta from Italy works great too. It’s made from the same grapes and by the same method as Champagne, but it’s just a touch fuller and softer. It really works with everything.” A crisp glass of bubbles is not only festive, it also acts as a palate cleanser for the rich foods to come.

White wines with personality

When it comes to white wines, Cleary recommends staying away from anything too lean or too heavy. The sweet spot? Wines with balance. “Viognier is a great choice. It has some body but also nice acidity to balance things out,” he says. “I also love a Chardonnay with just a touch of oak, but not too much. You want something with texture that can handle the sides but won’t overpower the turkey.” Both varietals offer enough complexity to pair with creamy casseroles, buttery mashed potatoes and even savory herb stuffing.

Red wines for every palate

For those leaning red, Cleary says you can stick to the classics or surprise your guests with something unexpected. “Pinot Noir, Beaujolais and Zinfandel are all classic Thanksgiving matches,” he says. “But I also love thinking outside the box. Barbera from Italy is one of my favorites. It’s a fantastic food wine with great acidity, and it pairs beautifully with so many different dishes on the table.” And for those with a sweeter tooth? “Go for a Lambrusco Dolce,” Cleary suggests. “It’s a sweet, sparkling red wine that works surprisingly well with a lot of Thanksgiving flavors. It’s a crowd-pleaser, for sure.”

Don’t forget dessert

When it’s time for pie, don’t forget the wine. Cleary’s picks for dessert pairings are rich, luxurious and perfect for sipping slowly. “To finish off the meal, I love a Sauternes or a Tokaji,” he says. “Both have that honeyed sweetness that complements pumpkin pie, pecan pie or even just a bite of dark chocolate.” Thanksgiving is a celebration, and wine should enhance the meal, not overcomplicate it. Whether you go bold with reds, stick with sparkles or try something new like Barbera or Lambrusco, the key is choosing wines that bring balance to the table. “You don’t need a different wine for every dish,” Cleary says. “Just pick bottles that are versatile, interesting and meant to be shared. That’s what Thanksgiving is all about.”