6 Wines You Can’t Miss This Thanksgiving (That Won’t Break the Bank!)

Thanksgiving dinner is a blend of so many flavors—savory, sweet, earthy, and tangy—that choosing a wine can feel overwhelming. But the truth is, pairing wine doesn’t have to be complicated! Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or an intimate family meal, you can choose versatile wines that complement the entire dinner. Here’s a guide to six popular wines that work with all the dishes on your Thanksgiving table, plus budget-friendly tips to keep your wine selection stress-free.

Start with a Sparkle: Cava

Suggested Pairing Style: Aperitif & Throughout the Meal

Cava is a great alternative to Champagne, offering a festive sparkle without the high price tag. Produced in Spain, this bubbly wine brings light, refreshing acidity that pairs beautifully with the rich, complex flavors of Thanksgiving. The bubbles and citrusy notes help cleanse the palate, balancing out savory dishes, salty sides, and even rich gravies. Cava can be served as an aperitif when guests arrive or enjoyed throughout the meal if you’re a fan of bubbly.

Why We Love It: The crispness of Cava pairs well with all dishes, so feel free to keep pouring. Spanish imports also tend to be very affordable, making it ideal for larger gatherings. You can find this Cava at most major grocery stores and wine shops.

Chardonnay: Rich Yet Versatile

Suggested Pairing Style: Early in the Meal & White Wine Option

Chardonnay is a Thanksgiving classic, but a more lightly oaked or unoaked Chardonnay can pair best with a holiday meal. The subtle creaminess complements buttery mashed potatoes, herbed stuffing, and even turkey without overwhelming lighter flavors. If you’re looking for a balanced white, consider one with mild acidity to cut through richer dishes like sweet potatoes or gravy.

Why We Love It: It’s a versatile wine for guests who enjoy white, offering a balance between richness and brightness. This is my go-to Chard. The label will often let you know if the Chardonnay is oaked or unoaked, which just means if the wine was aged in oak barrels or stainless steel vats.

Pinot Gris: Crisp & Crowd-Pleasing

Suggested Pairing Style: White Wine Option for the Meal

If you’re looking for a white that’s light, zesty, and refreshing, Pinot Gris is an excellent choice. It has a fruit-forward profile with notes of pear and apple that pair well with everything from roasted vegetables to cranberry sauce. The high acidity makes it a natural fit with a range of Thanksgiving sides, keeping the palate refreshed.

Why We Love It: Pinot Gris is easy to drink, bright, and crowd-pleasing, plus it often comes at a budget-friendly price. I often reach for this wine available at most major grocery stores.

Pinot Noir: The Perfect Holiday Red

Suggested Pairing Style: Main Course Red Option

For many, Thanksgiving and Pinot Noir go hand-in-hand. Its earthy, slightly spicy notes work beautifully with roasted turkey and the herbs in stuffing. The lower tannins and mild acidity mean it won’t overpower your dishes but will add a smooth depth to each bite. Pinot Noir pairs seamlessly with the complex array of flavors on the table, from savory green beans to sweet potatoes.

Why We Love It: It’s light enough for a long meal yet flavorful enough to stand up to all the dishes. Look to Oregon or California options for great, accessible bottles. This is the Oregon Pinot we drink at Thanksgiving.

Lambrusco: Fruity & Slightly Sweet

Suggested Pairing Style: Fun, Unique Red Option

Lambrusco might be a lesser-known choice, but it’s perfect for those who enjoy a slightly sweet, fruity red with a bit of fizz. Hailing from Italy, Lambrusco’s natural bubbles and light sweetness balance well with salty or spicy dishes, making it a hit with stuffing, cranberries, and turkey. It’s a delightful option for guests who like their reds on the fruitier side.

Why We Love It: Affordable and fun, Lambrusco is a conversation starter and a perfect pick for something different on the Thanksgiving table. Look for a higher-end Lambruscos like this one. The cheaper bottom shelf Lambruscos are very sweet and not high quality.

Cabernet Sauvignon: Bold for the Bold

Suggested Pairing Style: Rich Red Option

If your Thanksgiving feast includes hearty dishes like roasted or grilled vegetables or even meat-heavy sides, a Cabernet Sauvignon could be the choice. While it’s a bit bolder than other options, a lighter-style Cabernet with moderate tannins can complement savory and roasted flavors well.

Why We Love It: Cabernet Sauvignon can be a bit heavy for a traditional Thanksgiving, but if you love a bold red, there are lighter, fruitier options from regions like Spain or Chile that may be just right.

Tips for Budget-Friendly Holiday Wines

Explore Imports – Spain and Italy offer fantastic wines at a fraction of the price of comparable American wines.

Dry Farm Wines – If you’re looking for organic, low-sugar wines, consider a subscription with Dry Farm Wines for selections that are great for gatherings.

Serve What You Love – Ultimately, the best wine is the one that brings you joy. Drink what tastes good to you, and your Thanksgiving table will shine.

Make It Easy with My Thanksgiving Wine Guide!

The wines listed in this post are familiar and available everywhere. But if you are looking for new wines that may be a bit more unfamiliar, check out my Thanksgiving wine-buying guide.

This guide lists 5 whites, 5 reds, 5 sparkling, and 5 dessert wines to help you plan your Thanksgiving wine pairings PLUS links to the wines I drink. I include the links because it’s terrible walking into a wine shop knowing you need Champagne but feeling insecure about which one to buy. I save you the stress of trying to figure it out.

Pro-tip: worried about your wine friend coming to your house for Thanksgiving and judging your wine selection? I know that wine can be overwhelming and intimidating and I NEVER expect my friends or family to know what I like or dislike. That’s why I always bring a nice bottle as a thank you and to share something delicious with those I love. If your friends snub your wine offerings, maybe it’s time to get new friends. Just say’in….

Happy Thanksgiving, and cheers to sharing great wine with family and friends!

XOXO,

Courtney