Thanksgiving puts the spotlight on two things that matter: the people at your table and the wine in their glasses. Susannah over at Avvinare nails the spirit of the holiday with a simple reminder: “This post is about giving thanks.” — Susannah (Avvinare). As someone who spends as much time in tasting rooms as on Pacific swells, I’m here for that energy—and the pairings that make the feast feel effortless.
Why This Matters
The wine world moves fast, and this story captures a pivotal moment. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a dedicated collector, understanding these shifts helps you make smarter choices about what ends up in your glass.
Key Takeaways
- Key themes: Thanksgiving wine, holiday pairings, Pinot Noir—stay informed on these evolving trends.
- The takeaway? Keep exploring, keep tasting, and don’t be afraid to try something new.
What styles shine on Thanksgiving
Turkey is a friendly protein, but Thanksgiving is a flavor circus: sweet cranberry, savory stuffing, herb rubs, buttery sides, maybe a rogue spice kick from Aunt Linda. Wines that thrive here share a few traits—bright acidity, moderate alcohol, and fruit that plays well with tangy, salty, and sweet notes.
Here’s the style snapshot to keep your cart (and your sanity) on track:
- Pinot Noir (Burgundy, Willamette, Sonoma Coast): dry, light-to-medium body, fresh red fruit, silky tannins. Acidity lifts, fruit charms, nothing steamrolls the meal.
- Beaujolais (especially Beaujolais-Villages or cru like Fleurie): dry, light-bodied Gamay with crunchy red fruit and florals. Built for stuffing and cranberry sauce.
- Riesling (dry to off-dry; Germany’s Mosel, Alsace, Finger Lakes): zippy acidity, orchard fruit, and a touch of residual sugar if you go off-dry—perfect with sweet-savory mashups.
- Sparkling wine (Brut Champagne, Crémant, California traditional method): dry, high acidity, textural bubbles that scrub through richness. Start with it; keep pouring it.
- Italian bright reds (Barbera d’Asti, Etna Rosso): naturally high acid, red fruit, and a nimble frame. These punch above their weight with herbs and roast notes.
- Italian whites (Verdicchio, Soave Classico, Alto Adige Pinot Grigio): dry, crisp, mineral-leaning; they refresh between bites and let the sides shine.
None of these are flashy flex wines—they’re the teammate who makes everyone else look better. Which, come to think of it, is the entire Thanksgiving brief.
Gratitude, resilience, and the wine community
Susannah’s post is less a shopping list and more a heart check. She writes, “I hope wonderful wines grace everyone’s table.” — Susannah (Avvinare). That includes the bottles, sure, but also the people and the stories behind them—from US producers to Italy’s mosaic of regions she’s worked with over the years.
Italy offers a particularly strong playbook for the holiday. If you want energy and lift, Barbera’s acidity is practically engineered for gravy days. Etna Rosso brings volcanic spice and elegance without heft. Verdicchio is your green-apple, saline, seafood-friendly white that also happens to love sage and thyme. And if your table leans indulgent, a Brut Franciacorta or Trento DOC delivers structure and snap without overshadowing the bird.
There’s also something about Thanksgiving that reframes why we open bottles at all. Loss, resilience, and gratitude thread through Susannah’s note—and through wine culture more broadly. The act of pouring is an offering: we’re saying, “you matter.” That’s not marketing; it’s community. As Susannah puts it, “resiliency is the name of the game.” — Susannah (Avvinare).
Occasion and pairing guidance
Best occasion: Thanksgiving dinner (and the day-after leftovers).
Best pairing direction: Choose high-acid, fruit-forward styles that play nice with sweet-savory sides. Red: Pinot Noir or Beaujolais for flexibility and charm. White: Riesling (dry to off-dry) or mineral Italian whites like Verdicchio. Bubbles: Keep a Brut sparkler on ice—versatile, palate-cleansing, and perpetually festive.
Skip heavy, oaky extremes that bulldoze delicate holiday flavors. If you want a richer red, reach for a balanced California Zinfandel or a juicy Grenache blend—but keep the alcohol moderate so you’re cheering the game, not napping through it.
Closing takeaway
Thanksgiving is not a battlefield for finding the “perfect” pairing. It’s a vibe check on generosity and taste. Prioritize wines with brightness and balance, pour widely, and keep the focus on the people. Or as Susannah notes, “Year 17 is ending better than expected in terms of visitors to this platform.” — Susannah (Avvinare). Here’s hoping the year ends better than expected at your table too—one grateful toast at a time.
Source: https://avvinare.com/2025/11/26/preparing-for-thanksgiving/
