Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks and celebrate with loved ones over a delicious meal. And what better way to elevate your feast than with a great bottle of wine? The wine connoisseurs at Grapes & Hops have shared their top recommendations for wine pairings. Whether you’re looking for the perfect match for appetizers or a delightful companion for dessert, and everything in between, they’ve got you covered.

Can one wine be chosen to perfectly complement the entire Thanksgiving feast, from the appetizers to the main course of turkey, mashed potatoes, yams, herb-infused stuffing, cranberry relish, and pumpkin or pecan pie?

“A variety of dishes sometimes goes best with a variety of wines! Consider multiple bottles at the table to sip on as you work your way through the feast! If you need to choose just one, Pinot Noir is the classic choice. The tartly fruit-forward profile makes this the perfect complement to almost all Fall dishes.”

What are some white wine suggestions to pair with a classic Thanksgiving turkey dinner?

“White wine is so versatile. Ranging from dry to sweet, Riesling is a definite people pleaser. They are formidable enough to cut through the richer side dishes, yet minerally enough to not overpower your turkey. Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Bordeaux blends also have a crisp acidity that will complement your meal.”

Top Recommendations:

Kalls Riesling ($20)
Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc/Viognier Blend ($16)
White Queen Chardonnay ($30)
Bordeaux Blanc ($15-$25)

 

What are some suggestions for a classic Thanksgiving dinner with turkey for those who enjoy red wine?
“Lighter-medium bodied red wines, such as Pinot Noir and Beaujolais, made from the Gamay grape, are ideal for Thanksgiving because they won’t overpower the medley of flavors in your meal. Zinfandel is also a great choice, and has natural smoke and spice notes that highlight grilled meats.”

Top Recommendations:

Violin Pinot Noir ($30)
Orin Swift Slander Pinot Noir ($64)
Beaujolais ($20-$30)
La Storia Zinfandel ($30)

 

Wine suggestions for a gathering that involves only appetizers or as a way to kick off the holiday dinner?
“Bubbles! Popping bubbles is perfect as an aperitif before sitting down to a big meal, or for enjoying by the glass with a charcuterie board.”

Top Recommendations:

Zardetto Prosecco ($16)
Pizzolato Sparkling Pinot Grigio ($20)
Scarpetta Sparkling Rose ($22)
Bernard Gaucher Champagne ($52)
Pol Roger Champagne ($94)

 

What are some suggestions for pairing wine with pie?

“Tawny Port is a sweet, fortified wine from Portugal. The nutty, caramel flavors of this wine will easily complement a Pumpkin or Pecan Pie. Sauternes, a French dessert wine, is richly sweet with notes of apricot, honey, peaches, ginger & toasted baking spices, making it the ideal accompaniment to apple and other fruit pies. A Rose Port would pair nicely with this type of dessert as well.”

Top Recommendations:

Presidential Tawny Port ($21)
Château Saint-Vincent Sauternes ($24)
Quinta do Tedo Rose Port ($33)

 

What if, instead of the traditional turkey, someone decides to have ham for Thanksgiving?
“Ham, both savory and sweet, has a richness that pairs well with wines. A Rose, Riesling, or even a Lambrusco would accompany it well, and have enough acidity and fruit to refresh your palate to keep each bite delicious!”

Top Recommendations:

Greetings Rose ($20)
Kate Arnold Riesling ($20)
Lambrusco ($15-20)

 

And if someone decides to serve fish, what would be the ideal wine choice for their Thanksgiving meal?
“Sauvignon blancs are light and crisp, and their grassy/herbaceous notes pair perfectly with most fish entrees. We would also suggest a Pinot Grigio; the high acidity and citrus/apple notes complement fish beautifully.”

Top Recommendations:

Lobster Reef Sauvignon Blanc ($19)
Sancerre (French Sauvignon Blanc) ($25-$50)
Scarpetta Pinot Grigio ($20)

 

If you’re not the one responsible for cooking Thanksgiving dinner but have received an invitation to indulge in someone else’s feast, what type of wine would you suggest bringing as a gift for the host or hostess?

“Sparkling wine is always a crowd pleaser. It brings elegance and food-pairing versatility. You can never go wrong with bubbles! Does your host have a sweet tooth? Look for an Eiswein or other dessert wine to end the evening with!”

Top Recommendations:

Trentadue Chocolate Amore Red Dessert Wine ($27)
Eiswein ($40-$55)
Head to Grapes & Hops and select the perfect wines to complement your Thanksgiving celebration. Grapes & Hops is Fayetteville’s oldest, locally-owned craft beer and wine shop.

 

For twenty years, they have prided themselves on helping customers find exactly what they need, whether it be a fine wine to give as a gift, a keg of craft beer or bulk orders for weddings and events. If they don’t have it in stock, they can special order it.

Additionally, Grapes & Hops works hard to give back to our community through their Karma Beer Program and by sponsoring local charity events.

Learn more about them at their complimentary wine and beer tastings at both locations every Friday evening.

Grapes & Hops - Fayetteville
5780 Ramsey Street
910-822-8700
Open Wednesday, November 22, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving

Grapes & Hops - Cameron
1550 Highway 24/87
910-960-9606
Open Wednesday, November 22, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving