Your ultimate guide to wine selections for the perfect Thanksgiving dinner with over 20 wine suggestions from across the globe and in every price point—including some amazing values.

Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner

We’re here again for our annual discussion about which wines to pair with Thanksgiving dinner. This holiday season, make it a priority to enjoy good wine—after enduring another turbulent election year, we all deserve a nice glass of something remarkable to share with our loved ones. I consulted with Melanie Mann, the principal wine category manager at Whole Foods, about the trends she’s noticing for the upcoming season and what she recommends for hosts to have on hand (definitely Sauvignon Blanc, rosé, and lighter-bodied reds), but she is particularly enthusiastic about Lambrusco. “I’m always willing to champion a finely crafted Lambrusco. I can’t understand how anyone gets through life without sparkling red wines. I prefer them on the drier side, but there’s a Lambrusco suitable for every palate and occasion.” This year’s selection features wines from around the world, with delicious options ranging from a $16 sparkling wine to an extravagant $125 Barolo.

Nini Lambrusca Bianco or Nini Lambrusca Rosso: Looking for a dry, crisp, zesty Lambrusca? Absolutely! These wines represent the true essence of Lambrusca, and the Lini family are experts in crafting this style. Awarded the title of Best Sparkling Wine in the World by Wine Spectator, you won’t find a better deal on bubbles today. The Bianco is made from 100% Lambrusco Salamino and features notes of ripe pear, lemon zest, and a delightful juicy finish. The Rosso, a blend of Lambrusco Salamino and Ancellotta, showcases a ruby red color with vibrant raspberry and cherry notes, complemented by a refreshing mineral finish. Priced at $16.

Dofpp & Irion Blanc de Blancs Brut, Cremant d’Alsace: This sparkling wine is bright and refreshing, featuring flavors of ripe pear complemented by a hint of citrus. Crafted using traditional Champagne methods, it delivers a delightful texture and fruitiness for a price of $24.99.

Ernesto Catena Alma Negra Brut Nature Rosé is a charming sparkling rosé that sets the tone for a delightful evening. This blend of malbec and pinot noir hails from Mendoza, Argentina, showcasing lovely wild strawberry and lime zest notes, perfect for any occasion at $23.99.

Champagne Delamotte Brut Rosé NV: A stunning expression from one of the Champagne’s historic houses, this rosé is a meticulously crafted blend of chardonnay and pinot noir. It features delightful ripe raspberry and strawberry flavors accented by a subtle mineral note, and its creamy texture justifies its splurge-worthy price of $119.

Domaine Allimant Laugner Brut Rose: This is an exceptional value rosé from a historic, family-run estate in Alsace. The taste profile reveals cranberry and raspberry fruit, enriched with a hint of lemon cream. Aged for up to 18 months in the bottle before disgorgement, it features a soft dosage of only 4g/L and is priced at $21.

Nicolas & Jay L’Ensemble Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, 2022: This exquisite blend of grapes from four different AVA’s throughout the Willamette Valley showcases the region’s finest offerings. It presents vibrant raspberry and bing cherry flavors on the palate, transitioning to a smooth and refined texture that highlights its elegant structure. The refreshing savory nuance makes it a splendid choice for both sipping and food pairing. $75

Rockpile Zinfandel, Jack’s Cabin Vineyard, 2021: The Mauritson family established their roots in the Rockpile region of Sonoma in 1868. This zinfandel embodies the rugged essence of the Rockpile landscape. Grown at an elevation of 950 feet, the grapes contribute intense concentration and depth, presenting ripe blue-black fruit nuances. Notes of warm spice are beautifully balanced with a touch of freshness, and medium tannins make it a fantastic option for roasted turkey with traditional sides. $55

Pestoni Sangiovese, 2021: This delightful sangiovese is produced by one of Napa’s pioneering families—the Pestoni family has been cultivating their estate vineyards since 1892. The wine is rich with notes of dried cherry, currant, and vanilla, making it a sure hit at gatherings and pairs well with roast turkey. A unique feature for Napa visitors is that Pestoni offers a winery and tasting room experience where patrons are welcome to bring their own picnic to enjoy while tasting their wines—truly a taste of All American hospitality. $70

Arista Russian River Valley Chardonnay, 2021: This chardonnay departs from the traditional oak-heavy style and instead features lively notes of lemon cream, citrus zest, and a hint of toasted marshmallow. Its depth and complexity are beautifully complemented by a fine tension that runs throughout the palate. Enjoy it now or cellar it for five years; it remains delightful at both moments. $70

Abbey Road Farm Wines Aligote, 2022: A deliciously tropical rendition of Aligote, a white wine grape, featuring mineral and citrus undertones that linger on the palate. It’s worth mentioning that this winery is family-operated and focuses on organically farmed wines from Oregon’s Yamhill-Carlton AVA.

Ballentine Chenin Blanc, Betty’s Vineyard, 2022: This winery boasts the largest Chenin Blanc planting in Napa. Bruce Devlin, the winemaker at Ballentine for 25 years, asserts, “Chenin Blanc can offer great value while being just as delicious and versatile as Sauvignon Blanc.” I wholeheartedly agree—this wine showcases rich tropical fruit notes with an invigorating finish, priced at $35.

Reyneke Vinehugger Chenin Blanc 2023: A wine with moderate alcohol content, crafted from organic grapes sourced from South Africa’s Western Cape. It offers notes of ripe peach and creamy lemon, complemented by a bright acidity and a refreshing finish. Priced at $17.99.

Dessert comes first—Larresingle VSOP Armagnac NV: Armagnac serves as the ideal conclusion to a Thanksgiving feast. This offering is a great value, providing a world-class tasting experience at an attractive price, serving as an excellent alternative for aficionados of Cognac and bourbon. It is silky and opulent on the palate, with alluring notes of toffee, caramel, and a hint of dark chocolate—crafted from a blend of Armagnacs aged between 5 to 7 years. Priced at $65.

Domaine Pichot Vouvray Le Peu de la Moriette 2023, $23 This delightful off-dry Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley offers a silky and fresh profile, with beautiful tropical notes and a juicy finish.

Domaine Christian Moreau Pere et Fils, Chablis, 2023: $33.99 This Chablis showcases a classic style with 100% Chardonnay from Burgundy. It features lush notes of lemon cream, layered with tropical fruits and a mineral finish.

Famille Hugel Gewurztraminer Classic, 2019: $26.99 An ideal choice for spicy dishes or cheese. This classic Alsatian variety is rich in tropical flavors like lychee and peaches, along with exotic floral aromas.

Château de La Chaize Fleurie, 2022: $27.99 A remarkable Cru Beaujolais featuring delicate floral notes, smooth red fruit, and a minerality that contributes to a delightful mouthwatering finish.

Umani Ronchi Campo San Giorgio Conero Riserva 2020: This robust and glossy red wine is crafted entirely from Montepulciano grapes, sourced from the prestigious Conero Riserva appellation in Italy. With vines that are carefully bush trained and influenced by the Adriatic Sea, this wine showcases exceptional depth and complexity. Expect notes of ripe black cherry, spice, a hint of vanilla, and cassis, all culminating in a long-lasting finish. The tannins are polished, making it beautifully balanced. Priced at $89.99.

Tenuta di Arceno Gran Selezione Campolupi, 2021: This limited-production Chianti Classico wine represents a new horizon for Tenuta di Arceno. Grown at an impressive elevation of 1800 feet, the name pays homage to the wolves that roam the vineyard. The wine offers a rich and supple palate, featuring notes of black cherry and spice, with a lingering finish highlighted by satiny tannins, making it delightful to enjoy at present. Priced at $75.

Poderi Gianni Gagliardo Barolo DOCG Lazzarito Vigna Preve 2020: As one of Italy’s most prestigious wines, this Barolo stands out. It is rich with aromas of ripe black cherry, mint, and a delicate balsamic note. The wine is elegant, complex, and powerful, characterized by firm yet precise tannins. Its savory and mouthwatering texture is also imparted with a silky quality, making it an exquisite experience. Approximate online price is $125.

Nardi Brunello di Montalcino 2019: This exceptional Sangiovese wine is highlighted by its complex and savory notes of black cherry combined with warm spices. With a rich and densely woven texture, it is supported by a harmonious structure, polished tannins, and an elegant finish. The price stands at $95.

Montefili Vechie Terre di Montefili Gran Selezione Chianti Classico, 2019: This exceptional sangiovese wine is sourced from high elevations (1700 feet) and showcases a delightful balance with flavors of juicy cranberry and blackberry, complemented by refined tannins and a hint of warm spice. It is both concentrated and complex, priced at $84.99.

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