These Are the Best Wines for Thanksgiving Dinner

Corey Williams

There’s a lot to love about Thanksgiving dinner. For instance, there’s the food, the family, and the conversation.

There’s also a lot to stress about on Turkey Day—like the food, the family, and the conversation.

That’s why we put together a list of the best wines to sip during every course, from dinner to dessert.

Best Wine to Go With Turkey

Pinot Noir or Chardonnay

Photo: Jen Causey; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis
Photo: Jen Causey; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

According to our friends at Food & Wine, Chardonnay’s “crisp acidity, mineral undertones, and fruit-forward nature bring out the best that turkey has to offer.”

Meanwhile, pinot noir’s high acidity and versatility make it perfect for pairing with turkey and a wide array of delicious holiday sides.

Try: Buena Vista North Coast Pinot Noir ($18) or Foxglove Central Coast Chardonnay ($17)

Get the recipe: Perfect Roast Turkey

Best Wine to Go With Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

Cabernet Sauvignon or Sauvignon Blanc

Jennifer Causey
Jennifer Causey

When you’re looking for a wine to pair with rich and creamy mashed potatoes and gravy, look for a bottle that’s full-bodied enough to stand up to the side’s fatty ingredients.

Try: Hess Select North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon ($17) or Brancott Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc ($10)

Get the recipes: Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes and Foolproof Turkey Gravy

Best Wine to Go With Green Bean Casserole

Pinot Grigio or Riesling

WATCH: How to Make Italian Green Bean Casserole


A light, bright veggie like the green bean needs an equally light and bright wine pairing—think light-bodied pinot grigios or Rieslings.

Try: Peter Zemmer Alto Adige Pinot Grigio ($16) or Giesen Riesling ($19.99)

Get the recipe: Italian-Style Green Bean Casserole

Best Wine to Go With Stuffing

Zinfandel or Chardonnay

Con Poulos
Con Poulos

Yes, stuffing is mainly comprised of bread. But when you take a bite, it’s not the grains you notice—it’s the herbs. A light white or a light-medium red will bring out all those delicious parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme flavors.

Try: Bogle Old Vine California Zinfandel ($12) or Kendall Jackson Vintner’s Reserve California Chardonnay ($14)

Get the recipe: Smoky Chorizo Stuffing

Best Wine to Go With Pumpkin Pie

Fortified Dessert Wine

Photo: Jen Causey, Food Styling: Gordon Sawyer and Tina Stamos, Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell
Photo: Jen Causey, Food Styling: Gordon Sawyer and Tina Stamos, Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell

It may seem counterintuitive, but a sweet dessert calls for an equally sweet wine. Try a glass of Sherry, Port, or Madeira to finish off your dinner.

Try: Tio Pepe Fino Muy Seco ($18)

Get the recipe: Classic Pumpkin Pie