Thanksgiving Wine Advice

The ultimate Thanksgiving meal is about more than the menu. If ever there were a food lover's holiday, Thanksgiving would be it. And one of the pleasures of my Thanksgiving is that every family member has a role in the big meal. My role is a peach. I'm the wine gal. It's a fine job for a number of reasons with my favorite being the many tastings I conduct leading up to the final wine choice. It's a tough job, but someone has to do it. I do receive some advice along the way; don't bring anything too expensive and don't bring anything too weird.

To fit the bill, the wine needs to be a crowd-pleaser and match the menu. No problem. This year I think I've got it covered.

I’d like to share a few tips on planning the wine for this delicious yet tricky wine-pairing meal.

Red or White?

Either! Stuffing is a good guide: if you serve a basic bread-and-celery dressing, try a white such as Chenin Blanc or an off-dry Riesling. Add mushrooms or sausage and a red, like Beaujolais, is great. But the best rule is to let guests drink what they like.

Choosing the Right Wine?

Here's an easy answer: No single wine will work perfectly with your meal so serve a few. Regardless of which wine you choose, the style to look for is medium-bodied, fruity, and without a lot of oak.

How Much Wine to Buy?

A bottle is about five glasses, so plan on a bottle for every two people. If you’re serving wine before dinner, add a glass or two more per person to the equation.

With all that's going on in the world, Thanksgiving is a good time for us to count our blessings. Whether you're out at a restaurant or celebrating at home, I hope you'll be enjoying a good bottle of wine with friends and family.