20 Best Wines For Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving is our favorite time of year. In The States, millions travel all over the country to be near their loved ones. Time is spent steeped in tradition, reminding us of so many wonderful, and hilariously grating family moments.

It is also a great time of giving back when so many people actively support their community. Helping to feed those who have fallen on hard times is a widely shared mindset for Americans in the lead-up to Thanksgiving.

At home, the theme is almost unanimously creating a feast for the whole family. Turkey often finds its place at the center, surrounded by a plethora of side dishes unique to each household. So much time, effort, and often teamwork goes into this.

Unlike other kinds of feasts, Thanksgiving tends to only really come in two waves: main meal and pie. There isn't really the space for a lot of other elements to get a look in. People often prepare their bodies for the sheer quantity of food to come, which makes it simple in a way. One of those things that do not get the consideration it requires is the wine pairing.

With none of this food having a root in European countries, there is no rulebook for how you should pair your wines. This actually enables us to have a little bit of creative license and tailor the wine menu to what your preferences are rather than what you feel you should be having. We have compiled a list of the 20 best wines for Thanksgiving.

1. Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (750ml)

A bold Paso Robles classic with luscious dark fruit, warm vanilla, and a long, velvety finish. This wine's full-bodied richness pairs beautifully with roast turkey, glazed ham, or prime rib. A confident, crowd-pleasing Cabernet that feels like a celebration in itself.

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2. Barbi Brunello Di Montalcino (750ml)

Elegant and structured, this Italian masterpiece carries notes of cherry, leather, and earthy spice. Its balanced acidity complements traditional sides like herb stuffing and roasted vegetables, bringing old-world charm to your Thanksgiving table.

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3. Belle Glos Clark and Telephone Pinot Noir (750ml)

Lush with ripe strawberries, cocoa, and baking spice, this Pinot Noir is a Thanksgiving essential. Its silky texture and gentle tannins pair effortlessly with turkey and cranberry sauce. The bottle's signature wax seal also makes it a gift-worthy stunner.

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4. Bollinger Brut Special Cuvee Champagne (750ml)

Start your dinner in style with this iconic Champagne. Crisp apple, brioche, and citrus zest create a symphony of freshness. Perfect with appetizers, seafood starters, or to simply toast the occasion.

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5. BV Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage 2020 (750ml)

Deep blackberry, mocha, and toasted oak notes define this classic Napa Cab. Its balance of power and grace makes it ideal alongside hearty Thanksgiving dishes like beef tenderloin or savory stuffing.

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6. Cakebread Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml)

This Napa legend delivers layers of blackcurrant, cedar, and cocoa. Smooth and elegant, it's perfect for those who appreciate sophistication with their feast - a match for turkey with gravy or roasted lamb.

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7. Caymus 50th Anniversary 2022 Vintage (750ml)

A milestone bottle with deep richness and a signature Caymus warmth. Expect lush dark cherry, sweet tobacco, and cocoa. This wine elevates every course and feels truly celebratory for the holiday table.

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8. Caymus California Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml)

Plush, ripe, and generous - this approachable Cabernet bursts with blackberry and vanilla cream. Its smooth tannins make it versatile, perfect for pairing with turkey, gravy, and even pumpkin pie.

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9. Caymus Suisun The Walking Fool (750ml)

A unique red blend from the Caymus family - layered with dark cherry, spice, and hints of chocolate. Its rustic, fruit-forward style pairs well with Thanksgiving classics like cornbread stuffing and roast duck.

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10. Chateau Montelena Chardonnay (750ml)

Bright citrus, green apple, and subtle oak define this Napa Chardonnay. With its lively acidity, it's an excellent companion to buttery mashed potatoes, roasted turkey, and creamy sides.

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11. Daou Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml)

A Paso Robles gem delivering balance and depth - black plum, cedar, and vanilla ride on velvety tannins. It's versatile enough for red meat or rich Thanksgiving sides like sweet potatoes or gravy.

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12. Daou Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml)

The Reserve version adds extra layers of luxury: bold cassis, mocha, and a smooth, lingering finish. Ideal for those who want a wine as memorable as the meal itself.

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13. Duckhorn Merlot (750ml)

Silky and refined, Duckhorn's Merlot brims with plum, raspberry, and mocha notes. It's a seamless match for roast turkey or mushroom-based dishes, embodying the warmth of Thanksgiving.

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14. Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot Vintage (375ml)

A half-bottle version of a Merlot masterpiece - perfect for smaller gatherings or gifting. It delivers rich fruit and spice in every sip, complementing poultry and hearty sides beautifully.

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15. Duckhorn Napa Valley Vintage Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml)

Powerful yet polished, this Cabernet is full of blackberry, cassis, and oak spice. Its long finish stands up to flavorful meats and aged cheeses, making it a standout centerpiece wine.

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16. Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Chardonnay (750ml)

Vibrant and balanced with notes of pear, melon, and a touch of vanilla cream. This Chardonnay enhances lighter courses and creamy dishes, making it a Thanksgiving must-have.

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17. Eight Years in the Desert Red Blend (750ml)

Crafted by Orin Swift, this bold red blend is packed with blackberry jam, espresso, and spice. It's rich, textured, and built for hearty dishes - ideal for a Thanksgiving dinner that leans indulgent.

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18. Far Niente Chardonnay Vintage (750ml)

Elegant and refined, this Chardonnay offers layers of citrus blossom, ripe pear, and hazelnut. Its creamy texture and lively acidity make it a perfect pairing with turkey, seafood, and buttery sides.

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19. Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml)

A Napa Valley favorite with deep blackberry, cocoa, and toasty oak notes. Smooth and expressive, it shines next to roast beef or turkey with herb gravy.

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20. Frank Family Vineyards Chardonnay (750ml)

A beautifully balanced white with apple, peach, and brioche undertones. It offers a vibrant counterpoint to rich Thanksgiving fare, from buttery corn to roasted vegetables.

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Conclusion: Choosing the Perfect Wine for Thanksgiving

Whether you lean toward rich Cabernets for hearty flavors or crisp Chardonnays for balance, this lineup ensures your Thanksgiving table has something for everyone. The key is harmony - matching the wine's texture and acidity with your food's richness and spice.

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Quick Guide: Best Wines for Thanksgiving Dinner

Wine	Type	Flavor Profile	Best Paired With	Ideal For
Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon 2021	Red	Bold dark fruit, vanilla, spice	Roast turkey, prime rib	Cabernet lovers
Barbi Brunello Di Montalcino	Red	Cherry, leather, earthy spice	Herb stuffing, roasted veg	Italian wine fans
Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Pinot Noir	Red	Strawberry, cocoa, spice	Turkey, cranberry sauce	Elegant red drinkers
Bollinger Brut Special Cuvee Champagne	Sparkling	Apple, citrus, brioche	Starters, seafood	Toast & celebration
BV Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020	Red	Blackberry, mocha, oak	Beef tenderloin, stuffing	Full-bodied reds
Cakebread Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon	Red	Currant, cedar, cocoa	Roast lamb, turkey	Sophisticated palates
Caymus 50th Anniversary 2022	Red	Dark cherry, tobacco, cocoa	Full Thanksgiving meal	Luxury collectors
Caymus California Cabernet Sauvignon	Red	Blackberry, vanilla cream	Turkey, gravy, pumpkin pie	Versatile choice
Caymus Suisun The Walking Fool	Red Blend	Cherry, spice, chocolate	Cornbread stuffing	Adventurous drinkers
Chateau Montelena Chardonnay	White	Citrus, apple, oak	Turkey, mashed potatoes	Chardonnay fans
Daou Cabernet Sauvignon	Red	Plum, cedar, vanilla	Sweet potatoes, roast	Classic red pairing
Daou Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon	Red	Cassis, mocha, oak	Prime rib, lamb	Bold wine enthusiasts
Duckhorn Merlot	Red	Plum, mocha, spice	Turkey, mushrooms	Smooth, rich sipper
Duckhorn Merlot (375ml)	Red	Dark fruit, spice	Poultry, sides	Small gatherings
Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon	Red	Blackberry, cassis	Beef, aged cheese	Main course
Duckhorn Chardonnay	White	Pear, melon, vanilla	Creamy dishes	Elegant white option
Eight Years in the Desert	Red Blend	Blackberry, espresso	Hearty sides	Bold wine lovers
Far Niente Chardonnay	White	Citrus, hazelnut, pear	Turkey, seafood	Premium white
Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon	Red	Blackberry, cocoa, oak	Roast beef, turkey	Full-bodied
Frank Family Chardonnay	White	Apple, brioche, peach	Corn, veggies	Balanced & bright