Thanksgiving is one of the most anticipated food-and-wine celebrations of the year. With savory herbs, roasted turkey, sweet glazes, creamy sides, tangy cranberry sauce and pie for dessert, the wine landscape can feel tricky to navigate. You want wines that are versatile, crowd-friendly, and do justice to the full spread. Luckily, with the right approach — and a little help from wines available at Latah Creek — you can create a lineup that both delights the dinner table and keeps things relaxed.

In this guide you’ll find: what to look for in wines for Thanksgiving, how to balance red vs white vs sparkling, and specific picks from Latah Creek’s portfolio to help you shop smart.

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What Makes a Great Thanksgiving Wine?

The Thanksgiving menu is a flavor roller-coaster. You’ll likely encounter:

• Roasted turkey (or maybe ham) with herb stuffing
• Creamy mashed potatoes or gratins
• Gravy and butter-rich sides
• Sweet potatoes, glazed carrots, or squashes
• Tart cranberry sauce
• Pumpkin or pecan pie

A wine that works for this table should:

• Have good acidity to cut through richer sides
• Be fruit-forward so it doesn’t get lost with robust flavors
• Have moderate tannins, so it doesn’t fight the turkey or sides
• Be versatile and approachable by a mixed crowd

Having accessible, food-friendly wines is key. At Latah Creek, many of the whites and lighter reds fit this bill.

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White Wines That Shine at Thanksgiving

Since many holiday dishes lean buttery, herbal, or savory with a touch of sweetness, white wines are a vital component.

Chardonnay – This wine brings pineapple and baking spice up front, with soft oak, lemon, and spice. A smooth, lightly toasted finish makes it a good partner for creamy sides and white-meat dishes.

Pinot Grigio – An off-dry style bursting with papaya and lime, ginger and grapefruit, and a crisp, refreshing finish. Great for guests who prefer white wine and for lighter sides like roasted squash or green beans.

Riesling – This wine features honeycomb, citrus blossom, yellow apple and ripe nectarine, finishing with lemon and ginger. The slightly sweeter profile is ideal with spiced or glazed sides, or as a friendly crowd-pleaser.

Tips for serving whites: Take them out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before pouring so flavors open up. Offer both a mid-weight white (like the Chardonnay) and something crisper or slightly sweeter (Pinot Grigio or Riesling) to cover different palates.

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Red Wines That Pair With Turkey & Sides

When you think “holiday red,” you don’t necessarily need deep, heavily tannic wine. You need something smooth, food-friendly, and rich enough to handle deeper flavors without dominating them.

Merlot – Described with aromas of toasted chocolate, tart cherry, raspberry, blackberry jam and mocha, with soft, smooth tannins. A safe and versatile pairing for turkey or ham.

Malbec – With aromas of black cherry and raisin, flavors of plum, blueberry and tobacco, this wine is deeper-bodied but still approachable. Excellent with roasted root vegetables, mushrooms, or richer sides.

Tempranillo – A crowd favorite, with notes of red cherry, vanilla, sun-dried tomato, raspberry and earthy tones. This adds a slightly different dimension and pairs beautifully with herb-laden stuffing or tomato-rich side dishes.

Tips for serving reds: Serve slightly cooler than room temperature (around 60-65°F) so the fruit shines without the warmth becoming cloying. Offer a decanter or let the bottle breathe for a bit if you have the time.

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Sparkling & Rosé: Start Strong, Keep It Festive

Don’t underestimate the power of something bubbly or a crisp rosé — these help with appetizers, toasts, or before the main meal.

Latah Creek N Collection Brut Bubbles – A sparkling blend made in the traditional method, mostly Chardonnay, non-vintage, described as “brut” (almost dry). Perfect for welcoming guests or kicking off the evening.

Dry Rosé – A blend of Syrah, Malbec and Tempranillo, with aromas of watermelon, red berries, papaya; flavors of rhubarb and cherry with tropical and citrus undertones. This one is brilliant for transitional courses or for guests who prefer something lighter.

Serving tip: Chill your sparkling and rosé ahead of time. You might pop the sparkling when guests arrive and keep the rosé chilled for later in the evening or for lighter fare.

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Building Your Thanksgiving Wine List

Here’s a simple formula to build your lineup, using wines from Latah Creek:

• One sparkling (N Collection Brut Bubbles) – for arrival and toast
• One rosé (Dry Rosé) – for appetizers or grazing
• Two whites – pick from Chardonnay + Riesling or Pinot Grigio
• Two reds – pick from Merlot + Tempranillo or Malbec

Adjust up or down based on head count and your crowd’s wine consumption habits. Having 4-6 distinct wines gives flexibility without overwhelming the table — and ensures each guest finds something they like.

For serving volume, plan roughly 1 bottle per 2 adults as a baseline, adjusting upward if the group enjoys wine or the event is longer. (For example, a 10-person dinner: 5 bottles as a base, plus maybe 1-2 extra depending on how much sipping happens.)

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Final Thoughts: Sip, Share & Gather with Ease

Thanksgiving should be a time of warmth, gratitude, shared laughter and good conversation — not stress over whether the wine menu fits the turkey. With thoughtful selections like those from Latah Creek Winery, you can rest assured that your list will both satisfy and elevate the holiday meal.

Choose wines that are approachable, versatile, and well-matched to both the food and the vibe of the day. Pour confidently, encourage your guests to explore the options, and then sit back, enjoy the evening, and let the wine enhance the moment.

Here’s to a table filled with joy, gratitude, good friends, and delicious glasses!

Cheers,

Natalie