The Best American Red and White Wines for Thanksgiving feast 2025

Thanksgiving dinner is a battlefield of bold flavors—roasted turkey, creamy sides, sweet cranberry, rich gravy—and the wrong bottle will get buried instantly. If you actually want to elevate the meal instead of just showing up with whatever was on sale, you need to understand the red and white wines that pair well with a classic American feast. From crisp whites like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Sauvignon Blanc to lighter, food-friendly reds such as Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Beaujolais Nouveau, each one brings something different to the table.

In this guide, we make sure that you will get the perfect wine to gift to your loved ones and also break down the best American red and white wines for Thanksgiving so you can pick a bottle that actually complements the meal and makes you look like you knew what you were doing.

Choose your Thanksgiving wine wisely

One of the most important questions is, which wines pair well with the wide mix of tastes, textures, and aromas that show up on a Thanksgiving table?

Essentials for Red wine & Thanksgiving Tips

• Red wine gets its color from grape skins that stay in contact with the juice during fermentation, releasing both pigment and tannins.

• The final color—ruby, garnet, deep violet, etc.—depends on the grape variety and skin-contact time.

Right Body for Thanksgiving

• Light-bodied reds (Beaujolais Nouveau, Pinot Noir)

• • Low tannins

  • Softer, “water-like” feel

  • Great with turkey, stuffing, and most sides

• Medium-bodied reds (Merlot, Shiraz, Chianti)

  • More structure

  • Flavorful but still food-friendly

  • Won’t overpower the Thanksgiving plate

• Full-bodied reds (Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux blends)

  • High tannins and bold flavors

  • Can dominate delicate dishes

  • Best only if your meal is rich and heavy

Serving Tips

• Serve red wine at 60–65°F for the best taste.

• Use a round, roomy wine glass so the aromas can open up.

Best Varietals for Red wine

Essentials for white wine & Thanksgiving Tips

• White wine gets its color from minimal or zero skin contact during fermentation—unlike red wine, the grape skins are removed early, keeping the wine pale.

• Colors can range from nearly clear to pale straw, golden, or light yellow, depending on the grape variety and aging process.

• White wine is typically lower in tannins and tends to emphasize acidity, freshness, and aromatic character.

Choosing the Right Style for Thanksgiving

• Light, crisp whites (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio)

  • High acidity

  • Refreshing and clean

  • Great for cutting through rich dishes like mashed potatoes, gravy, and creamy sides

• Aromatic whites (Riesling, Gewürztraminer)

  • Floral, fruity, sometimes slightly sweet

  • Pair exceptionally well with Thanksgiving spices, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, and glazed veggies

• Full-bodied whites (Chardonnay, Viognier)

  • Richer texture and more weight

  • Ideal for buttery dishes, roasted vegetables, and herb-seasoned turkey

  • Can feel heavy if your plate is already rich—balance is key

Serving Tips

• Chill white wine to 45–55°F, depending on the style.

  • Lighter whites benefit from colder temps

  • Fuller whites show better slightly warmer

• Use a smaller, U-shaped glass to preserve aromatics and maintain cool temperature.

Best Varietals for white wine

Conclusion

Thanksgiving throws every flavor imaginable onto one plate, which is exactly why your wine choice matters. The good news is, you don’t need to overthink it or overspend. Stick to versatile, food-friendly American reds like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel and reliable whites like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, or Chardonnay, and you’re already ahead of most people who just grab a random bottle on the way in.

Whether you bring one perfectly balanced bottle or curate a small lineup to match different dishes, the right wine will elevate the entire meal and make you look like someone who knows what they’re doing. Pick smart, serve it at the right temperature, and you’ll pour something that complements the feast—and makes the celebration feel a little more special.

Also Read: 30 healthy green vegetable for your diet