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Thanksgiving Wine Guide

Wine is a traditional accompaniment to Thanksgiving feasts everywhere. But sometimes, it can be difficult to choose the right wine. After all, Thanksgiving dinner involves a variety of dishes, and it can be hard to figure out what wine goes with which dish. Then, there are other questions: Champagne? Sparkling wine? White? Red? Choosing the perfect wine can be quite a task!

One good idea is to serve several different wines. By giving guests a choice, you're sure to please everyone. Try a nice red like cabernet or merlot, a white such as Zinfandel or Chardonnay, a sparkling wine like Asti Spumanti and even a nice, moderately priced champagne. Simply display the wines on a counter or table with a variety of wine glasses so your guests can easily serve themselves. For the reds and whites, use traditional wine glasses with stems and bowls large enough to swirl the wine. For the sparkling wine and champagne, go with delicate champagne flutes.

If you want something more formal, why not go with several wines at different parts of the meal? Try a light wine with the appetizers and main course. After all, something like a light white wine goes perfectly with turkey, and won't make guests too full or sluggish. Try a light Riesling or even a nice rose wine. During or after dessert, you can offer a heavier, more complicated wine like a deep red. Pinot noir is a fantastic choice, and goes great with pumpkin pie, as well as any heavier dessert you may be serving. Many people also love the rich, complex taste of Syrah.

If you're still clueless as to which wine to choose, visit a local family owned liquor store. Speak to the owner if possible, or another staff member that seems knowledgeable in the area of wines. They can direct you towards what they feel would be the best choice, and let you know what other customers are buying for their Thanksgiving dinner.

An even easier choice involves calling your guests ahead of time and asking them what their favorite wines are. It's likely that several people will like the same type of wine, so you'll probably only need to get a few different kinds. By serving your guests what they truly like, you'll be certain to keep everyone happy!

For younger members of the family, why not provide them with several varieties of sparkling cider or grape juice? Serve these non-alcoholic choices in pretty wine glasses so that the kids will share in the festive feeling. Another great non-alcoholic drink for kids or non-drinkers is combining a touch of grenadine with some Sprite or 7-up, then garnishing with a cherry.

Wine can be a great addition to your Thanksgiving feast. By shopping smart and making sure none of your guests drink too much, you can have a festive celebration that everyone will remember for years to come!