It’s that time of year again, and we can be doubly thankful that the lockdowns are behind us, and we can finally gather with the people we love. But no matter what the occasion, whether it’s a family thanksgiving, housewarming, or a simple dinner party with your besties, wine is always a good idea.
But what to bring? Therein lies the dilemma. Fortunately, we’ve got a few ideas to whet your palate.
Wines for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving isn’t your typical dinner party. There are some pretty standard dishes on the table, so pairing them up with wine shouldn’t be that challenging. Right?
Well, not so fast. When you think about it, there are so many flavors, from turkey and cranberry sauce to smokey honey ham and the obligatory green bean casserole—where do you start?
You’ll want to bring a wine that everybody will enjoy, so your best bet is to bring a red and a white.
Our hands-down pick for white thanksgiving wine is Italian verdicchio, but you can’t go wrong with just about any Italian white. You could also try other Italian whites, like pinot grigio or Soave, the latter of which is made from the Garganega grape variety.
Can’t find verdicchio? Sauvignon blanc is similar but look for something with soft edges, like sauvignon blanc from California.
As for reds, you can never go wrong with a pinot noir. Pinot noir matches with just about every kind of food, and it’s also a great choice for a vegetarian feast. Look for a pinot noir from Oregon or Sonoma in California. Cooler climate pinots, like the ones from these regions, are always better food wines.
Wines for Housewarming Gifts
This year has been one of renewal for many. If you’ve been invited to a housewarming party to ring in the next chapter in a loved one’s life, what better way to christen the occasion than with a special bottle of wine?
You’re best to bring two—one to enjoy and one for your friend to keep as they start a fresh collection in their new digs.
Ideally, you’ll want to choose something they can enjoy now or save for a special occasion. If your friend is a white wine lover, a good-quality chardonnay is an excellent choice as it’s more age-worthy than your typical everyday white. However, if they’re a little more adventurous, try a white Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It’s rich, complex, and will keep for many years to come.
For red lovers, you can’t go wrong with a Barolo, Amarone, or a big California cabernet sauvignon. None of these wines are cheap, but it’s easy to find a great one in the $50 range.
But if it’s a really, really good friend, perhaps you want to do a little more—especially if they’re moving far away. A wine club subscription indulges their palates every month (or every other month) and reminds them how much you care.
Wine club subscriptions start at $29 per shipment, and you can customize their selections according to their preferences or surprise them with award-winning finds.
