Thanksgiving Wine Traditions: A Toast to Togetherness

Thanksgiving is a holiday steeped in rich traditions, from passing down family recipes to gathering around the table with loved ones. And, as any Thanksgiving host knows, wine is often the quiet star of the show, elevating the meal and bringing guests together in a spirit of gratitude. The tradition of pouring wine at Thanksgiving is about more than just pairing the right varietal with the turkey; it’s a ritual of sharing, celebrating, and creating moments to savor. Here’s a look at the tradition’s roots, popular pairings, and how wine can play a special role at your Thanksgiving table.

A Brief History of Wine at Thanksgiving

While Thanksgiving dates back to 1621, the inclusion of wine at the holiday meal is a more recent tradition. Early colonists did not produce wine, but instead relied on local resources like cider or ale. As the wine industry developed in the United States, with wineries emerging across California, Oregon, and beyond, wine gradually made its way to the Thanksgiving table.

In the early 20th century, wine was recognized as a symbol of abundance and gratitude. By the 1980s, when American wineries flourished, wine had become a fixture of holiday meals, making the Thanksgiving table more than just a feast—it became an experience, with wine bringing a touch of elegance to the celebration.

Choosing the Right Wines for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving brings together an array of flavors and textures, from roasted turkey and cranberry sauce to mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. This variety can make wine pairings a bit daunting, but the key is to select wines that can complement multiple dishes rather than compete with them. Here are some crowd-pleasing choices:

Pinot Noir: Known for its bright acidity and red fruit notes, Pinot Noir is a perfect match for Thanksgiving. It’s light enough to not overpower delicate dishes, yet flavorful enough to hold its own with rich sides and roasted turkey.

Chardonnay: For those who prefer white wine, Chardonnay’s creamy texture and notes of apple, pear, and spice make it an ideal partner for buttery sides and roasted flavors.

Zinfandel: A classic American wine, Zinfandel’s bold, fruity character complements Thanksgiving’s savory and sweet notes, from stuffing to cranberry sauce.

Riesling: This versatile wine can be dry or slightly sweet, making it a great choice for a variety of Thanksgiving flavors. Its crisp acidity cuts through rich dishes and complements everything from turkey to pie.

Thanksgiving Wine Rituals and Traditions

Pouring wine at Thanksgiving goes beyond the glass—it’s a ritual that brings people together, often starting long before anyone sits down to eat. Here are a few wine traditions that many families incorporate into their Thanksgiving festivities:

The Welcoming Toast: Many Thanksgiving gatherings begin with a toast, setting the tone for the day and expressing gratitude for those around the table. Whether it’s a sparkling wine to add a touch of festivity or a favorite family wine, this toast is a way to mark the beginning of the celebration and honor the bonds of family and friendship.

Wine and Food Pairing Conversations: Thanksgiving is a time when even casual wine drinkers enjoy exploring new pairings. Some families enjoy sharing stories about the wines chosen for the meal—where they came from, why they were chosen, and what flavors guests can expect. This not only enhances the tasting experience but also makes wine a meaningful part of the meal’s story.

Passing the Bottle and Sharing Generations: For many, Thanksgiving wine traditions include passing the bottle around the table, allowing everyone to pour for themselves and each other. This small act of sharing, of refilling a family member’s glass, becomes symbolic of generosity and abundance. In some families, there’s a special bottle that gets brought out each year—perhaps a vintage wine saved for the occasion or a unique varietal that has become a family tradition, evoking memories of Thanksgivings past.

Giving Thanks: Some families use wine as a way to bring everyone together to share what they’re grateful for before the meal. One tradition involves pouring a small taste of wine for each guest, who then takes turns expressing their gratitude. This practice adds a moment of reflection, fostering a deeper connection and setting a warm, communal atmosphere.

Pairing Wine With Dessert: As the meal winds down, the focus shifts to dessert wines that pair well with traditional Thanksgiving sweets. A light, slightly sweet wine like Moscato, or a bold Port to complement pumpkin and pecan pies, is often passed around to add a finishing touch to the celebration. This dessert wine tradition allows guests to linger at the table a little longer, sharing stories and laughter over their final sips.

Making Your Own Thanksgiving Wine Traditions

Creating a Thanksgiving wine tradition can be as simple as choosing a special bottle each year or as elaborate as hosting a mini wine tasting before the meal. Here are a few ideas to make wine an even more memorable part of your holiday:

Host a “Friendsgiving” Wine Tasting: Invite friends to bring a bottle that’s meaningful to them and pair it with Thanksgiving appetizers. Not only is it a fun way to try new wines, but it also opens up conversations and strengthens connections.

Write Down the Year’s Highlights: Each Thanksgiving, have everyone write down a highlight from the past year on a tag tied to the wine bottle. Over time, these bottles become cherished keepsakes that tell the story of your family’s journey.

Choose a “Gratitude Bottle”: Pick a wine each year to represent something specific you’re thankful for, such as family, friends, or health. When you open it, raise a toast to that aspect of life, making it a special part of the day.

A Thanksgiving Tradition of Connection

Ultimately, pouring wine at Thanksgiving isn’t just about complementing the flavors on your plate. It’s about connecting with family and friends, sharing gratitude, and making memories that last long after the last glass is poured. Whether you’re raising a glass of Pinot Noir, passing around a family favorite, or simply toasting with whatever wine speaks to you, the act of sharing wine at Thanksgiving is a timeless tradition that deepens the holiday’s spirit.

So, as you gather this Thanksgiving, may each pour, sip, and toast bring you closer to those around you and remind you of all there is to be thankful for. Cheers to gratitude, to family, and to the memories that make Thanksgiving a holiday to remember. 🥂