Thanksgiving is the perfect time to gather with family, share delicious meals, and enjoy wines that elevate the celebration.
Whether you’re a fan of refreshing, crisp wines or prefer something bold and boisterous, I’ve curated a list of wines to suit every Thanksgiving feast—sommelier-approved, of course.
Refreshing Wines Made for Fall
13th Street Winery Gamay 2023
Gamay is one of those easygoing, crowd-pleasing wines that pairs well with a variety of dishes. The 2023 vintage from 13th Street Winery showcases vibrant red fruit flavours—think raspberries and cherries—with a subtle hint of spice. Its bright acidity makes it an ideal companion to turkey, cranberry sauce, and savoury stuffing, cutting through richness while amplifying flavours. This National Wine Awards of Canada Gold Medal Winner is also perfect for a veg-forward Thanksgiving table, making it a delightful choice for the season.
Viña Santa Carolina, Carolina Reserva Chardonnay
If you’re looking for a refreshing white, the Carolina Reserva Chardonnay delivers beautiful notes of stone fruits, tropical tones, lemon zest, and a soft oak finish. Its balanced acidity complements mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and roasted vegetables perfectly. The creamy mouthfeel pairs wonderfully with buttery, savoury dishes without overpowering the flavours of the meal. Sourced from Chile’s Maule Valley, this wine brings a sense of place to the Thanksgiving table, highlighting the quality of Chilean winemaking.
Pelee Island Winery Lola Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon
Who says a Cab blend can’t be refreshing for fall? The Lola series by Pelee Island Winery brings fun and levity to the glass. This blend showcases the aromatic elegance of Cabernet Franc alongside the structured backbone of Cabernet Sauvignon, creating a wine that’s both fresh and earthy. With flavours of red berries, herbs, and a hint of smoke, it pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, herb stuffing, and mushroom-based dishes.
Bold and Boisterous Wines
STEL + MAR Cabernet Sauvignon
STEL + MAR’s Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold red that brings pure California vibes to your Thanksgiving table. Boasting dark fruit flavours like blackberries and plums, with touches of spice, cocoa, vanilla, and oak, this wine has the tannic structure to stand up to roasted meats, glazed ham, and rich sides like sweet potato casserole or gravy-soaked mashed potatoes. The label, designed by Toronto artist Stephen Cheng, is a conversation starter in itself, adding a touch of art to your table.
Viña Santa Carolina Reserva de Familia Cabernet Sauvignon
For a holiday that’s all about family, Santa Carolina’s Reserva de Familia Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent choice. This full-bodied wine, with robust flavours of black currants, tobacco, and chocolate, is perfect for pairing with roast beef or braised meats alongside the turkey. The wine’s bold, complex nature enhances savoury dishes, cutting through richness with ease. Every sip tells a story, reflecting a winemaking tradition that began in Chile in 1875.
Carlo Pellegrino Marsala Superiore
Marsala might not be a traditional Thanksgiving wine, but it’s a fantastic choice for dessert or cheese courses. It’s never too late to explore the beauty of sweet wines, and the spices and flavours of a good Marsala are irresistible. This fortified Sicilian wine offers caramelized sugar, dried fruits, and nutty flavours. Made from a blend of Grillo and Catarratto grapes, aged in oak barrels for two years, it pairs wonderfully with pumpkin pie, pecan pie, or a cheese board with sharp cheeses. Marsala adds warmth and richness to the table, making it the perfect end to your Thanksgiving feast.
With these wines, your Thanksgiving table will be filled with flavours that reflect the season—refreshing, bold, and festive!