Thanksgiving Wine Pairings: A Guide to Serving Wine Throughout the Whole Feast

The following article is based on a newsletter from Food52's "Come On Over" series, which focuses on hosting life's big and little moments. Presented by Michelle, this edition offers editors' advice on how to serve wine with a Thanksgiving feast, from appetizers all the way through dessert.

Section 1: Contents of the Newsletter

The newsletter opens by encouraging hosts to treat the drinks with the same generosity as the meal itself. Because Thanksgiving is an occasion built around multiple courses and plenty to share, the editors suggest that instead of committing to a single bottle, hosts plan several pairings across the evening. These pairings can range from wines that complement appetizers and snacks, to bottles suited for cocktails, to selections that accompany the main dishes and close out the night with dessert.

Charcuterie

Sparkling wine is recommended as a versatile partner for salty snacks and cured meats. For milder charcuterie, such as prosciutto, mortadella, or classic dry-cured salami, the newsletter suggests a rosé or a light-bodied white wine.

Sides

Potatoes, casseroles, and cranberry sauce all compete for space on the plate, so the editors recommend a wine with bright acidity and fruity notes. Sauvignon Blanc is highlighted as a choice that complements nearly everything on the table. Pinot Noir is described as a flexible, catch-all red that works with lighter fare and can also hold its own against hearty flavors.

Desserts

For a traditional match, the newsletter pairs port with chocolate mousse. A Cabernet Sauvignon is suggested for dark berry desserts that are not overly sweet, such as Swedish Almond Tart Cookies or Sheet-Pan Cranberry Crisp. For apple or pumpkin pies, the editors recommend a late-harvest Riesling or Chardonnay, whose sweetness balances spices and fruit.

Buttery Cheese

The newsletter explains that different cheeses call for different wines. Sparkling wine is a natural match for high-butterfat cheeses such as triple-crème Brie and Camembert, since its bubbles and acidity cut through richness. Semi-hard cheeses like Gouda and Gruyère pair well with a dry white or a medium-bodied red.

Cocktails

Batching a cocktail ahead of time is presented as the easiest way to serve a crowd. The editors favor a Thanksgiving sangria, suggesting a fruity, medium-bodied red for the Spiced Fall Sangria, or a dry white wine for the Ginger Sangria.

Turkey

For white wine with roast turkey, the newsletter recommends the 2024 Indian Wells Chardonnay from Chateau Ste. Michelle, whose fuller body suits the richness of the meat, particularly darker cuts. An off-dry Riesling is offered as another option that works with both light and dark meat and complements sweeter sides like cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes.

The newsletter closes with navigation links to the site's New Stories, Recipes, and Watch sections, a help page, and standard notices about affiliate commissions, pricing, and subscription management.

Section 2: The Products

The newsletter features two specific wines from Chateau Ste. Michelle, both of which are linked for shopping.

Chateau Ste Michelle 2022 Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon

This wine is described as lush, with jammy dark-fruit notes. It is recommended for serving alongside dark berry desserts that are not too sweet, such as Swedish Almond Tart Cookies or Sheet-Pan Cranberry Crisp. Its depth makes it a suitable companion for the sweeter end of the meal.

2024 Indian Wells Chardonnay from Chateau Ste. Michelle

This white wine is recommended for roast turkey. Its fuller body is said to complement the richness of the meat, especially the darker cuts. The newsletter presents it as a strong choice for the main course.

The newsletter also refers to a "shop all wine selects" link, indicating that the editors curated a broader selection of wines, though specific additional products are not named in the text.

Section 3: About the Store (food52.com)

Food52 is an online destination for home cooks, food lovers, and entertainers, and this newsletter reflects the brand's editorial voice. Its "Come On Over" newsletter is positioned as a guide to hosting, with an emphasis on gatherings, shared meals, and the small rituals that make them memorable. The publication's editors provide curated recommendations, and the newsletter notes that the site may earn affiliate commissions when readers purchase through the links it provides.

The store's content is organized around several areas, including New Stories, Recipes, and Watch, suggesting a blend of written articles, recipe collections, and video content. A dedicated help page is available for customer questions. The newsletter's tone is friendly and approachable, encouraging readers to embrace generosity and indulgence at the table, whether they are seasoned hosts or first-time Thanksgiving cooks.

Overall, Food52 presents itself as a trusted guide for planning a complete, enjoyable feast, offering practical pairing advice that makes wine selection feel accessible rather than intimidating.