Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The 15 Best Wines to Serve for Thanksgiving This Year

Group of friends having a toast with wine.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Whether you’re hosting a feast, attending one, or just getting takeout this year and saying F-it, there’s a single certainty: You’re going to need wine. It’s the fermented nectar of the Gods, after all, and pretty much built to accentuate everything on the Thanksgiving table, from turkey and cranberry sauce to veggies, crafty sides, and even desserts.

We won’t get too romantic about a good bottle of wine and its relationship to communal holidays like Thanksgiving, but it’s hard not to. The holiday is engineered for groups, conversation, nibbling, and laughter (especially now that we can mostly do all of that in person), and if there’s anything better than wine to facilitate such a thing, well, we don’t know what it is.

If you prefer to make cocktails, that’s fine, we got you covered there. Would you rather drink beer? We have those, too! No matter what, though, you’ll want to have at least a bottle or two of good wine at the ready, especially food-friendly ones like the list below. So, if you like white, pink, red, or sparkling, we’ve got you set up to impress guests and hosts alike. It’s a fun mix of new discoveries, old standbys, and some overlooked options in between.

White Wine

Masciarelli Marina Cvetic Trebbiano

A bottle of Marina Cvetic Trebbiano on white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Trebbiano is adored in Italy but practically unheard of here, and for shame. It wants your dinner table so badly and deserves it, thanks to its many flavorful layers, dry as a bone makeup, and tightly-wound fresh fruit notes. Mashed potatoes and gravy, you have a new best friend.

Standing Stone Vineyards Riesling

A bottle of Standing Stone Vineyards Riesling on white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The U.S. is slowly and quietly becoming the new world headquarters for outstanding Riesling. This one from New York makes the grade, showcasing the varietal’s clean nature and juicy acidity. It’s off-dry, so there’s a bit of sweetness to counter some peppery or slightly spicy dishes on the table.

Buy Here

Pazo Señorans Albariño

A bottle of Pazo Senorans Albarino on white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

When it comes to a great Thanksgiving wine, you want acidity and vibrant flavors. This wine has both covered and then some. It’s brimming with Key lime and passion fruit notes, along with clean-as-a-whistle minerality. It’s an exemplary introduction to the wide and wonderful world of Albariño.

Sokol Blosser Evolution Chardonnay

A bottle of Sokol Blosser Boxed Chardonnay on white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

One of Willamette Valley’s most iconic labels touts an impressive entry-level lineup. Better still, the label is boxing some of its work. This Chardonnay defies its 1.5-liter vessel, rather elegant and full of bright flavors. Look outside the box; this wine will please all (and if you’re really worried, pour it blind in the kitchen and people will assume it came from a glass bottle).

Vietti Arneis

A bottle of Vietti Roero Arneis on white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

A role model in the small but ever-interesting galaxy of Arneis, Vietti knows what it’s doing. This offering is full of melon rind and crisp goodness, an ideal wine to match your entry Thanksgiving dishes likes salads and roasted vegetables.

Rosé Wine

Inman Family Wines Endless Crush Rosé

A bottle of Inman Endless Crush Rose on white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

There’s hardly a better grape for rosé than Pinot Noir. This one is made in the soft-spoken Provence style, with a moderate alcohol content and tons of action on the palate. You get all the most inviting flavors, from wild strawberries and watermelon to subtle citrus notes that remind you of quince. It’s a delight.

Tenuta di Fessina Etna Rosato

A bottle of Tenuta di Fessina Erse Etna 2018 Rosato on white background.
Etna Rosato 

We’ve listed this pink wine before and we probably will again. It’s a boisterous wine from Mt. Etna in Italy, a true volcanic wine. You’ll wow your guests with the complexity on hand, not to mention a lovely savory element and kiss of ocean salt.

Red Wine

Valentina Montepulciano 2018

A bottle of Valentina Montepulciano on white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Rustic may be out the door in terms of wine adjectives (and for good reason), but there is a classic element to this Italian red. It’s not just fruity; it’s so much more — salty, savory, tannic, utterly delightful, and great with food. A powerful wine with some restraint, it will both accompany lighter dishes and stand up to bigger ones.

Darioush Merlot

A bottle of Darioush Merlot on white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Merlot has got its game back and this Californian one wears that on its sleeve. It’s made from Mt. Veeder fruit and shows dark fruit, herbs, and pie crust. Basically, all the flavors on the table are sourced from one of the best appellations in all of esteemed northern California.

Sonntaler Schiava

A bottle of Sonntaler Schiava on white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Schiava is a lovely grape that does especially well in the Alto Adige of northern Italy. This one pulls from vines aged 60-90 years, offering all kinds of complexity and reason for reflection. It’s a great one to sip on its own to truly appreciate what’s happening as well as match with some of the protein on the Thanksgiving table.

Tablas Creek Mourvedre

A bottle of Tablas Creek Mourvedre on white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Tablas Creek is just one of those go-to names you should always have on your radar if you like wine. Typically, Mourvedre is thrown into a tasty GSM blend, and while we love those, this grape deserves its own red carpet now and again. It’s made with native yeast and truly spotlights the potential of this lovely standalone Rhone grape.

Maggy Hawk Jolie Pinot Noir

A bottle of Maggy Hawk Jolie Pinot Noir on white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Anderson Valley is one of few places left in California cool enough to pull off a mesmerizing Pinot Noir. This exemplifies that, a detailed wine chock-full of delicacy. This is the wine you pour to accompany the turkey, but also enjoy on its own, as it beams with layer upon lasting layer.

Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir

A bottle of Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir on white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you don’t associate great Pinot Noir with New Zealand yet, get with the program. This one from the Waipara Valley of the North Canterbury region is overflowing with character without overdoing it. There’s big stone fruit up front, followed by some spicier, earthier undertones. It promises to pair well with everything from roasted turkey to sweet potatoes, even the most out-there stuffing recipe.

Sparkling Wine

Pol Roger Champagne

A bottle of Pol Roger Champagne on white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

It’s the holidays, splurge for some real Chardonnay. It’s almost always worth it, especially with a reliable selection like this. This wine is everything the Champagne enthusiasts talk about — the complexity, the length, the minerality, the mouthfeel. It’s a joy to drink.

Nyetimber Sparkling Wine

A bottle of Nyetimber NV Classic Cuvee Brut on white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

We’ve said it before, but southern England may well soon be the capital of sparkling wine. If producers follow Nyetimer’s lead, the scene is in good shape. This release might as well be from Champagne, exuding all kinds of subtlety and craftsmanship. It’s the one you pour to toast a friend or family member you haven’t seen in some time.

Mark Stock

Mark Stock is a writer from Portland, Oregon. He fell into wine during the Recession and has been fixated on the stuff since. He spent years making, selling, and sipping Pinot Noir in the Dundee Hills before a full return to his journalistic roots in 2016. He's helplessly tied to European soccer, casting for trout, and grunge rock. In addition to The Manual, he writes for SevenFifty Daily, Sip Northwest, The Somm Journal, The Drake, Willamette Week, Travel Oregon, and more. He has a website and occasionally even updates it: markastock.com.

Send all editorial inquiries HERE.

Best Blackstone Prime Day deals
A man using the Blackstone 36-inch Gas Griddle Cooking Station in a yard.

If you're going to grill the steak of your dreams you're going to need the perfect grill, and Blackstone grills are offering up some savings among all of the Prime Day deals going on. We've made our selection for the best Prime Day Blackstone grill deal, and we've tracked down some other selections that offer some great savings. Read onward for a look at the best Prime Day Blackstone deals going on right now, and make a purchase quickly if you see something you like. Prime Day deals are known to end abruptly and inventories are likely starting to run low.
Best Blackstone grill Prime Day deal
Blackstone Adventure Ready 2-Burner 22-inch Propane Griddle -- $124, was $147

If you’re keen to cook outdoors more but you’re also planning on traveling a lot, you need the Blackstone Adventure Ready 2-Burner 22-inch Propane Griddle. It’ll work well in your yard, but it’s also portable enough that you can take it with you while you camp and travel on many different adventures, hence the name "adventure ready."

Read more
Best Keurig Prime Day deals: K-Slim down to $49 from $126
A blue Keurig K-Classic Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker placed on a kitchen countertop with plants nearby.

If you really need that hit of coffee in the morning and don't really like spending a lot of time making the coffee yourself, then Prime Day is the perfect time to pick up a coffee maker. While there are a lot of brands out there, Keurig is probably one of the best, and luckily, there are a ton of excellent Keurig deals you can take advantage of for Prime Day. To that end, we've collected some of our favorite Keurig deals below, whether you're looking for something small and easy to take with you or something great for iced coffee.
The best Keurig Prime Day deal
Keurig K-Slim + ICED -- $49, was $126

The Keurig K-Slim + ICED is a single-serve coffee maker that comes with most of the features that you'd expect from one of the brand's devices, including multiple brew size options at 8 ounces, 10 ounces, or 12 ounces; a removable drip tray that makes cleanup easy; and the ability to make your coffee in just minutes. However, what sets the Keurig K-Slim + ICED apart from other Keurig coffee maker is its Brew Over Ice function, which automatically adjusts the brewing temperature so that the ice in your tumbler will not melt quickly while it's dispensing your beverage.

Read more
Best Instant Pot Prime Day deals: as cheap as $75 today
Instant Pot, 6-Quart Duo Electric Pressure Cooker

If you're looking for some excellent kitchen appliances, then Instant Pot is an excellent brand for an air fryer or pressure cooker, and with Prime Day officially starting today, there are a lot of great deals you can snag right now. We've collected some of our favorite Instant Pot deals below, including various prices and sizes, to fit pretty much any need. Be sure to also check back regularly throughout Prime Day as we update this collected with newer and better deals when they come out.
The best Instant Pot Prime Day deal
Instant Pot Duo Plus -- $100, was $150

If you want a multi-cooker that will help save space in your kitchen, you should go for the Instant Pot Duo Plus. It offers nine functions in one device -- it can pressure cook, slow cook, cook rice, make yogurt, steam, sauté, sterilize, sous vide, and warm food. Imagine the counter space that you'll free up if you replace all the appliances that carry out these tasks with just the Instant Pot Duo Plus! There are 25 customizable smart programs available for one-touch cooking of various dishes, and its lid features Instant Pot's Whisper Quiet technology for releasing steam safely and with no noise at all.

Read more