Holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas are a time for family, gratitude, and of course, delicious food. 

One of the staples of a “Holiday” table is turkey, but have you ever wondered what wines pair well with this classic dish?

Whether you prefer red or white wine, there are plenty of options to enhance the flavors of your roast turkey.

We will explore the top 35 wine suggestions for wine pairing with turkey.

1. Pinot Noir: This is a classic choice for turkey due to its medium body, bright acidity, and red fruit flavors like cherry and raspberry. The wine’s subtle earthiness and gentle tannins harmonize well with the lean texture of turkey meat.
2. Chardonnay: A versatile white wine like Chardonnay works wonderfully with turkey. Look for an unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnay, as it offers flavors of green apple, citrus, and sometimes a hint of butterscotch. The wine’s creamy texture complements the turkey’s mouthfeel.
3. Riesling: If you prefer a slightly sweeter wine, Riesling is an excellent choice. Its balanced acidity and notes of stone fruits, honey, and floral undertones provide a contrast to the savory flavors of turkey, enhancing the overall dining experience.
4. Zinfandel: For those who appreciate a bolder red, Zinfandel can be a great match. Its ripe fruit flavors, often with a touch of spiciness, pair well with the richness of turkey meat and any savory stuffing or sides.
5. Rosé: A dry or off-dry rosé can bring a refreshing element to your turkey dinner. Its bright acidity, red fruit notes, and sometimes subtle herbal undertones make it a versatile partner for various components of the meal.
6. Grenache: This red wine is known for its red berry flavors, light-to-medium body, and soft tannins. Its approachability and versatility make it a good companion for turkey, especially when the meal features diverse flavors.
7. Sauvignon Blanc: With its zesty acidity and flavors ranging from citrus to grassy notes, Sauvignon Blanc can add a lively and aromatic element to your turkey pairing. It can cut through richer dishes and offer a refreshing contrast.
8. Beaujolais: Specifically, Beaujolais Nouveau, a young and fruity red wine released shortly after harvest, can be a fun choice. Its vibrant red fruit flavors and light structure make it a playful pairing with turkey.
9. Merlot: With its soft tannins and flavors of plum, cherry, and sometimes a touch of chocolate, Merlot can be a smooth and approachable partner for turkey. It won’t overpower the meal and can complement a variety of side dishes.
10. Gewürztraminer: If you’re seeking an aromatic white wine, Gewürztraminer is a unique choice. Its floral and exotic fruit notes, often accompanied by a hint of spice, can create an interesting contrast with the flavors of roasted turkey.
11. Champagne or Sparkling Wine: Effervescent wines are a celebration in themselves, and their crisp acidity and bubbles can cleanse the palate between bites of turkey and sides. They pair well with a range of flavors, making them a versatile choice.
12. Syrah/Shiraz: If you’re planning a more intensely flavored turkey dish, consider a Syrah/Shiraz. Its bold flavors of dark fruit, black pepper, and sometimes smoky notes can stand up to richer preparations.
13. Viognier: This white wine boasts floral aromas, stone fruit flavors, and a slightly oily texture. Its medium body and aromatic profile can complement both the turkey and any aromatic herbs used in the meal.
14. Sangiovese: A Sangiovese-based wine, such as Chianti, can be a delightful pairing. Its bright acidity, red fruit character, and hints of dried herbs can cut through the richness of the turkey and stuffing.
15. Cabernet Sauvignon: If your Thanksgiving feast includes heartier sides like mashed potatoes and gravy, a structured red like Cabernet Sauvignon can stand up to those flavors while adding its own notes of black currant and cedar.
16. Albariño: This white wine hailing from Spain offers crisp acidity, citrus flavors, and a mineral edge. It can bring a refreshing contrast to the Thanksgiving table, especially in warmer weather.
17. Malbec: With its velvety texture, ripe fruit flavors, and sometimes hints of cocoa and spice, Malbec can be a smooth and inviting choice alongside your turkey and trimmings.
18. White Burgundy (Chardonnay from Burgundy, France): For an elevated experience, consider a white Burgundy. Its nuanced flavors, often including notes of apple, pear, and a touch of oak, can add elegance to your meal.
19. Côtes du Rhône: A red blend from the Rhône Valley can be a versatile companion to turkey, offering a mix of red and dark fruit flavors, along with a touch of spice and earthiness.
20. Chenin Blanc: This white wine’s range of styles, from dry to off-dry, can suit various preferences. Look for its apple, honey, and floral characteristics to enhance your turkey pairing.
21. Tempranillo: This red wine, commonly found in Spain, offers flavors of red berries, cherry, and a hint of vanilla. Its medium body and balanced acidity can complement the flavors of roasted turkey.
22. Vermentino: A lesser-known white wine, Vermentino boasts crisp acidity, citrus notes, and a touch of minerality. Its light and refreshing character can be a pleasant addition to your Thanksgiving meal.
23. Carménère: Originally from Bordeaux and now popular in Chile, Carménère features dark fruit flavors, subtle spice, and a smooth finish. It can add depth to your turkey pairing.
24. Chenin Blanc-Viognier Blend: This unique blend combines the freshness of Chenin Blanc with the aromatic complexity of Viognier, creating a wine with floral, fruity, and sometimes honeyed notes.
25. Barbera: A wine with Italian origins, Barbera offers bright acidity, red fruit flavors, and a touch of earthiness. Its lively character can enliven your palate during your turkey feast.
26. Moscato d’Asti: If you’re looking for a touch of sweetness, Moscato d’Asti is a delightful sparkling option. Its floral and fruity bouquet can provide a light and cheerful note to your meal.
27. Cinsault: This red wine often brings flavors of red berries and a hint of spice. Its medium body and approachable nature make it a versatile choice for turkey pairing.
28. Grüner Veltliner: Hailing from Austria, Grüner Veltliner is known for its white pepper and green apple notes. Its lively acidity can complement a range of dishes on your Thanksgiving table.
29. Petite Sirah: If you’re going for a richer and more robust turkey preparation, Petite Sirah’s deep fruit flavors, dark color, and sturdy tannins can be a suitable match.
30. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo: This Italian red wine offers a combination of juicy red fruit flavors and a touch of rustic earthiness, making it a friendly partner for turkey dishes.
31. Fumé Blanc: A style of Sauvignon Blanc that’s often aged in oak, Fumé Blanc can have additional layers of complexity, including smoky and herbal notes that enhance your turkey pairing.
32. Nero d’Avola: From Sicily, Nero d’Avola presents dark fruit flavors, hints of chocolate, and a touch of spice. Its medium-to-full body can stand up to bold flavors in your meal.
33. Gruner Veltliner: Hailing from Austria, Grüner Veltliner is known for its white pepper and green apple notes. Its lively acidity can complement a range of dishes on your Thanksgiving table.
34. Petit Verdot: Often used in Bordeaux blends, Petit Verdot can bring depth and structure to your wine pairing. Expect dark fruit flavors and a touch of spice.
35. Port: For a sweet finale to your meal, consider a Port wine. Its rich, fortified character with notes of dark fruits and sometimes a hint of nuttiness can round out the experience.

What wines pair well with turkey?

Red Wine

When it comes to red wine, there are a few varieties that complement turkey perfectly. Pinot Noir is a popular choice due to its light to medium body, mild tannins, and fruity flavors. Other red wines that pair well with turkey include Cabernet Sauvignon and Beaujolais.

White Wine

If you prefer white wine, there are also plenty of options that pair well with turkey. Chardonnay, with its rich, buttery flavors, is a classic pairing. Riesling, with its crisp acidity and tropical fruit notes, is another great choice. Chenin Blanc and Pinot Grigio are also excellent options.

See my complete list of wine-tasting notes that can help you determine the best wine.

My suggestions for the best wine to pair with turkey?

Beaujolais

One of the best wines to pair with turkey is Beaujolais. This light-bodied red wine from the Beaujolais region of France has flavors of red fruit and a touch of spice. Its low tannins and high acidity make it an excellent match for roast turkey.

Cabernet Sauvignon

If you prefer a bolder red wine, Cabernet Sauvignon is a great choice. This full-bodied wine from California or Bordeaux has flavors of blackcurrant, blackberry, and cedar. It’s firm tannins and rich flavors can stand up to the flavors of the turkey and complement the savory elements of the meal.

Riesling

For white wine lovers, Riesling is an excellent option. This versatile grape produces a range of styles, from bone-dry to sweet. A dry or off-dry Riesling with its crisp acidity and citrus flavors can cut through the richness of the turkey and cleanse the palate.

How can I enhance the flavors of the turkey with wine?

Pairing Wine with Turkey

Pairing wine with turkey is all about finding complementary flavors and textures. When choosing a wine, consider the flavors in your turkey and side dish and look for wines that will enhance those flavors.

For example, if you are serving a heavily seasoned or spicy turkey, opt for a wine with bold flavors to match.

Pairing Tips

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when wine pairing with turkey:

• For white meat, choose a white wine with moderate acidity and fruitiness.
• If you’re serving a turkey with gravy, consider a red wine with medium tannins to complement the richness of the sauce.
• Don’t forget about acidity in wine. A wine with higher acidity can help refresh the palate after each bite of turkey.

What are some Thanksgiving wine pairings for turkey?

Turkey

Chardonnay is a classic Thanksgiving wine pairing with turkey. The wine’s buttery flavors and rich texture complement the savory flavors of the turkey, making for a delicious combination.

Cranberry

If you’re serving cranberry sauce with your turkey, consider a wine that pairs well with this tart and sweet condiment. A dry or off-dry Riesling or a fruity Beaujolais can be a great choice to balance out the flavors.

Gravy

If you’re a fan of serving gravy with your turkey, consider a red wine with medium tannins to complement the richness of the sauce. Cabernet Sauvignon or a red blend can be excellent options.

What wine goes well with Thanksgiving dinner?

Tannin in Wine

Tannins in wine can provide structure and balance to your Thanksgiving dinner. If you’re serving a turkey with bold, flavorful sides, consider a wine with higher tannins, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Syrah.

White Meat

If you’re serving white meat, consider a white wine with moderate acidity and fruitiness. Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Pinot Grigio can all be great choices.

Stuffing

Stuffing is a Thanksgiving staple, and finding a wine that complements its flavors is essential. A white wine with herbal and earthy notes, such as Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Gris, can be an excellent pairing.

How to choose the right wine for a Thanksgiving meal?

Earthy Wines

If you’re looking for wines that complement the earthy flavors of your Thanksgiving turkey, consider wines with earthy and herbal notes.

Pinot Noir and wines from the Rhône Valley, such as Grenache and Syrah, can be excellent options.

Cranberry Sauce

To complement the flavors of cranberry sauce, opt for a wine with bright acidity and fruitiness. A dry or off-dry Riesling or a fruit-forward Beaujolais can be a perfect match.

White Wine Pairing

If you prefer white wine, look for options with moderate acidity that can cut through the richness of the Thanksgiving meal. Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Pinot Grigio can all be great choices.

Also, see my post about wines that pair well with Lamb.

Also, see my post about wines that pair well with Salmon here.

Also, see my post about wines that pair well with Ham.