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Not too long ago, my closest family members lived across the country on the East Coast. With airfare prices soaring around the holidays, if I hadn’t booked a plane ticket by June, I knew I’d be spending Thanksgiving in Seattle on my own. Fortunately, I wasn’t alone in this predicament. Every year, a group of us—friends and acquaintances who couldn’t make it home—would gather for what we affectionately called “orphan Thanksgiving.”
The food at these gatherings was always a bit of a wild card. One year, the turkey put up a real fight, chewy enough to build character. And those green beans? They could have doubled as dental floss. I can’t claim to be a culinary expert; my contribution was usually something pre-made from QFC. But who needs gourmet perfection when you have friends who are our chosen family? We showed up year after year, tradition in tow, sharing stories, laughter, and gratitude, no matter what was on the table.
One universal truth emerged from those chaotic feasts: wine is the ultimate cheat code. If you’re in charge of the wine this Thanksgiving, follow my foolproof lineup below. Karen will thank you for making her mysterious casserole taste intentional.
Start the celebration with something festive and refreshing. Sparkling wines are perfect for welcoming guests and cleansing the palate before the meal. Try a Montalbera Cuvée Blanché Extra Dry Spumante or a Tenuta Santa Chiara VSQ Blanc de Noir. Both offer lively bubbles and crisp flavors that set a celebratory tone.
For green bean casserole, creamed spinach, or other (green) vegetable-forward dishes, reach for a light, zesty white wine. A Produttori di Portacomaro Cortese Piemonte DOC or a Selva Capuzza Selva Lugana DOC will complement the greens without overpowering them. These wines have enough acidity to cut through creamy textures and enhance the freshness of the vegetables.
When it comes to turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy, you want a red wine that’s flavorful but not too heavy. A Ferraris Agricola Viti Centenarie Barbera d’Asti DOCG Superiore is a classic choice, offering bright fruit and balanced acidity. Alternatively, try Selva Capuzza Dunant Riviera del Garda Classico Rosso DOC, a for a lighter, fruitier option that sips like a Pinot Noir that won’t overwhelm the palate.
Dishes like cornbread, cranberry sauce, glazed carrots, and sweet potatoes call for a wine that can handle a touch of sweetness. Ca’ De’ Medici Terra Calda Lambrusco IGT is a lightly sparkling red that’s both refreshing and versatile, pairing beautifully with these sweet and savory flavors.
Pie o’clock calls for Ferraris Agricola Il Giaj Moscato d’Asti DOCG, a delightful choice offering a tickle of alcohol, gentle bubbles, and notes of peach and apricot that pair well with any dessert, including fruit tarts and cookies.
There you have it. The turkey might still be dry and the bread might as well be rocks, but nobody will remember if you allow the wine to do the heavy lifting. Savor the moment and enjoy the company of those around you.
Here’s to family! Clinky and Drinky, responsibly.
