Thanksgiving Wine Recommendations and Pairings

Hate to break it to you, but if you can’t make it to the table without a drink in hand, you might be doing Thanksgiving wrong. As the holiday approaches, you’re probably pondering the most important question of the season, no, not whether you should brine or roast the turkey, but which wines will make your feast go from “meh” to “marvellous!”

Don’t worry! We’ve taken it upon ourselves to ensure that your Thanksgiving table isn’t just filled with delicious food and the perfect wine pairings. Whether you’re dealing with a zesty cranberry sauce or a succulent spatchcocked turkey, we’ve matched each dish with a wine that’ll make your guests exclaim, “Where did you find this fabulous bottle?”
So, put on your stretchy pants, fire up those ovens, and let us guide you through a symphony of flavours and sips. With our handpicked wine pairings and mouthwatering recipes, your Thanksgiving is about to go from “I hope they like it” to “You’ve outdone yourself!”

Here’s to a holiday filled with laughter, libations, and lots of “Wow, this is amazing!” Cheers from your friends at Angry Otter Liquor, where we promise our suggestions are as delightful as your Aunt Mildred’s famous stuffing (but with less family drama).

The Perfect Pre-Dinner Pair

As the turkey finishes roasting and everyone gathers to catch up, it’s the perfect time to pour something light and approachable. The Nespolino Rubicone Sangiovese Merlot offers fresh cherry and violet notes balanced with a touch of herbal and chocolate richness—an easy-drinking red that won’t overpower early appetizers. For white wine lovers, the Nespolino Rubicone Trebbiano Chardonnay shines with bright citrus and ripe tropical fruit aromas, making it crisp and refreshing. Both are ideal pre-dinner picks to set the tone for a memorable meal.

The Main Event - with Quails' Gate Pinot Noir

When Thanksgiving dinner calls for a show-stopping protein, Pinot Noir is a natural choice, and Quails’ Gate sets the standard. As pioneers of this varietal in the Okanagan Valley, their winemaking team continues to craft world-class Pinot Noir that beautifully reflects the region’s character. With a lighter body, bright acidity, and nuanced flavours of cherry, wild strawberry, sage, and black tea, this wine complements rich dishes without overwhelming them. Aged for nine months in a mix of new and old French oak, it delivers elegance, depth, and versatility—an ideal pairing for your Thanksgiving feast.

Serving Tips:

• Chill Slightly: Serve your Pinot Noir slightly chilled (around 55-60°F) to enhance its refreshing qualities.
• Decant: Give it a quick decanting to let its aromas fully develop and provide a smoother experience.

Cedar Creek Pinot Noir or Pinot Noir Rosé with Turkey and Pan Gravy

Sourced from estate vineyards in Naramata and Oliver, Cedar Creek Pinot Noir is gently hand-picked from organic and sustainably farmed vineyards. Fermented with natural yeasts followed by French oak barrel aging, this wine is a true reflection of the land and Cedar Creek's commitment to expressing the raw terroir that nature give us.

Or try Cedar Creek Pinot Noir Rosé. Rosé for fall works because it’s a flexible wine that pairs well with the rich flavors of fall foods, has enough body to be satisfying without being heavy, and can adapt to both the warmer days and cooler evenings. It brings that perfect balance of refreshing and comforting. Fermented in stainless steel to preserve fresh characters, a small portion was fermented in concrete egg, bringing a beautiful texture in the final blend. Great fruit concentration is balanced with fresh acidity and just a touch of residual sugar left.

TASTING NOTES
Fresh strawberries and cream on the nose, grapefruit and rhubarb on the palate.

These versatile Pinot Noir blends pair well with the main event of a traditional Thanksgiving spread: Turkey. Does roasting a turkey seem overwhelming? Try one of our favourite recipes, the Spatchcocked Turkey and Pan Gravy. We promise that once you cook a turkey using this method, you will never go back!

Bread & Butter Pinot Noir with Garlic Herb Crusted Pork Loin

This California Pinot Noir is a delightful expression of fruit-forward charm, offering a smooth and delicious experience. It boasts inviting aromas of plush red and black fruits, while the palate reveals a rich blend of fruit, oak, and subtle vanilla notes. This Pinot Noir is a versatile and satisfying choice.

Are you not cooking a turkey this Thanksgiving? We love pairing this Pinot Noir with Garlic Herb-Crusted Pork Loin. The tangy lemon and earthy herbs in the crust find a perfect counterpart in the bright fruit notes of the wine’s flavour profile. At the same time, the tenderness of the meat compliments the lighter body of the wine, allowing each to shine without overwhelming each other.

The Savoury Sides — with White Blend

When it comes to Thanksgiving, the right wine can elevate even the most beloved side dishes. Because let’s be honest, it wouldn’t be a holiday dinner spread without them! A versatile white blend is a classic choice when looking for a wine that will please the entire table. Try one of our favourites!

Serving Tips:

• Chill Lightly: Serve the JoieFarm Noble White Blend slightly chilled to bring out its crisp, refreshing qualities.
• Pair Generously: Enjoy this versatile wine with a range of Thanksgiving dishes, from the stuffing to lighter fare and even dessert.

JoieFarm Noble White Blend

The JoieFarm Noble White Blend is crafted in the tradition of “Edelzwicker,” a classic aromatic blend from France’s Alsace region. This 2023 vintage combines Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Auxerrois, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc, creating a complex and refreshing wine. Its bright, floral notes and rich, layered flavours make it an exceptional match for the savoury sides the holiday is known for.

Try it with the savoury, umami-packed Mushroom Sage Stuffing.This recipe features a savory mix of mushrooms and fresh sage, creating a rich and aromatic dish. The blend of Gewürztraminer and Riesling adds floral and fruity notes that enhance the earthy richness of the mushrooms and the aromatic sage in the stuffing. The wine’s crisp acidity and slight sweetness cut through the richness of the stuffing, refreshing your palate with each bite.

Elevate Roasted Vegetables — with Barbera

Are you looking to add a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving side dishes? The right wine can make all the difference. Enter Barbera—a red wine that pairs surprisingly well with the glazed vegetables, turning a simple side into a standout feature of your holiday feast.

Barbera’s vibrant acidity and juicy fruit flavours make it an unexpected yet delightful match for sweet and savoury dishes. With its notes of ripe cherry, plum, and subtle spice, Barbera's bright acidity helps balance a dish’s sweetness, while its fruitiness enhances the savoury flavours.

Serving Tips:

• Decant: Give the Barbera a bit of air to enhance its flavours and aromas, especially if it’s a younger vintage.
• Serve Slightly Cool: Enjoy the wine slightly cooler than room temperature (around 60-65°F) to highlight its crisp, refreshing qualities.

Marchisio Barbera d'Alba

Discover the elegance of Italy with Marchisio Barbera d'Alba. This intense ruby red wine with purple reflections offers a rich bouquet of ripe strawberries, vanilla, coffee beans, and cocoa. It’s medium-bodied and velvety on the palate, with harmonious ripe fruit flavours and subtle spices. Perfectly paired with various dishes, this Barbera d'Alba is a sophisticated choice for any occasion.

Try it out with one of our favourite elevated side dishes, the Honey Garlic Glazed Carrots. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and savoury, featuring a glossy honey glaze with a kick of garlic. The Barbera’s lively acidity cuts through the sweetness of the glaze, while its fruity and spicy notes add depth to the overall flavour experience.

Tart Sides — with Voignier

Elevate your Thanksgiving table with the perfect wine pairing for a classic side dish. With its aromatic complexity and rich texture, Viognier is an excellent match for the tangy and sweet flavours harmonious with Thanksgiving fruits.

Serving Tips:

• Chill Lightly: Serve Viognier slightly chilled to accentuate its refreshing qualities and aromatic profile.
• Pair Generously: This versatile wine is also great with other Thanksgiving dishes, making it a delightful addition to your holiday table.

Cono Sur Vineyard’s Bicicleta Viognier

Cono Sur Bicicleta Viognier presents a stunning medium golden hue, a hallmark of the variety. This Viognier delights with sweet aromas of apricots, citrus, and peaches, complemented by subtle oak nuances. It’s fresh and vibrant on the palate, showcasing concentrated stone fruit flavours with a rich, savoury profile. With its excellent structure, balanced acidity, and impressive persistence, this wine offers both character and depth, making it a standout choice for any occasion.

Try it with our favourite Cranberry Sauce. This Thanksgiving staple features a tangy, sweet profile that pairs perfectly with Viognier's aromatic and slightly creamy character. The wine’s subtle sweetness and fruity notes of apricot, citrus, and peach complement the cranberry sauce's rich flavours, making each bite and sip a refreshing treat. The wine’s floral and fruity aromas enhance the cranberry sauce’s bright flavours, elevating the dish.

As Thanksgiving approaches, the key to an unforgettable feast isn’t just the turkey, it’s the perfect wine pairings. At Angry Otter Liquor, we’ve got you covered with selections that will elevate every dish, from cranberry sauce to spatchcocked turkey.

Visit your local Angry Otter Liquor to find the ideal bottle for your holiday spread. Our team is ready to help you choose the perfect wine, and don’t miss out on our fantastic promotions and holiday sales.

Here’s to a Thanksgiving filled with delicious food, fantastic wine, and plenty of cheer. Cheers from Angry Otter Liquor, where our recommendations are as spot-on as Grandma’s secret pie recipe. Happy feasting!