Pairing Virginia Wine with Thanksgiving Dinner

Elevate Your Feast with Local Flavors

Thanksgiving is a holiday of vibrant flavors, from herb-stuffed turkey to sweet potato casserole and even salty ham. To bring out the best in your dishes, consider pairing them with some of Virginia's finest wines. Virginia’s unique climate and varied terroirs yield wines that can complement Thanksgiving’s range of flavors beautifully. Here’s your guide to selecting Virginia wines for Thanksgiving, complete with the key characteristics to look for and some top-notch examples that will make your holiday spread shine.

What to Look for When Selecting Thanksgiving Wines

1. Acidity: Wines with bright acidity, like Albariño and Viognier, can cut through the richness of holiday dishes, adding balance to creamy textures and savory elements.

2. Tannins: Soft to moderate tannins work best; bold, tannic wines can overshadow delicate flavors, while soft tannins add a pleasant structure, perfect for pairing with roasted meats.

3. Fruit and Spice Notes: Thanksgiving dishes often have warm, earthy, and herbal flavors. Look for wines with complementary notes—stone fruit in Viognier, cherry in Merlot, and citrus in Albariño.

4. Versatility: A good Thanksgiving wine needs to pair with a variety of flavors on the table, from savory stuffing to sweet cranberry sauce.

Pairing Suggestions and Virginia Wine Examples

1. Roasted Turkey with Barboursville Vineyards Merlot Reserve

Merlot is a stellar pairing for turkey, especially with herbed stuffing. Barboursville’s Merlot Reserve brings lush flavors of plum, black cherry, and a touch of spice—notes that beautifully echo the flavors of roasted turkey. The wine’s soft tannins and medium body provide structure without overpowering the meal, while its smooth finish complements the earthy elements in classic Thanksgiving sides.

Pair it with: Herb stuffing, mashed potatoes, and roasted Brussels sprouts.

2. Ham: with Glen Manor Vineyards Hodder Hill Red Blend

If ham is on your Thanksgiving menu, you’ll want a wine that balances both savory and sweet. Glen Manor Vineyards Hodder Hill, a Bordeaux-style blend, combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, with dark fruit flavors, subtle tobacco, and earthy notes that stand up well to the smokiness of ham. The wine’s depth and richness also make it a fantastic option for any hearty meat dishes on your holiday table.

Pair it with: Smoked ham, prime rib, or hearty mushroom gravy.

3. Creamy Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Vegetables with Early Mountain Vineyards Albariño

Albariño’s bright acidity and citrus notes cut through rich, creamy textures, making it a wonderful match for mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. Early Mountain’s Albariño has vibrant acidity balanced with subtle hints of peach and apricot, adding a refreshing contrast to buttery dishes and balancing the sweetness of vegetables like carrots and squash.

Pair it with: Mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, and roasted root vegetables.

4. Sweet Potato Casserole and Spiced Squash with Horton Vineyards Viognier

A staple for Virginia winemaking, Viognier’s lush, round mouthfeel and flavors of ripe peach, apricot, and a touch of floral honey make it a versatile partner for slightly sweet and spiced dishes. Horton Vineyards Viognier brings a creamy texture and exotic fruit notes that enhance the flavors in both sweet potato casserole and spiced squash, perfectly complementing their warmth and sweetness without overwhelming them.

Pair it with: Sweet potato casserole, spiced squash, and cranberry sauce.

5. Cranberry Sauce with October One Vineyards Albariño

Albariño is known for its crisp acidity and vibrant fruit profile, which pairs brilliantly with the tart and slightly sweet flavors of cranberry sauce. October One Vineyards’ Albariño offers flavors of green apple, lemon, and a hint of minerality that contrast with cranberry’s tartness, making each bite feel brighter and more balanced.

Pair it with: Cranberry sauce, apple-based dishes, and light salads.

6. Pumpkin and Pecan Pie with King Family Vineyards Loreley (Late Harvest White)

No Thanksgiving feast is complete without dessert, and King Family Vineyards’ Loreley, a late-harvest white wine, is the perfect sweet finish. With notes of honey, dried apricot, and tropical fruit, Loreley is both indulgent and balanced. Its bright acidity prevents it from becoming too cloying, pairing beautifully with classic desserts like pumpkin pie and pecan pie.

Pair it with: Pumpkin pie, pecan pie, or a cheese platter with dried fruits and nuts.

Final Thoughts

Virginia wines offer a broad spectrum of flavors and textures that enhance the classic dishes of Thanksgiving. From the lush notes of a Viognier to the bright zest of an Albariño, and the depth of a Bordeaux-style blend, these local options are sure to impress your guests and make your meal unforgettable. This Thanksgiving, enjoy the flavors of Virginia wine, and savor every glass along with each delicious dish on your table. Cheers to a flavorful and festive holiday season!