Well, somehow we have made it to the end of 2020 and it’s time for the holiday season. Things are going to look different this time around – smaller gatherings, less traveling, not getting to watch your dad almost light the fried turkey on fire.
The great thing about new situations is the ability to create new traditions! Maybe since you won’t be seeing your Aunt Linda, you don’t have to eat her weird sweet potatoes, or you decide to have a theme for your Thanksgiving dinner. If you’re having the holidays for one, that means you get to eat and cook only your own favorite things.
Plus, it doesn’t matter what the holidays look like this year, we all know our favorite friend will be joining our tables: wine! Here are a few of our suggestions for the ideal vino for this Thanksgiving.
A Meal For One
Literally anything you want! Okay but if you want some suggestions, how about a Grenache? It’s really just such a happy bottle of wine, and you deserve all of the happiness this season. It’s a well-balanced red that will pair with everything you decide to make (or order) so it’s a great investment for that Zoom friendsgiving you’ve planned.
Try Something New
Okay, hear us out, but how about Thanksgiving sangria? You could throw in some apples, cranberries, and oranges, and boom. A pitcher of what is basically grown up fruit juice to sip while watching the parade in your pajamas. Or, what about something bubbly? This year, it’s important to celebrate literally any good thing that happens so break out the Cava or the Prosecco and celebrate your health and whatever else you are grateful for.
If You’re Only Making Sides Because Grandma is the One Who Likes Turkey and She’s Staying Home
A good Sancerre is a lovely, crisp alternative to a Chardonnay and will be a beautiful pair for all those buttery, delicious potatoes, rolls, and vegetables. If your favorite tradition is the bottle of red at the Thanksgiving table, try a Beaujolais. It’s much lighter in body than the classic reds so it won’t add to your already growing food coma but will be lovely palate cleanser between plates.
Paired With a Real Feast
If you’re one of the lucky ones and you’ll be dining with your family this year, bring something really special like a Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. Now that’s a celebratory bottle of red that will highlight everything beautiful about your Thanksgiving meal. For some balance, a Finger Lakes Dry Riesling is going to be a crowd pleaser. All of those delicious fruit flavors of a classic Riesling but with much less sugar so the only hangover will be the one you feel after gorging on the whole pot of mashed potatoes.
Whatever you choose to drink, we wish you a very happy and gratitude-filled Thanksgiving!
