Thanksgiving might be the ultimate wine-pairing challenge.
Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, potatoes, vegetables, and an entire parade of side dishes can all end up on the same plate. The good news? You don't need a different bottle for every dish.
Versatile, food-friendly Monterey County wines can carry you from appetizers through dinner.
Start With Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a natural addition to the Thanksgiving table.
Its acidity makes it food-friendly, while its texture can complement richer holiday dishes. Pour it alongside appetizers and keep it on the table for turkey, creamy potatoes, squash, and other seasonal favorites.
Pinot Noir: A Thanksgiving Classic
If you're choosing one red for Thanksgiving, Pinot Noir is hard to beat.
Its red-fruit character and generally lighter structure allow it to complement rather than overpower turkey and many of the traditional sides on the table.
And Monterey County's cool growing conditions make Pinot Noir one of the region's signature varieties.
Don't Forget the Bigger Reds
For guests who prefer something richer—or Thanksgiving tables featuring beef, lamb, or hearty dishes—a fuller-bodied red can round out your lineup.
Rather than searching for one "perfect" Thanksgiving wine, consider offering a couple of styles and letting everyone discover their favorite pairing. We suggest our Cuvée Louie Bordeaux Blend.
Bring a Little Monterey County to Thanksgiving
Wine also makes an easy host gift. If you're spending Thanksgiving with family or friends, arriving with a bottle from a trip to Carmel adds a story to the table.
Better yet, stop into Cypress Grove before the holiday and let us help you choose bottles based on what you're serving.
Make Monterey County part of your Thanksgiving table. Visit Cypress Grove Winery in Carmel-by-the-Sea and let us help you find your holiday wines.