Finding Wines to Pair With Your Turkey

Thanksgiving- it’s a time to celebrate with friends and family, yet at this time of year you often hear people asking what wine pairs well with Turkey? If you’ve been asked to bring the wine or have people coming to your house for holiday dinner, no need to stress about what to serve. The good news is there is no correct answer. Turkey pairs well with red wine or white wine depending on what you and your guests like. Turkey is adaptable and the way it’s prepared as well as other dishes to the meal really dictate what wine to pair it with.

If you are a red wine drinker, try a Pinot Noir. It’s a nice flavored red wine that will pair well with turkey. Pinot Noir has very little tannins which means it won’t overwhelm the meal. Putting the Pinot Noir in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before serving it will bring out the fruit and will take away the ‘bite’ that alcohol can give when served at room temperature.

If you like white wines, try a Chardonnay or even a Pinot Gris.  Almost any good white will work, but stay away from the sweet dessert style whites. Light and crisp Chardonnay’s  along with most Sauvignon Blanc’s will work.  Sparkling Wine also works  and brings a festive note to the meal. There are some powerful, yet affordable brut Champagnes that have sufficient weight and structure to stand up to a rich meal. Again, stay away from the sweeter Champagnes.

Still want more help? Many of our local wine stores have events that will help you find the combination you like best:
Arrow’s Annual Holiday Tasting!
Sun, Nov 14th, 5:30 – 7:30pm at the Centerville Store
Over 75 wines, great appetizers and live music!
$50/person, pre-paid reservations required by Nov 10th
Call 433-6778 to make your reservations!

A Taste of Wine Holiday Show- Thurs, Nov 18th, 7 – 9pm
Food, Fun and Fabulous wine pairings.  Taste wines for your holiday feasts & gift giving.
$20 Please RSVP by phone 937.247.1120

Bella Vino’s Wine & Food Pairing Dinners
Wed, Nov 10th – 7pm
Sat, Nov 20th – 5pm
Tues  Nov 23rd – 7pm

Dinner includes:
turkey dinner – with mashed potatoes & gravy, sweet potato casserole, green beans, and cranberry sauce.
4 wines specially selected to pair with Thanksgiving dinner.
An open-ended discussion about wine & food pairing with  resident Wine Enthusiast, John Feltz.

Dinner is $30 per person and seats are limited.  These dinner sold out last year, so reserve early

Coco’s Bistro 30 for $30
Wed, Nov 10th, 6 – 8pm

Special holiday flavored appetizers to make it easy to pick which wine to go with the Turkey, Ham, Roast or for the Toast on New Years Eve.
Wine vendors on hand, to help you choose- and we’ll have special pricing on wines by the case as well.  Limited seating, so reserve your place online, or call 937-228-2626 (coco) and we’ll save you a seat.

Cork & Vine presents Wines That Make Your Turkey Happy
Wed, Nov 17 · 7- 9pm
(hey- I tried to get more info- but was told to call back when a manager is in – they didn’t know anything about it).

If we’ve missed any, please feel free to add them in the comments below!  Cheers!