Unexpected Thanksgiving Wines: Beyond the Turkey

By this point in the Thanksgiving countdown, most people have their turkey plan set, the stuffing prepped, and at least one pie cooling on the counter. But when it comes to wine, things don’t have to be predictable. In fact, some of the best unexpected Thanksgiving wines are the ones no one sees coming.

And if your family is anything like mine, there’s always that one guest who brings something different, the bottle you didn’t plan for, but everyone ends up loving. Those surprise hits inspired this week’s roundup.

Let’s pour outside the lines a little.

Lambrusco — Sparkling, Juicy, and SO Underrated

If you’ve only seen Lambrusco in its old-school, syrupy versions… trust me, the dry styles today are a whole different story. Think: bright red berries, a gentle sparkle, and the energy of cranberry sauce in wine form.

Why it works:

• Light bubbles refresh the palate
• Fruit-forward but not sweet
• Works with herbs, richness, and salty bites

Try it with: stuffing, mac & cheese, charcuterie.

Orange Wine — A Little Wild, A Lot Delicious

Orange wine is the cozy sweater of the wine world — warm, textured, earthy, and perfect for fall. Don’t let the name scare you off. It’s white grapes fermented with their skins, giving a deeper, autumn-ready flavor.

Why it works:

• Textured + savory = Thanksgiving magic
• Slight tannins give structure
• Amazing with roasted veggies

Try it with: sweet potatoes, roasted squash, caramelized sides.

If you’re curious to learn more, Wine Folly has a great explainer on what orange wine actually is

Sparkling Rosé — Festive Without Trying

Sure, we talked bubbly in Week 1, but sparkling rosé deserves its own spotlight. It brings that celebratory feel with just a touch more structure and fruit.

Why it works:

• Bubbles = built-in food-friendliness
• Red fruit complements cranberry
• Works from apps to dessert

Try it with: green bean casserole, appetizers, and pumpkin pie.

Want more bubbles? Here’s my Guide to Sparkling Wine

Chilled Reds — The Best Kept Secret

Some reds truly shine when served chilled. They stay bright, refreshing, and light enough to handle a busy Thanksgiving plate.

Great chilled reds:

• Gamay
• Zweigelt
• Poulsard
• Cinsault

Why they work:

• Fruit-forward without heaviness
• Chill = instant refresh
• Won’t overpower turkey

Try it with: cranberry sauce, turkey breast, roasted root veggies.

Rhône Blends — Cozy, Spicy, Crowd-Pleasing

Want something a little richer without veering into Cabernet territory? Southern Rhône blends (like GSM) are warm, spicy, and incredibly food-friendly.

Why it works:

• Red fruit + spice = perfect for fall
• Cozy aromas feel very “November”
• Balanced enough for mixed plates

Try it with: sausage stuffing, herb-heavy dishes, dark meat turkey.

Bonus: Hard Cider — Yes, Really

I know it sounds unexpected — but that’s the whole point.
Dry hard cider tastes like fall in a glass and pairs with almost everything.

Why it works:

• Crisp + refreshing
• Low alcohol = easy sipping
• Apples tie into classic fall flavors

Try it with: mac & cheese, sweet potatoes, pie.

If you’re a cider fan (or just cider-curious), I recently visited Atlanta Hard Cider and shared the full experience — tasting notes, vibes, and what to try when you go.

Read the Atlanta Hard Cider recap here.

Final Pour: Try Something New This Year

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to stick to the usual wine script. Whether you crack open a bottle of Lambrusco, chill a juicy red, or bring out an earthy orange wine, these picks make the meal a little more memorable and much more fun.

And the best part? Exploring unexpected Thanksgiving wines means you might just discover a new favorite tradition.