Thanksgiving Wine Guide: From Appetizers to Dessert, We’ve Got You Covered

Ah, Thanksgiving! That magical time of year when kitchens fill with the aroma of roasted turkey, and we gather around the table to share a feast with loved ones. And while everyone’s arguing about whether the stuffing belongs inside or outside the bird, one thing’s for certain: a thoughtfully chosen bottle of wine will bring harmony to even the most divided of opinions. So, whether you’re team mashed potatoes or team sweet potatoes, I’ve got the perfect wine to match every moment of your Thanksgiving feast, courtesy of Llano Estacado Winery.

 

 

The Pre-Feast Festivities: Kick Off with Bubbles

As guests arrive, the air is filled with laughter, and the oven timer starts its relentless beeping, it’s time to set the tone. Enter Llano Estacado’s Celebration! Sparkling Wine. Light, refreshing, and full of zesty citrus and green apple flavors, this bubbly beauty is like a celebration in a glass. Serve it alongside an appetizer spread of cheese, olives, and charcuterie. Trust me, the effervescence will keep things light and playful, even if Uncle Dave insists on telling that same Thanksgiving joke he tells every year.

 

The Main Event: Turkey, Stuffing, and All the Sides

Now, the star of the show – the turkey. Whether roasted, fried, or smoked, you need a wine that can stand up to all the savory flavors on the plate. Enter Llano Estacado’s 2021 Roussanne. Its buttery texture and hints of ripe pear and vanilla will bring out the best in both turkey and stuffing, especially if your stuffing is rich with herbs like sage and thyme. For those who prefer red, Llano Estacado’s Cellar Reserve Tempranillo is your go-to. Its vibrant red fruit notes and earthy undertones complement the smokiness of roasted vegetables and the richness of gravy. Bonus points if you’re serving smoked turkey—this Tempranillo was practically made for it.

 

And let’s not forget about the sides. Green bean casserole? Go with the Llano Estacado Sauvignon Blanc, which has just enough acidity to balance out those creamy, crunchy bites. And if you're serving up candied sweet potatoes, pair them with the sweet-yet-tangy Llano Estacado Moscato. It’s like dessert before dessert, and nobody’s going to complain about that.

 

 

For the Pie Lovers: The Dessert Dilemma

By the time dessert rolls around, you might feel like you've already eaten your weight in turkey. But when pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and all the festive sweets hit the table, there's always room for a little more... especially when there’s wine involved.

 

For classic pumpkin pie lovers, Llano Estacado's Gewürztraminer is the dream pairing. Its honeyed and spice notes and soft acidity cut through the creaminess of the pie and highlight those warm fall spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. If pecan pie is more your speed, try the Llano Estacado Mad Ira’s Maderia style dessert wine. The rich, caramelized sweetness of the pecans melds seamlessly with the port’s luxurious, velvety texture. It’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of indulgence—except this one comes in a glass!

 

 

The After-Dinner Wind-Down

Finally, after the plates have been cleared and everyone has migrated to the couch (likely for a post-feast nap), it’s time to wind down with something easy, relaxing, and utterly sip-able. Llano Estacado’s Cellar Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect nightcap. Its bold, dark berry flavors and hints of cocoa are the perfect companion for that last slice of pie—or for just savoring a quiet moment after the holiday hustle.

 

 

Stock Up for the Holidays and Share the Love!

No Thanksgiving is complete without the right wines to elevate the experience. As you prep your holiday shopping list, make sure to stock up on your favorite Llano Estacado wines. And don’t forget to share your Thanksgiving pairings with us on social media! Tag @llanowine and use the hashtag #LlanogivesThanks to show us how you’re bringing Texas wines to your table this holiday season.

 

From appetizers to dessert, we’ve got your Thanksgiving covered—so all you need to worry about is saving room for pie (and wine, of course)!

 

Cheers to a happy, wine-filled Thanksgiving!