Thanksgiving is one of the most wine-friendly holidays of the year. A traditional menu leans toward dishes with layered flavors, generous seasoning and rich textures, which means the right bottle can elevate every course from the turkey to the vegetables to the stuffing.
This season, bottles from California’s world-famous wine regions are the perfect addition to a Thanksgiving dinner. Favorites like J Vineyards’ 2022 Russian River Valley Chardonnay and Rombauer Vineyards’ 2022 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir stand out not because they dominate the menu, but because they integrate seamlessly with it. The Chardonnay’s fresh notes of citrus, toasted hazelnut, and ginger snap complement a turkey’s mild flavor, roasted skin and herb seasonings. Other white wines, such as Soave or lightly oaked Chablis, can also bring out the best in the bird. For pairing with roasted vegetables like carrots and beets, the Pinot Noir reflects California’s Santa Lucia Highlands with cherry, plum and gentle spice that feel natural to fall. Other light to medium-bodied reds, including Gamay and Barbera, offer similar versatility. Options like these join a wider world of wines that elevate the holiday’s most ICONIC dishes.
Arizona’s professional chefs know how a thoughtful wine pairing can elevate familiar dishes. Drawing on their expertise in hospitality and flavor, these three chefs share the bottles they reach for on Thanksgiving.
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Photo courtesy of Royal Palms Resort and Spa.
Royal Palms Resort & Spa’s T. Cook’s, recently named number four Hotel Restaurant by USA Today 10Best, looks to Italy for pairing inspiration. Executive Chef Lee Hillson says, “You will always find an Italian sausage and cornbread stuffing on my Thanksgiving menu, and the perfect pairing for this classically festive dish has to be an Italian Soave; the wine’s complex notes of almond, herb, and salt round out the richness of the sausage and the subtle sweetness of the cornbread. If you’re in a pinch, Chardonnay makes for a great substitute, but a bottle of Soave will impress every guest at the table.” Experience Hillson’s culinary expertise for yourself at T. Cook’s three-course price fixe Thanksgiving menu.
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At Miraval Arizona in Tucson, mindful eating is a core tenet of the guest experience, whether that’s through an on-site restaurant meal or a conscious cooking lesson. Executive Chef Matthew Demery finds his favorite flavors in a dish that takes him back to childhood gatherings. “Cornbread stuffing is my favorite Thanksgiving dish because it reminds me of home—its sweet, crumbly texture and savory herbs bring back family memories around the table. I love pairing it with a glass of Pinot Noir; its bright acidity and berry notes balance the richness perfectly, making every bite feel like a celebration.”
Photo courtesy of Miraval Arizona.
Some traditions, though, flourish after the dishes have been cleared and the guests depart. At The Scottsdale Resort and Spa, Curio Collection, Executive Chef Timothy Ralphs saves his favorite tradition for after the excitement of hosting. “After spending the entire day cooking for everyone else, my favorite Thanksgiving tradition is treating myself to a Double-Double from In-N-Out with a bottle of Sassicaia. The rich, savory depth of the burger pairs beautifully with the bold structure and elegance of the wine. It is comfort meets sophistication. After a long day in the kitchen, it is the ultimate reward: simple, satisfying and just a little indulgent.”
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