Thanksgiving Toast: Choosing the Right Wine for the Occasion
- Lauren Twitchell
- Nov 26
- 4 min read
Thanksgiving dinner has plenty of stars—the turkey, the sides, the pies—but when it comes to marking the moment, nothing matters more than the toast.
It’s the pause before the meal, the clinking of glasses, the moment when you stop and recognize the meaning of the day: gratitude, family, connection. And while the words of the toast carry the weight, the wine in your glass helps set the tone.
So how do you choose the right wine for a Thanksgiving toast? The good news is you don’t have to overcomplicate it. Whether you’re pouring homemade wine or picking up bottles at the store, here’s how to make the toast memorable.
Why the Toast Matters
In a meal full of abundance, the toast is a moment of simplicity. It’s one glass raised, one voice speaking, one shared pause before the rush of plates and flavors.
Wine elevates that moment because it carries symbolism:
Celebration. Sparkling wine signals festivity.
Connection. Red or white wines connect to tradition and family meals.
Presence. A glass of something made at home reminds everyone that time and effort went into what they’re about to enjoy.
The toast doesn’t need to be long or elaborate. But choosing the right wine can help anchor it as one of the most memorable parts of the day.
Sparkling Wines: The Classic Choice
If you want your toast to feel truly celebratory, bubbles are the way to go.
Champagne: The iconic choice, but pricey. Save for smaller gatherings or when you want luxury.
Prosecco (Italy): Crisp, fruity, and affordable. Light enough for everyone to enjoy.
Cava (Spain): Dry, refreshing, and food-friendly. Often better value than Champagne.
Sparkling Rosé: A fun twist that adds a pop of color to the table.
👉 Tip: Chill sparkling wines well (ice bucket cold) and pour smaller amounts—bubbles are for sipping, not guzzling.
Red Wines: Warmth and Tradition
A toast doesn’t have to mean Champagne. Red wines bring warmth and depth to the table, especially if your gathering feels cozy and traditional.
Pinot Noir: Light, versatile, and crowd-pleasing.
Beaujolais Nouveau: Released every November—practically made for Thanksgiving.
Zinfandel: Bold and spicy, perfect if your table leans toward hearty, rich flavors.
👉 Tip: Serve reds slightly chilled (around 55°F) for freshness.
White Wines: Bright and Refreshing
If your guests prefer lighter flavors, white wines make excellent toast options.
Riesling (off-dry): Slight sweetness balances salty sides and turkey.
Chardonnay: Oaked for richness, unoaked for crispness—choose based on your menu.
Sauvignon Blanc: Herbal and zesty, especially good if your dinner features lots of fresh herbs.
👉 Tip: Don’t be afraid to pour whites into smaller, stemless glasses if it keeps things simple and approachable.
Homemade Wines: Personal and Meaningful
If you’ve been fermenting at home, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to bring your bottles to the table. Even if it’s not your “best” batch, it’s the most meaningful one.
Fruit wines: Apple, pear, or cranberry wines tie beautifully into the season.
Semi-sweet whites: Often forgiving for beginners and crowd-friendly.
Young reds: A lighter homemade red can mimic Beaujolais in spirit—perfect for the holiday.
👉 Important: Remember, you can only share your homemade wine locally (you can’t legally ship it). Thanksgiving is the ideal occasion to uncork it with the people sitting right in front of you.
Making the Toast Itself
Choosing the wine is only half the equation—the other half is what you say.
Keep it simple:
Acknowledge the moment.
Express gratitude (for family, friends, food, or even just making it through another year).
Raise your glass with warmth.
Example:“Today isn’t just about the food—it’s about the people at this table. I’m grateful for each of you, and for the chance to share this meal together. Cheers.”
The wine you choose is there to support those words, not overshadow them.
Practical Tips for Serving
Have enough glasses: Even mismatched glasses work—holiday charm is about presence, not perfection.
Pour lightly: A toast is a sip, not a full pour. Let people refill after.
Offer a non-alcoholic option: Sparkling cider or grape juice lets everyone be part of the moment.
Set aside a bottle: Save one unopened bottle (sparkling, homemade, or special) as a keepsake of the year.
Thanksgiving isn’t about putting the perfect bottle on the table. It’s about pausing to connect, to recognize gratitude, and to start the meal with intention.
When you raise your glass, whether it’s filled with Champagne, Pinot Noir, Riesling, or a bottle you corked yourself, you’re doing more than toasting—you’re weaving memory into tradition.
And in the end, that’s what the day is really about.
The right wine for a Thanksgiving toast isn’t about price or prestige—it’s about meaning. Choose something that feels festive, fits your table, and carries the weight of gratitude.
Because the toast isn’t just a formality—it’s the heart of the meal. And the wine you raise in that moment will be remembered long after the plates are cleared.
🍷🦃 Cheers to gratitude, to family, and to the joy of crafting life by hand.
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