Thanksgiving Wine Suggestions

We're Outta Here!

We are getting ready to head out for the holiday. It seems that no matter how well I plan and no matter how early I start preparations, I'm still running around frantically before it's time to go. I'm so looking forward to this trip to Coeur d'Alene. We are also hoping to make a day trip west to Seattle since none of us have been there. We'll see if that works out. I booked a photographer, so we are going to get professional photos done while on vacation. Hopefully we will be able to do an outdoor shoot if the weather permits. Since I'm not cooking for Thanksgiving this year, I won't be posting my fab appetizer recipes. (Maybe next year!)

But, I did want to give some wine suggestions. I happen to know a little about wine, maybe even a lot compared to some. I studied wine over the course of three years. I've worked in all aspects of the wine industry. I have worked as a sommelier in a fine restaurant, I have sold wine as a distributor to stores and restaurants, and I have worked selling wine directly to the customers either in a store or by leading private wine class parties.

But I digress, my point is that you can trust my advice in regards to this subject! Thanksgiving wine selection is pretty easy and straightforward. For a typical traditional Thanksgiving dinner my selection for red is Pinot Noir, something from the Oregon, perhaps, and a for white, a Riesling. Now with Riesling you can go a couple of different routes. I would suggest a dry or semi-sweet. Germany and Alsace are good bets. I also like one they have at Costco, from the Coppola Collection (California produced). It is called Sofia (after his movie-producing daughter). It comes in a fun, lovely bottle. My guests always seem to enjoy every last drop of it!

Just spend what you can afford. There are great wines in a variety of price points. I think a good starting point is $11-13 a bottle. Of course you can always go up from there, but you don't want to go through all of the trouble of cooking a great meal only to pair it with crappy wine. And if you're buying for a hostess gift, spend at least $20. Either buy one nice bottle or get two, a red and white. Definitely ask a sales person to help steer you in the right direction. That's why they're there. Use them to your benefit!

These two wines are perfect because there are so many different flavors going on, and these will compliment while not overpowering them. I'm sorry I don't have more time to explain but the kids keep talking to me and I'm supposed to be packing!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving All!