Thanksgiving Wine Picks

November is here, which means we are only a few weeks away from Thanksgiving, and, like most of you, we at Black Star Farms have begun planning which dishes we will bring to pass around the dinner table, but more importantly, which wines we’ll be sipping with our holiday meal.

With the many flavors present at the Thanksgiving table, it may feel a little overwhelming picking the right wine to complement each dish. But, have no fear because we have done the hard work for you! View our picks below.

Label for the 2018 Blushed Sparkling Wine

No holiday feast is complete without a little bubbly! So try our 2018 Blushed as an accompaniment to your Thanksgiving appetizers. Comprised of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Marquette grapes, this sparkling rosé is dry and crisp and makes a fabulous aperitif that pairs easily with charcuterie. The fine bubbles make for a texture that is both exciting and refined, while flavors of red raspberries, Montmorency cherries, and lemon tart invigorate and prep the palate for your next course.

Label for the 2017 Arcturos Pinot Noir

When you’re ready to dive into the main course, we recommend reaching for a lighter-bodied red like our 2017 Arcturos Pinot Noir or 2019 Arcturos Gamay Noir. The reason these wines pair well is due to their light tannins and moderate acidity. The acidity helps cut through the fat of turkey and gravy without overpowering them, and the wines’ more delicate tannin structure nicely complements your cream-based dishes (green bean casserole, anyone?). In addition, both wines possess red fruit characteristics and a subtle earthiness that marry well with the different herbs and spices in dishes like stuffing. And for those of you who prefer ham over turkey, both of these silky reds harmonize beautifully with the smoky, salty flavors of ham.

Label for the 2017 Tribute Off Dry Riesling

If you (or your guests) are not a fan of red wine, we have selected a couple of white wines that will also pair well with your Thanksgiving fare. First is our 2017 Tribute Off Dry Riesling. This wine is crisp with balanced acidity, so it slices right through all the fatty, rich foods on the table, keeping your palate fresh between each sip, which is precisely what we need when we boldly fill our plates with seconds.

Labe for the 2018 Arcturos Gewurztraminer.

Riesling, not your thing? Give our 2018 Arcturos Gewurztraminer a try. This off-dry wine fulfills exactly what we are looking for in a Thanksgiving wine pairing. With its complex floral aromatics and intense fruit notes, it has just the right amount of contrast to enhance the flavors of both the main and side dishes on your table.

Label for the Sirius Maple Dessert Wine.

When it’s time to move on to dessert, and it seems like you couldn’t possibly stomach any more food, we suggest reaching for a dessert wine like our Sirius Maple. This unique wine starts with our Hard Apple Cider, is fortified with our Spirit of Apple Brandy, and is finished with Michigan maple syrup. Not only can this port-style wine be enjoyed as dessert itself,  but the rich flavors of apple and maple pair wonderfully with holiday pies such as pumpkin, pecan, or apple.

Need to stock up for the holidays? With many more styles available, we have something to please any palate. Stop by one of our Traverse City area tasting rooms (open daily 11-5) and let our staff help you pick out the perfect wine.

Don’t live locally? Visit our online store and have your wines shipped right to your door. Remember, purchase 6 or more bottles and shipping is free!

Experience the essence of fall at our harvest wine dinner, featuring bold seasonal dishes paired with award-winning wines. This is your chance to savor the best of the season, straight from our vineyard to your plate.