Thanksgiving is one of the most generous tables of the year: abundant dishes, rich flavors, and a meal that stretches from appetizers to dessert. Choosing wines that can move through all of it takes a little thought and a lot of fun.
Sterling Vineyards winemaker Lauren Kopit shares her picks for 2026, including a new holiday tradition she is excited to bring to the table.
Quick Pairing Guide
| Course | Wine | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Arrival and appetizers | Sterling Sparkling Brut | Bright bubbles and citrus notes set the tone and pair with light starters |
| Turkey and sides | Napa Valley Chardonnay | Crisp acidity and texture complement roasted turkey and buttery sides |
| Prime rib and turkey | Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon | Full-bodied richness matches the depth of both proteins |
| Dessert | Sterling Sparkling Brut | Effervescence cleanses the palate after a rich meal |
From the Winemaker
“This Thanksgiving, I am excited to bring a bottle of our new Sterling Vineyards Sparkling Brut to celebrate, and to share our Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon with my family at dinner. My new tradition is to prepare a Prime Rib alongside the traditional turkey, and the richness of the Platinum Cabernet pairs beautifully with the richness of the meal.”
— Lauren Kopit, Winemaker, Sterling Vineyards
The Pairings
Arrival: Sterling Sparkling Brut
Before anyone sits down, pour the bubbles. Sterling’s Sparkling Brut is the right way to welcome guests: bright, festive, and versatile enough to pair with almost anything on a pre-dinner spread. Its crisp effervescence and notes of citrus and pear complement light appetizers from goat cheese crostini to charcuterie, without competing with what comes next.
Serve well chilled, between 40 and 45°F.
Turkey and Sides: Napa Valley Chardonnay
A well-balanced Chardonnay is one of the most versatile wines on a Thanksgiving table. Sterling’s Napa Valley Chardonnay brings enough body to complement roasted turkey and buttery mashed potatoes, while its natural acidity keeps the pairing from feeling heavy. It also bridges nicely between the table’s lighter dishes, including green salads, roasted vegetables, and herb-forward stuffing, and the richer proteins.
Serve between 50 and 55°F.
Prime Rib and Turkey: Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon
This is Lauren’s pairing of the season. The Sterling Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the winery’s flagship wines: structured, fruit-forward, and rich enough to match the depth of Prime Rib without overwhelming the turkey alongside it. Dark fruit, warm spice, and firm tannins work beautifully with the fat and savoriness of a slow-roasted Prime Rib, while the wine’s balance keeps it food-friendly across a wide range of Thanksgiving dishes.
If you are adding Prime Rib to your table this year, this is the bottle to open.
Serve between 62 and 65°F.
Shop Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon
Dessert: Sterling Sparkling Brut
Sparkling wine does not have to be only an opener. A glass of Sterling Sparkling Brut at the end of the meal offers a clean, refreshing contrast to pumpkin pie, pecan tart, or any sweet finish. The effervescence resets the palate, and the wine’s brightness feels celebratory through the final course.
Sterling’s Thanksgiving Wine Recommendations at a Glance
- Sterling Sparkling Brut: arrival and dessert
- Sterling Napa Valley Chardonnay: turkey and sides
- Sterling Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon: Prime Rib and turkey
More Pairing Guides
- Wine and Cheese Pairings to Try
- Holiday Charcuterie Board Guide
- Cassoulet Paired with Iridium Cabernet Sauvignon
FAQs
What wine pairs best with Thanksgiving turkey?
A balanced Chardonnay or a medium-to-full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon both work well. Chardonnay complements lighter sides and roasted turkey, while Cabernet holds up to richer dishes and bold proteins like Prime Rib.
What is a good wine to serve at Thanksgiving when guests have different preferences?
Sparkling wine is the most crowd-friendly choice. It works across a wide range of palates and pairs with virtually every course. Offering one white and one red alongside it ensures every guest has a natural pairing.
Can you serve Cabernet Sauvignon with turkey?
Yes. A well-balanced Cabernet Sauvignon with fresh fruit and moderate tannins is a versatile Thanksgiving wine that pairs especially well with dark meat, savory stuffing, and richer proteins like Prime Rib.
What wine goes with Prime Rib?
A full-bodied red with structure and dark fruit is the classic pairing. Sterling Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent choice: its richness matches the fat and depth of Prime Rib beautifully.
Should I serve sparkling wine at Thanksgiving?
Absolutely. Sparkling wine works at both the start and end of the meal. It is celebratory, versatile, and provides a natural palate reset between courses and again at dessert.
What temperature should I serve Cabernet Sauvignon at Thanksgiving?
Between 62 and 65°F. A 20-minute rest from room temperature or a brief chill from the cellar gets you there. Avoid serving it too warm, which can make the alcohol feel prominent.
