Food, Wine

A Wine Lovers’ Guide to Thanksgiving

Welcome to our guide to the ultimate Thanksgiving table with California wines. Read on for festive recipe ideas, wine pairings and ways to make your holiday more sustainable.

Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday and there is no better time to showcase some of the most delicious wines America has to offer. Did you know that over 80% of all wines from the U.S. are grown in the Golden State? Whether you’re hosting a large crowd or just a few close friends this year, our recipe round-up will help you treat your guests to a California wine-centric meal from appetizers to desserts.

A Very Sustainable Holiday

The choices we make as consumers have an impact when it comes to sustainability. Taking a moment to plan ahead and consider how we might be more sustainable is especially important around the holidays when food waste is at its peak. By choosing to purchase produce from local farmers at farmers’ markets or looking for California-grown items at the supermarket, you are not only supporting the local economy and farming families, but you’re also reducing your carbon footprint. Here’s a shopping guide from our friends at California Grown that can help you tell if what you’re buying is from the Golden State.

The same goes for wines — 80% of California wines come from sustainable wineries. That’s a lot of wine to choose from! So how can you tell if the wine you’re looking at is sustainable? The easiest thing to look for is the “Certified Sustainable” logo located on the back of the bottle. To date, about 228 million bottles bear the logo. In addition to the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing Program, another 22% of California winegrape acres are certified to other sustainability programs, with some vineyards certifying to more than one program. Other logos to look for include Napa Green, LODI RULES and SIP Certified to name a few. When in doubt, you can always check out this list of Certified Sustainable wineries and this list of Certified Sustainable wines to help you make the best choice for your Thanksgiving (or any) meal.

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Table with California Wines

Now that you know how to find locally-grown produce, dairy and meats as well as sustainable wines to go with your meal, we can get down to business. These recipes are totally California-inspired and totally delicious.

California Gold Rush Cocktail

A signature cocktail is a great way to welcome you’re guests.

This simple drink is a refreshing take on the classic Gold Rush cocktail with a Golden State-inspired Chardonnay spin! Lemon juice, honey-syrup and thyme make for an easy-drinking and delicious way to get the party started.

Almond Cheddar Crackers

We are obsessed with these addictive Almond Cheddar Crackers. They make a great addition to a charcuterie board or are perfect for nibbling on their own. These small crackers deliver big flavor.

Pair with California Cabernet Sauvignon or California Zinfandel.

Little Gem Salad with Blue Cheese and Walnuts

Little Gem lettuces are a romaine relative but they are smaller, more tender and sweeter. If you can’t find Little Gems, hearts of butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce make a good alternative. Juicy grapes, crunchy walnuts and tangy blue cheese add incredible texture and flavor to this salad.

Pair with California rosé or Riesling.

Focaccia Bread Pudding with Wild Mushrooms

Step aside, stuffing! This savory, custardy bread pudding makes an irresistible side dish that may well become a new tradition at your Thanksgiving table.

Pair with a California Chardonnay or Pinot Noir.

Pear Gravy and Herbed Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

Doing a smaller Thanksgiving? Or just looking for something a bit healthier than the standard bird? This Pear Gravy And Herbed Roast Turkey Breast Recipe from Aida at Salt & Wind fits the bill.

Serve with California Zinfandel or Grenache.

Pear Pie with Gluten-Free Pie Crust

This beautiful pear pie from Alison at A Girl Defloured is studded with juicy blackberries and baked in a flavorful syrup made with red wine from California and just a touch of rosemary. The gluten-free pie crust, which has also been lined with homemade almond paste, is flaky and flavorful and easy to work with. This pie tastes just like a slice of autumn — California style.

Pair with California Pinot Noir or a fruit-forward red blend.

About the Author

From an early age, Alison Needham has been pondering life's one big question — what's for dinner? She's been a content creator, recipe developer and food photographer for more than two decades. Alison lives in Southern California with her husband, an assortment of quirky pets and occasionally one (or all three) of her young adult children.