Canadian Thanksgiving falls on Monday, October 12, 2026, and for most families the big dinner happens sometime over the long weekend. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, roasted squash, pie: it is one of the most varied meals of the year, which makes choosing the wine feel tricky. What pairs with turkey also has to work with sweet cranberries, rich gravy and earthy vegetables.
The good news is that Thanksgiving is very forgiving. Here is what to pour with each part of the meal, how much to buy, and some easy, crowd-pleasing options.
The golden rule: choose versatile wines
With so many flavours on one plate, the best Thanksgiving wines are fruity, fresh and not too heavy. Look for wines with good acidity (to cut through the richness of gravy and butter) and soft tannins (which won’t clash with turkey or cranberry). Very oaky whites and big, tannic reds can overwhelm the meal.
The best white wines for Thanksgiving
Riesling
Many sommeliers’ top pick. An off-dry Riesling has enough sweetness to match cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes, and enough acidity to refresh your palate between bites. Ontario makes excellent Riesling, so it is a great chance to support local wineries. Our guide to Ontario wine country in the fall covers the province’s best grapes.
Pinot Grigio
Light, crisp and easy to love. Peller Family Pinot Grigio and Jackson-Triggs Pinot Grigio are both refreshing choices that work with turkey, salads and vegetable dishes. Learn more in exploring the flavour profiles of Pinot Grigio.
Chardonnay
A lightly oaked Chardonnay is lovely with buttery mashed potatoes, creamy sides and white meat.
Sauvignon Blanc
Zesty and herbal, Gato Negro Sauvignon Blanc goes well with green vegetables, herb stuffing and salads.
The best red wines for Thanksgiving
Pinot Noir and Gamay
Light-bodied reds with bright cherry and cranberry flavours are the classic Thanksgiving pairing. They complement dark turkey meat, mushrooms and cranberry sauce without overpowering anything.
Merlot
Soft, round and plummy, Merlot is a safe crowd-pleaser for guests who prefer red. Jackson-Triggs Merlot is easy-drinking and food-friendly.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Bolder and more structured. If you are serving roast beef or lamb alongside the turkey, a Cabernet like Gato Negro Cabernet Sauvignon is a great match. Read Cabernet Sauvignon vs. Merlot to choose between the two.
Pairings for every dish
| Dish | Best pairing |
|---|---|
| Roast turkey (white meat) | Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling |
| Roast turkey (dark meat) | Pinot Noir, Gamay, Merlot |
| Stuffing with herbs and sausage | Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc |
| Cranberry sauce | Off-dry Riesling or a fruity red |
| Mashed potatoes and gravy | Chardonnay or Merlot |
| Roasted squash and sweet potatoes | Riesling |
| Ham | Riesling or sparkling rosé |
| Pumpkin pie | Late-harvest wine or icewine |
Start (and toast) with bubbles
Sparkling wine is the most food-friendly wine there is, and it makes everyone feel like it is an occasion. Serve a prosecco or sparkling rosé with appetisers and for the toast. It also works right through dinner if you prefer to keep things simple.
How much wine to buy for Thanksgiving
A good guideline is half a bottle to one bottle per wine-drinking adult for a long holiday dinner. A 750 ml bottle pours about five glasses.
- 8 adults: 5–6 bottles, for example 1 sparkling, 2 whites and 2–3 reds.
- 12 adults: 8–10 bottles.
- Always add one or two extra. Leftover wine keeps; running out in the middle of dinner is no fun.
Our party alcohol guide has more on calculating quantities.
Serving tips
- Chill the whites and sparkling in the fridge the night before; the fridge is always full on the day.
- Lightly chill light reds. Pinot Noir and Gamay taste best around 13–15°C, about 20 minutes in the fridge.
- Open reds early to let them breathe while the turkey rests.
- Offer non-alcoholic options such as sparkling apple cider for kids and drivers.
Avoiding pairing mistakes? See the worst foods to pair with white wine.
Frequently asked questions
What wine goes best with turkey?
Pinot Noir is the classic red pairing for turkey, and Riesling or Chardonnay are the classic whites. All three have the acidity and fruit to match the whole meal.
Should I serve red or white wine at Thanksgiving?
Both. Thanksgiving dinner has so many flavours that offering one white, one red and a sparkling lets every guest find something they like.
Can I get wine delivered for Thanksgiving in Toronto?
Yes. Instabooze delivers wine across Toronto and the GTA all Thanksgiving weekend, which is handy when the stores are busy or closed for the holiday. Browse our wines. You must be 19 or older and show ID.
Thanksgiving is about gratitude, family and a table full of food. Pick a few versatile bottles, chill them ahead of time, and enjoy the meal. Happy Thanksgiving!
