Don’t let the holiday wine selection scare you! Here are our tips for a no stress, big hit, Thanksgiving wine menu.
5. Variety - but not too much variety! One red and one white is plenty of selection. And if you’re feeling generous throw in a sweet wine. We’d suggest a barrel fermented Chardonnay and a medium body red wine - like Raptor Red. Those wines are versatile and can serve multiple duties - al the way from appetizer to dessert!
4. Know your audience. We suggest planning for 3 glasses of wine per person - but you know who is coming and what they’ll drink. If you’re serving beer or cocktails factor those in as well.
3. Chill early - go ahead and put that wine in the refrigerator Monday - check it off the list. You don’t want to serve warm Chardonnay and wine definitely keeps well in the chiller!
2. Over Estimate - Nobody wants to run out of wine!! Have a few extra bottles stashed away incase Uncle Jerry stays for an extra few pieces of pie! You’ll be glad you have something extra to sip on while you’re doing the dishes hiding out!
1. DRINK WHAT YOU LIKE! This is the most important rule. If you like a wine - it will pair perfectly with whatever you’re serving! Don’t stick with the old rules of white meat white wine - Cabernet Franc is a perfect choice for all holiday foods!
Oh - and one additional rule. HAVE FUN! RELAX! The holidays should be about really getting to enjoy one another. If the turkey is raw and the potatoes are lumpy - who cares? The wine will be delicious and you’ll make memories that will fill your hearts through the years! Cheers and DRINK NAKED!