Thanksgiving is a holiday defined by abundance of flavors, aromas, textures, and, ideally, unforgettable moments shared with the people who matter most. To elevate every stage of the day, from the first aromas in the kitchen to the final bite of dessert, Magellan Jets’ in-house sommelier Jesse Rodriguez shares his expertly curated selections for the best Thanksgiving wines.
With decades of experience in Michelin-starred dining rooms, elite wine programs, and luxury hospitality, Jesse brings a world-class perspective to holiday pairings, balancing sophistication, versatility, and a sense of celebration.
Wines to Start the Day: Elegant, Low-Alcohol Sippers for Cooking & Gathering
Before the turkey hits the oven and the guests settle in, Jesse recommends beginning the experience with something refreshing, crisp, and low in alcohol—wines that engage the palate without overwhelming it.
“As we’re cooking sauces, preparing the meal, and connecting with family, I like to start with something low in alcohol. An Albariño from Spain, a Champagne from Épernay, or a sparkling wine from California like Schramsberg or Domaine Carneros are all great options” —Jesse Rodriguez
Jesse’s Top Picks for Early-Day Sipping
- Albariño (Rías Baixas, Spain) Bright, saline, citrus-driven—the perfect wine to sip while cooking.
- Champagne from Épernay (Champagne, France) A refined way to begin the celebration; its chalky minerality and finesse pair beautifully with light bites.
- Schramsberg or Domaine Carneros (California Sparkling Wine) American classics with balance, elegance, and a festive sparkle.
These selections awaken the palate and set a luxurious yet effortless tone for the holiday ahead.
Main Course Pairings: Versatile Wines for Turkey, Ham & Beef Wellington
Thanksgiving’s main course is a symphony of flavors: roasted turkey, glazed ham, indulgent beef Wellington, stuffing, root vegetables, and a dozen side dishes ranging from herbaceous to sweet to savory. Jesse selects wines that have the breadth and nuance to complement this entire spectrum.
“For the main course, I look for wines that cover a broad gamut of flavors, from savory stuffing to cranberry sauce. A Carneros Chardonnay or a Pinot Noir from Bien Nacido Vineyard are exceptional choices.” —Jesse Rodriguez
White Wine: Carneros Chardonnay (Hudson Vineyards, California)
Hudson Vineyards is one of California’s most revered Chardonnay producers, offering a refined balance of richness and acidity—making it ideal for turkey, gravy, and buttery side dishes.
Red Wine: Pinot Noir (Royal Prince, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley)
Bien Nacido is a legendary site known for producing ethereal, complex Pinot Noir.
Expect:
- Cherry
- Cranberry
- Red currant
Those cranberry notes, Jesse emphasizes, tie beautifully into the flavors already present on the Thanksgiving table.
Dessert Pairings: World-Class Sweet Wines for an Elevated Finish
As the meal transitions into pie season, Jesse turns to the great sweet wine regions of the world, Germany, Tuscany, and Bordeaux, to amplify each dessert’s defining flavors.
For Apple Pie: German Riesling (Mosel, Kabinett or Spätlese)
“For apple pie with candied ginger and lime, I love Riesling from Germany’s Mosel Valley—Kabinett to Spätlese levels are exceptional.” —Jesse Rodriguez
Riesling’s acidity and orchard-fruit sweetness are a natural match for spiced apple desserts.
For Pecan Pie: Vin Santo (Tuscany, Italy)
Jesse recommends Vin Santo, a traditional Tuscan dessert wine known for notes of caramel, dried fruit, and toasted nuts.
Producer Spotlight: Boscarelli — renowned for balanced, artisanal Vin Santo crafted in small quantities.
The wine’s molasses, brown sugar, and roasted nut elements echo pecan pie’s deepest flavors.
For Pumpkin Pie & Golden-Fruit Desserts: Sauternes or Barsac (Bordeaux, France)
“When I think of golden fruits—sultanas, raisins, apricots, peaches—I think of Sauternes and its surrounding communes like Barsac.” —Jesse Rodriguez
These noble-rot wines create harmony with pumpkin pie’s warm spices and creamy texture while enhancing fruit-driven dessert components.
Create a Holiday to Remember
Whether you’re hosting a curated celebration or a lively family gathering, the right wines bring balance, joy, and elevated sensory experience to Thanksgiving. Jesse’s world-class selections are crafted to pair with the full sweep of flavors—from the first simmering sauce to the final bite of dessert.
With thoughtful pairings like these, your Thanksgiving becomes more than a holiday—it becomes a culinary journey.
About Jesse Rodriguez
Jesse Rodriguez is the Resident Sommelier for Magellan Jets, bringing Michelin-level expertise to the skies. A two-time James Beard Semifinalist, Rodriguez previously served as Head Sommelier at The French Laundry in Napa Valley, California, where he helped the restaurant earn its inaugural Michelin three-star award. At Magellan Jets, Rodriguez leads bespoke wine experiences, from in-flight tastings and vineyard access to personalized at-home cellar consultations.
