The Best Champagne and Wines for Thanksgiving 2025

This post is all about different wines and the best champagne for Thanksgiving this year!

Thanksgiving is hands-down one of the best holidays of the year. Between the warmth of family gatherings, the variety of dishes that make up the thanksgiving feast, and the festive moments that fill the night, you want a drink in your hand that matches the occasion. And while turkey, stuffing, and sweet potato pie get most of the attention, —no Thanksgiving celebration is complete without a nice bottle of champagne or decadent wine to elevate the evening.

If you’re wondering what to pour this year, I’ve got you covered with the best champagne for Thanksgiving and wines that will have your guests raising their glasses for more.

Why Champagne Is a Must for Turkey Day

Champagne isn’t just for New Year’s Eve or weddings. This sparkling drink is made for the holiday season, especially Thanksgiving. Its intricate flavor profiles of great champagne cut right through rich food like mashed potatoes or cajun turkey. Plus, it has the versatility to pair with both savory dishes and desserts like apple pie or pumpkin pie.

What makes champagne special is the traditional method used to produce it. Crafted in the Champagne region of France, each style of this pour—from extra brut champagnes to rosé champagne—offers various levels of sweetness that can complement your thanksgiving table beautifully.

Whether you’re a wine nerd who wants to talk about primary grape varieties like pinot noir and chardonnay, or you just want an excellent choice that feels festive, there’s no better way to bring the whole table together than with champagne toasts before dinner.

Choosing the Best Options for Your Gathering

When shopping for the best champagne for Thanksgiving, you’ll want to think about more than just the price point. While splurging on a bottle of the best champagne can make the night feel extra special, there are plenty of affordable options that still bring big flavor.

Here are a few things to look for:

• Sweetness levels: A dry champagne works well with the main course, while something with a touch of sweetness pairs perfectly with desserts.
• Style of champagne: Rosé champagne isn’t just pretty in the glass—it also pairs beautifully with turkey and the tartness of cranberry sauce.
• Non-vintage champagne: If you’re buying multiple bottles for a large feast, non-vintage champagne is a reliable, affordable option that’s still delicious.

With so many champagne styles out there, you’ll easily find one that matches your menu and vibe.

The Best Wines for Thanksgiving

Of course, not everyone at your thanksgiving celebration will reach for the bubbly, and that’s where wine comes in. A great wine is essential for pairing with the variety of dishes you’ll be serving. Thanksgiving is all about flavors colliding—from stuffing to sweet potatoes—so having the best wine on hand makes the meal even better.

• Pinot Noir: Known for its light body and smooth finish, pinot noir is an excellent choice for turkey. Its subtle fruitiness complements everything from the main course to a slice of pumpkin pie.
• Red Blends: For guests who prefer bold flavors, red blends with notes of spice can stand up to rich sides like gravy and mac and cheese.
• White Wines: Crisp whites, such as sauvignon blanc or riesling, balance the richness of the thanksgiving table with a refreshing edge.
• Sparkling Wine: Don’t limit yourself to French champagne—sparkling wine from California or Spain can be a fun cocktail base and a crowd-pleasing sip.

Pairing wine with Thanksgiving dinner is about creating balance. Think about the flavors on the table and how your drink can highlight them.

Champagne & Wine Pairing Suggestions

To take the guesswork out, here are some pairings your guests will love:

• Extra Brut Champagne + Turkey & Gravy: The crisp dryness cuts through rich flavors and keeps every bite refreshing.
• Rosé Champagne + Cranberry Sauce: The fruitiness and bubbles amplify the vibrant tartness of cranberry sauce.
• Pinot Noir + Stuffing or Roasted Veggies: This wine’s earthy notes are an excellent choice with classic side dishes.
• Sparkling Wine + Apple Pie: A glass with a touch of sweetness is the better way to finish the meal with dessert.
• Chocolate Liqueur or Creamy Cocktails + Pumpkin Pie: For those who want something indulgent, creamy drinks can double as dessert.

Affordable Options vs. Splurge-Worthy Bottles

Not every Thanksgiving needs a luxury bottle, but every Thanksgiving deserves a thoughtful one. You can grab affordable options of non-vintage champagne or sparkling wine under $30 that are still perfect for champagne toasts. Or, if you want to make this year extra memorable, treat your guests to a bottle of the best champagne from the Champagne region of France—trust me, the intricate flavor profiles of great champagne will impress even the most casual sipper at your table.

When considering price points, it’s all about balance. If you’re hosting a large group, stocking up on non-vintage champagne or sparkling wine ensures there’s plenty to go around. But for those intimate, special occasions, splurging on rosé champagne or a vintage bottle makes the night unforgettable.

Raise a Glass to Thanksgiving 2025

Thanksgiving is the time of year when we gather, laugh, and eat way too much—and a delicious drink makes it even better. Whether you go for a nice bottle of champagne, an affordable sparkling cider, or the best wine to pair with your main course, you’re guaranteed to add a festive twist to the holiday spirit.

The champagne styles and wine pairings you choose can elevate your thanksgiving feast from good to unforgettable. From champagne toasts at the start of dinner to sipping pinot noir alongside pumpkin pie, there’s no shortage of fun cocktail and wine options for your Thanksgiving celebration.

So this year, don’t just focus on the food—make sure the drinks are just as thoughtful. Because at the end of the day, the warmth of family gatherings, the laughter around the table, and a bottle of the best champagne are what make Thanksgiving one of our favorite holidays.