Sara Abernethy's Thanksgiving Wine Pairings

The wine and hospitality pro shares her tips for crowd-pleasing wines that work well with turkey, stuffing and other holiday fixings
by Hampton Williams Hoffer

Sara Abernethy is the co-founder of Wye Hill Hospitality and a certified wine slinger, holder of a Level 3 Certification from the Wine, Spirit & Education Trust, and a French Wine Scholar award who loves to find the perfect wine to go with a meal. For Thanksgiving, she suggests asking your local wine shop for a bottle with great acidity. “There’s such a range of dishes around the table at Thanksgiving that a wine that refreshes your palate will serve you well,” she says. “And when in doubt, go with Champagne. Bubbles go with everything!”

Lelarge-Pugeot Champagne

Abernethy loves this true champagne from Vrigny a Premier Cru village in France. “This producer makes a vibrant, fruity and flirty expression of Champagne that is scrumptious on its own, but also incredibly flexible when paired with foods,” she says.

Chateau Yvonne Saumur Blanc

A Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley in France, this choice is lighter to medium in body with gorgeous minerality. “I love how it complements and cuts through richer dishes, like stuffing,” Abernethy says. “This wine is great for those who love Sauvignon Blanc but might want to be a bit more adventurous.”

Cristom Pinot Noir

“When it comes to Pinot Noir, there are so many to choose from, and the Willamette Valley in Oregon is one of my favorite regions,” says Abernethy. “Pinot noir is lighter in body with great acidity, and I love the smoky and black pepper notes that come from this terroir.”