I love a classic Thanksgiving dinner, so much so that I often question WHY in the world we don’t eat that classic combo more often - turkey, dressing (yes, I’m from Tennessee), mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, greens that are more bacon fat and crispies than actual greens, sweet potato casserole, a fresh touch of acid with cranberry sauce (or as my fam did growing up- grape jelly and butter on rolls), and GRAVY poured on everything. My dessert of choice is typically chocolate pie, but I do love a good pumpkin pie. Sometimes I like to drink my dessert.

I love pairing wine with legendary meals, and the Thanksgiving meal might be the most legendary of them all. Following are the wines I’ll be drinking on Thanksgiving. I tried to hit three points on this list - classic, affordable, producers I love. Sometimes I’m in a wacky mood and like to find unusual pairings to go with classic dishes but this week I’m longing for something comfy and traditional. I think with all the wild things happening in the world right now, I like so many of you are in need of some slow familiarity. I want something delicious and I don’t want to have to think too hard. I hope this list makes things easier for you too.

As you plan your wine this week, think about the types of food that will be on the table, the people you’ll be drinking with, and the stories you will or want to share.

The name of the game when it comes to classic Thanksgiving wine pairings is ACIDITY.

The classic Thanksgiving meal is HEAVY, famously coma inducing, rich with similar textures and flavors, especially if you drench everything in gravy. It begs for balance. The reason cranberry sauce or grape jelly on a roll slaps mid meal is the acidity. That tart refreshing bite brings a breath of fresh air and a palate cleanser in the midst of such heavy fare.

This is the way you should think about your wine. Pick wines that are refreshing and bright to balance out that richness, not wines that are also heavy or you’ll find your palate overwhelmed. I love preparing a variety of wines for a meal like this. I’ll usually start with bubbles, move into white, then light to medium-bodied red, then back to bubbles if not a dessert pour.

I wanted to give an affordable list of wines that drink way above their price point, wines that most of us can enjoy without breaking the bank. All these wines are under $40. (Don’t forget we offer a mixed case discount too and all Preston’s Picks Wine Club Members get 10% off all wine purchases all the time). If you want some suggestions at higher price points, you know where to find me.