Planning a memorable holiday meal takes a lot of preparation, whether for two or twenty people. But selecting what wines to drink should be the fun part. After all, the wide range of dishes and flavors allows you to try something new. Or try a new version of a favorite varietal.
We’ve got some ideas for El Dorado wines to add to your Thanksgiving table. Read on for inspiration.
Zinfandel
Considered America’s heritage grape, it’s a signature varietal in El Dorado wine country, with wines ranging from traditional jammy to elegant and restrained. It’s a delicious foil to turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Some El Dorado Zins to explore include:
Boeger Winery 2019 El Dorado Zinfandel: Made with grapes from two parcels, including ‘old clone’ Zinfandel grapes from its historic Fossati block
Crystal Basin Cellars 2020 Zinfandel: A classic, bright zin, awarded Gold at the 2024 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Lava Cap 2022 Zinfandel Reserve: Made with grapes grown at some of the highest permittable elevations
Madroña Vineyards 2021 Lake Tahoe Zinfandel: Awarded Silver at the 2024 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Medeiros Family Wines 2020 Roque Norte Zinfandel: Awarded silver at the 2024 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Windwalker Vineyard 2021 Zinfandel: Awarded Gold at the 2024 California State Fair
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Cabernet Sauvignon
A classic Thanksgiving pairing, Cabernet Sauvignon complements a range of dishes. El Dorado boasts a range of aged, estate-grown, and, in many cases, organically grown wines to choose from.
Narrow Gate Vineyards 2018 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (limited release): A beautiful, rich wine from a Biodynamic® vineyard
Madroña Vineyards 2018 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon: Comes from El Dorado vines planted in 1973 and is a classic example of this varietal.
Cedarville Vineyard, 2018 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon: Organically farmed and bottled without filtration, awarded 92 points at JamesSuckling.com.
Mirador Winery, 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon: Awarded 94 points by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
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Syrah
If you want to move away from tradition, Rhône varietals make terrific counterparts to Thanksgiving’s rich dishes. You’ll find plenty of unique, delicious, and memorable options in El Dorado, including:
Holly’s Hill 2022 Fenaughty Syrah: A classic Syrah, awarded 92 points by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
Lava Cap 2019 Syrah: Made with grapes grown on southwest-facing slopes in loamy volcanic soil like those of the Côte-Rôtie.
Bumgarner Winery 2020 Petite Syrah: Awarded Gold at the 2023 Foothill Wine Festival Competition
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Viognier
White wine may not be the first thing that comes to mind for Thanksgiving, but this Rhone varietal provides enough complexity to match the holiday’s robust flavors and rich dishes.
Findleton Estate 2023 Viognier: Awarded Best White Wine and Best of Show – Overall at the 2024 Foothill Wine Festival Competition
Holly’s Hill 2023 Viognier: Awarded 91 points by Wine Enthusiast Magazine
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Sparkling Wine
Whether you prefer it as a pre-dinner drink, with the main course, with dessert, or all the above, sparkling wine’s versatility makes it a go-to for a holiday meal.
Starfield Vineyards 2021 Blanc de Blancs: Awarded Double Gold at 2024 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Edio Vineyards 2023 Sparkling Chenin Blanc Extra Brut
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