A holiday feast without wine is unthinkable, especially for Thanksgiving when there are so many excellent white wine choices for turkey. Versatile Chardonnay, crisp Sauvignon Blanc, and sweet Riesling offer a balance of acidity and flavor to compliment the main dish and creamy sides. And for a taste of adventure, there are inviting Italian and Greek varietals to explore.
Bouchaine 2023 Reserve Chardonnay — Napa
Bouchaine’s 100-acre estate vineyard lies on the southern border of Napa Valley’s unique Carneros district, a unique area that lends a distinctive regional identity to white wine varietals. Bouchaine winemakers create a lush Chardonnay with a crisp citrusy nature that denies the unctuousness of stereotypical buttery-styled California wines. Full malolactic, new oak barrel fermentation, and sur lie aging provides a rich contrast to their Estate Chardonnay and a fascinating exercise in wine styling.
Lloyd by Robert Lloyd 2024 Savignon Blanc — Napa
Lloyd Cellars’ inaugural Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from a small test block at the esteemed Sangiacomo Vineyards in Carneros — a longtime Lloyd collaborator known for meticulous farming and premium fruit. After years of crafting Sauvignon Blanc behind the scenes, Rob Lloyd brings his signature touch to center stage. He waited for the ideal ripening window, and harvested just as the white peach flavors reached their peak. The result: an expressive Sauvignon Blanc with layered notes of citrus, stone fruit, and fresh herbs in every sip.
Cloudy Bay 2025 Sauvignon Blanc — New Zealand
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc put New Zealand wine on the map with its quality and captivating flavor. This, their 41st vintage of Sauvignon Blanc, is mouthwateringly intense, revealing notes of bright lemon curd notes layered over white nectarine, and fresh sea salt . Quite restrained on the nose and less tropical than previous vintages, it has a freshening saline edge and a long, concentrated and complex finish.
Talley 2023 Estate Chardonnay — San Luis Obispo Coast, California
Talley Vineyards’ quintessential expression is their Estate Chardonnay which draws from Rosemary’s Vineyard’s vibrant acidity, Oliver’s Vineyard’s distinctive apple notes, and Rincon Vineyard’s citrus characteristics, creating a wine of remarkable complexity and balance. The grapes are are harvested at night, when cooler temperatures help preserve their bright, vibrant character. Native yeast fermentation in French oak barrels (23% new) and aged 11 months in barrel and three months in tank, provide layers of texture while preserving the wine’s inherent freshness.
Alma Rosa Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay 2023 — Santa Barbara County
Pale straw yellow in the glass, Alma Rosa’s 2023 Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay opens with aromas of citrus blossoms, stone fruit and coastal breeze. On the palate, flavors of yellow apple and stony minerality add depth, framed by lively acidity that carries through to a long, saline finish. This Californian wine beautifully expresses the cool-climate elegance and oceanic characteristic of wines from Alma Rosa’s El Jabali estate.
Demetria Cuvee Papou 2023 — Santa Ynez Valley
Each year, Demetria Estate in lovely Los Olivos, California creates a unique “Papou” (which translates to “grandfather” in Greek) in honor of the winery’s founder, John Zahoudanis. With steep hillsides and dramatic vistas, Demetria Estate is awe-inspiring. A sustainable approach to farming and artisan craftsmanship are the tools they use for every release, each of which is grown, produced and bottled by Demetria Estate.
Alois Lageder Löwengang Chardonnay Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT — Italy
Alois Lageder’s Löwengang Chardonnay has played a major role in establishing Alto Adige’s status as a quality wine region since 1984 when it became the first white wine from the region to be successful internationally. Lageder comes from a plot that reacts differently every year to the local weather, making every vintage unique. The name Löwengang derives from a historical residence of the same name in Magrè that has been in the possession of the Lageder family since 1934.
Tenuta Tascante Contrada Pianodario Etna Doc — Sicily, Italy
The Tasca d’Almerita family has been making wine in Sicily for over 200 years, and is now a leading producer of Etna wines at its Tenuta Tascante estate at 2,400 feet above sea level on the slopes of Mt Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. The nine acres of terraced vineyards benefit from the volcanic soil dating back as far as 4,000 to 30,000 years. Tenuta Tascante Contrada Pianodario is 100% Nerello Mascalese aged one year in large Slavonian oak casks.
Francis Ford Coppola Shimmer — Northern California
This is the first new addition to Francis Ford Coppola Winery‘s Diamond Collection of wines since 2022. Shimmer is a vibrant, white blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio grapes sourced from select vineyards in California’s cooler regions. At less than $20 per bottle, this is your affordable wine that’s light, crisp and effortlessly refreshing.
Prescription 2022 Chardonnay — Clarksburg, California
Holiday gifting gets a jolt of attitude for a bargain price with Prescription from Lloyd Cellars, Robert Lloyd wine’s collaboration with winemaker Dave Phinney. Known for its unapologetic style and playful label, Prescription offers a Chardonnay that’s bold, fruit-forward, and ready to impress. The wine showcases ripe orchard fruit with creamy balance. Hosts looking for holiday wines that feel stylish, modern, and giftable will find Prescription ideal for occasions that lean into discovery, affordability, and personality.
The Federalist Chardonnay — Lodi, California
As the first white wine from The Federalist cellar, their Chardonnay holds its own with aromas of lemon, pear, and a touch of cinnamon for a fresh, crisp flavor. The lees are stirred throughout the malolactic fermentation, giving the wine a rich mouthfeel despite its modest price. The combination of new American and French Oak barrels used for aging, gives a balance of coconut and vanilla notes, and a spicy character.
