The leaves are changing, the weather is cooler and our Canadian Thanksgiving weekend is upon us!

What wine will you serve with your Thanksgiving festivities? So many options, so many food flavours, how do you choose? No problem. Here are three easy ways to be the hostess with the mostess this Thanksgiving.

1. Kick if off with bubbles

   Sparkling wine is a great way to start off the celebrations – either as a hostess gift or to accompany afternoon appetizers.
   Suggested wines:
   While I personally love French champagne, there are a couple of other options that won’t break the bank such as a Cava from Spain (try Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut Cava – medium-dry, citrus flavour with soft bubbles), or a Prosecco from Italy (try Ruffino Prosecco – a tad sweet with fruity and subtle honey flavours).

2. Go for red AND white wine with turkey  

   Yes, you read that right. If you are cooking a turkey for the main course, give your guests the option of both a red and a white wine. Honestly, people like what they like and it takes the guess-work out of what you should serve.
   Suggested wines:
   Red – Pinot Noir (try Meiomi Pinot Noir, California if you want more full-bodied rich berry flavours or Cave Spring Pinot Noir, Ontario for medium-bodied, fresh cranberry/red cherry flavours)
   White – Chardonnay (try Toasted Head Chardonnay, California or  Jackson Triggs 2015 Chardonnay Reserve, Ontario – both options are  medium-full body with varying levels of butter, vanilla and touch of citrus crispness). Chardonnay pairs fantastic with roasted turkey and the wholesome side dishes that accompany it.

3. Top it off with a Late Harvest or Ice Wine

   Treat your guests and serve a local Ontario Late Harvest or Ice Wine with dessert. A little goes a long way – I like to serve these in fancy over-sized shot glasses.
   Suggested wines:
   For those of you not sold on dessert wines, try a Late Harvest Riesling or Vidal (try Henry of Pelham Special Select Late Harvest Vidal VQA or Inniskillin Late Autumn Riesling VQA) you may be surprised how lovely they are after a big meal either on their own or with a slice of  homemade apple or pumpkin pie. For for a sweeter indulgence (and a tad more $), serve an Ontario Ice Wine (try Reif Estate Vidal Icewine 2007 VQA or Angels Gate Snow Angel Riesling Icewine 2013 VQA).

Above all, don’t sweat it – selecting the wine is the easy part. Enjoy your weekend however you plan to spend it. Take a few moments to savour the flavours and laughter of the friends and family around you. We all have so much to be thankful for.

Cheers!