FEATURED IN THIS SET:

2020 Tranche, Pape Blanc, Blue Mountain Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley, Washington
(32% Viognier, 19% Grenache Blanc, 15% Roussanne, 15% Marsanne, 15% Picpoul Blanc, 4% Clairette Blanche)

A stunning Rhône-inspired blend, this white from Washington's Blue Mountain Vineyard offers elegance and depth. The bouquet unfolds with notes of ripe and concentrated melon, apricot, starfruit, and kiwi, mingling with roasted almond and hints of vanilla cream. Dry on the palate with a medium-plus body and a voluptuous, silky texture, it delivers layers of deliciousness, balanced by just the right amount of acidity to keep it palate cleansing and balanced. At 1,265 feet above sea level, the Blue Mountain Vineyard offers a commanding view of the Walla Walla Valley. This unique terroir—shaped by its elevation, aspect, and soil composition—imbues the wine with a distinct sense of place. Tranche Winery’s dedication to crafting expressive, aromatic wines shines in this 2020 Pape Blanc. Perfectly suited for Thanksgiving, this opulent yet balanced white pairs beautifully with creamy sides and savory dishes, adding a luxurious touch to your holiday table.

2021 Mullineux, Old Vines White, Swartland, South Africa
(62% Chenin Blanc, 10% Clairette Blanche, 9% Viognier, 7% Grenache Blanc, 6% Semillon Gris, 6% Verdelho)

Husband-and-wife team Chris and Andrea Mullineux are among South Africa's most celebrated winemakers, earning international acclaim for their commitment to showcasing Swartland’s extraordinary terroir. Their dedication to low-intervention practices and the region’s old vines results in wines of exceptional purity and elegance.

Crafted from sustainably farmed old vines—some over 60 years old—this Rhône-inspired white blend captures the unique essence of Swartland, a rugged, windswept region with granite, schist, and iron-rich soils. Chenin Blanc forms the backbone, contributing texture and depth, while Mediterranean varieties like Grenache Blanc, Clairette Blanche, and Viognier add layers of aromatic lift, salinity, and lively freshness. The wine offers an elegant interplay of ripe peach, lemon curd, and honeysuckle, underscored by hints of flint and baking spice from 11 months in French oak (20% new). The palate is beautifully balanced, with a creamy texture complemented by vibrant acidity, finishing long with notes of citrus zest and mineral salinity. This versatile wine is a standout pairing for roasted turkey, herbaceous stuffing, and even rich seafood dishes, making it a brilliant addition to any Thanksgiving table.

Pro Tip: Enjoy this wine slightly chilled (not too cold), and save a sip for the creamy mashed potatoes or an indulgent cheese course.

2020 Domaine Huet, Le Haut-Lieu, Demi-Sec, Vouvray, Loire, France
(100% Chenin Blanc)

A true gem from one of Vouvray’s legendary producers, the 2020 Le Haut-Lieu Demi-Sec Chenin Blanc epitomizes off-dry perfection. Founded in 1928, Domaine Huet has upheld a dedication to quality through decades of perseverance and passion, led today by Benjamin Joliveau, with support from veteran winemakers and the second generation of the Hwang family. Nestled on Vouvray’s tuffeau limestone soils, the estate’s terroir is ideal for Chenin Blanc, allowing it to develop a remarkable range of expressions from dry to sweet.

This demi-sec 2020 vintage, crafted from grapes grown in the esteemed Le Haut-Lieu vineyard, shines with luxurious ripeness and finesse. Now aged to a glorious balance, it showcases honeyed layers of ripe pear, golden apple, and quince, all lifted by lively acidity that keeps it refreshing on the palate. It’s smooth, nuanced, and a fantastic partner not only for savory courses but also for a seamless transition into dessert, especially with classic Thanksgiving pies like apple and pumpkin.

(Huët enthusiasts, don’t miss our special Elevated Thanksgiving Sets featuring Domaine Huët’s single-vineyard Vouvray Horizontals in both Sec and Demi-Sec styles—an exclusive treat for any holiday table and wine cellar!)

2016 Moric, Blaufrankisch Reserve, Burgenland, Austria
(100% Blaufrankisch)

A flagship expression of Blaufränkisch, blending tradition with unparalleled finesse.

This remarkable wine from Roland Velich’s Moric estate is a pinnacle of Blaufränkisch artistry, showcasing the variety’s potential to rival the world’s finest. Crafted from old and middle-aged vines on the storied Lutzmannsburg plateau, the 2016 Reserve combines elegance, complexity, and an undeniable sense of place.

The bouquet unfolds with wild violets, freshly cracked pepper, and an enticing core of sour cherry and blackberry. Herbaceous hints of dried rosemary and oregano, forest floor nuances, and a touch of salinity lend remarkable depth. On the palate, this wine is pure silk—velvety tannins balanced by lively acidity and a mineral backbone create an effortless harmony. Layers of brambly fruit and savory spice crescendo into a graceful, prolonged finish that delights with every sip.

Velich’s philosophy of “Blaufränkisch Unplugged” is evident in this Reserve bottling, which combines Burgundian refinement with Austrian soul. Polished yet earthy, it’s a wine to savor with roasted turkey, herb stuffing, or simply on its own for a moment of pure indulgence. A truly unforgettable addition to your Thanksgiving table—or any special occasion.

(Bonus: His 2021 Blaufränkisch is in our Explorer Celebration Thanksgiving set. Add a bottle to compare and contrast.)

2017 SAMsARA, Las Hermanas, Pinot Noir, Sta Rita Hills, California
(100% Pinot Noir)

Elegant and expressive, this cool-climate Pinot Noir captures the essence of Sta. Rita Hills. With its layers of ripe red cherry, wild strawberry, and forest floor, the wine’s silky texture and vibrant acidity make it a standout pairing for the full spectrum of Thanksgiving flavors.

Sta. Rita Hills’ proximity to the Pacific Ocean—just 8 miles away—creates ideal conditions for growing premium Pinot Noir. Morning fog, cool afternoon breezes, and marine-origin soils combine to produce grapes with intense varietal character and natural acidity. SAMsARA’s Las Hermanas Pinot Noir is sourced from sustainably farmed vineyards, with their four rows of Clone 115 located on well-drained, steep slopes that encourage concentrated, high-quality fruit.

Hailing from Maine, SAMsARA’s owner Joan Szkutak brings a distinct New England sensibility to her Santa Barbara winery. After a successful career in engineering, Joan, alongside her husband Dave, fell in love with Santa Barbara Wine Country and its resemblance to the places they cherished during their travels. With a commitment to low-intervention winemaking and a focus on small, carefully chosen vineyard plots, SAMsARA produces wines that reflect both their passion for tradition and the unique character of their vineyards.

The 2017 Las Hermanas Pinot Noir is a testament to SAMsARA’s philosophy—crafted with care, balance, and a deep sense of place. Perfect for your holiday table, this wine adds sophistication and a touch of Maine-rooted pride to your Thanksgiving celebration.

2022 Robert Biale, Black Chicken, Zinfandel, Napa Valley, California
(100% Zinfandel)

A wine with a story as rich as its flavors, the Black Chicken Zinfandel is a love letter to Napa Valley’s heritage vineyards. Perfect for dark meat turkey lovers, this Zinfandel’s luscious, bold profile makes it an excellent pairing for Thanksgiving’s savory dishes—and be sure to save the last sip for a slice of chocolate pie.

Black Chicken delivers all the hallmarks of classic California Zinfandel: a plush, fruit-forward profile with an elegant backbone. On the nose, aromas of blackberry preserves, raspberry, cherry wood, and hints of cocoa are underscored by subtle notes of violet and anise. The palate is full-bodied and expressive, with layers of black cherry, plum, baking spices, dried herbs, and a whisper of pomegranate. Balanced acidity and velvety tannins create a structure that’s both approachable and age-worthy.

This flagship wine from Robert Biale Vineyards embodies the family’s devotion to preserving Napa’s historic old-vine Zinfandel sites. With origins tracing back to the 1940s and Aldo Biale’s bootleg wine business—code-named “Black Chicken” to keep his operation under wraps—this Zinfandel is as much a tribute to tradition as it is a modern benchmark for the varietal. Crafted from meticulously farmed vineyards in Napa’s fog-kissed Oak Knoll District, this Zinfandel combines the region’s cooling breezes with the expertise of winemaker David Natali to achieve a wine of remarkable balance and depth. Black Chicken is a true California classic, destined to delight at your Thanksgiving table and beyond.