In a region blessed with an embarrassment of wine riches, narrowing down what deserves a place at the Thanksgiving table is no small feat. Luckily, I’ve done the glasswork for you. From a standout local sparkler to small-production gems to an Anderson Valley pick from a Russian River Valley icon, these bottles are poised to shine alongside the year’s most meaningful meal.
Domaine Carneros (NV) Cuvée de la Pompadour Brut Rosé, Carneros ($47)
Named in honor of Madame de la Pompadour – the paramour of French King Louis XV – this pale pink sparkler from Domaine Carneros is perfect for pre- (or post-) feast sipping. Comprising 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, this traditional-method sparkling wine yields aromas of orange blossom, strawberry and a hint of dried rose petals, followed by watermelon and a generous, creamy mousse on the palate. Available at Bottle Barn and other local retailers, domainecarneros.com.
Minus Tide 2024 Chenin Blanc, Sterling Ranch, Mendocino County ($34)
A darling of Mendocino County, Minus Tide is a small but mighty wine brand that has steadily gained traction among savvy wine drinkers. This elegant Chenin Blanc was produced with fruit from Sterling Ranch, a 45-year-old vineyard in the Talmage benchland. Whole-cluster pressed and aged on the lees in neutral French oak, the wine is lush in texture, with chalky minerality courtesy of the vineyard’s gravelly loam soils. Ripe notes of honeyed pear and white peach are lifted by fresh acidity on the finish. Also, don’t miss Minus Tide’s 2023 Pinot Noir from Hacienda Sequoia Vineyard in Anderson Valley, minustide.com.
Marimar Estate 2024 Chardonnay, Bonita’s Hill, Green Valley of Russian River Valley ($58)
This Chardonnay from Marimar Estate Winery in the Russian River Valley won Best White Wine at radio host Ziggy “the Wine Gal” Eschliman’s annual Thanksgiving wine taste-off. Now in its 30th year, the tasting brings together 15 local judges who deem which wines pair best with turkey. Made with grapes grown in the Green Valley of the Russian River Valley, Marimar’s Bonita Hill Chardonnay was fermented in 52% concrete and 48% new French oak puncheons. The resulting wine is “impressive” and “tantalizing with turkey,” according to the judges, who admired its notes of “apples, pears, hints of lemongrass, crème brûlée and baking spices.” marimarestate.com
Gros Ventre Cellars 2024 Gamay Noir, Barsotti Vineyard, El Dorado ($38)
Founded in 2009 by Sarah and Chris Pittenger (also winemaker for Limerick Lane Cellars), Healdsburg’s Gros Ventre Cellars specializes in vineyard-designate Pinot Noirs from the Sonoma Coast, blends and Italian varietals like this delicious Gamay Noir from El Dorado. A worthy addition to any Thanksgiving table, Gros Ventre’s Gamay exudes energy with notes of bright cranberry, pomegranate, orange zest and “the vineyard’s signature ‘granite crunch.’” Also, don’t miss Gros Ventre’s 2023 Out West Pinot Noir from the West Sonoma Coast. grosventrecellars.com
Terah Wine Co. 2022 Old Vine Grenache, Besson Vineyard, Santa Clara Valley ($38)
Since launching Terah Wine Co. in 2020, winemaker Terah Bajjelieh has quickly made a name for herself, thanks to her highly expressive, minimal-intervention wines and passion for less common grapes. She also succeeds with familiar varietals, like this Grenache from Santa Clara Valley’s Besson Vineyards, whose vines are among the oldest in the state. “I love that I can make a lighter style Grenache that has a lot of focus and tension, while still being loaded with aromatics and flavor…like pine, eucalyptus and rosemary,” said Bajjalieh. “I certainly think it deserves time on the (Thanksgiving) table.” terahwineco.com
Merry Edwards 2023 Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley ($55)
Founded on single-vineyard Pinot Noirs from the Russian River Valley, Merry Edwards Winery expanded to Anderson Valley in 2021 with its delicious ($75) Dach Vineyard Pinot Noir. This $55 Anderson Valley alternative marries fruit from numerous regions across the appellation and is equally worthy, yet lighter on its feet. Aromas of cranberry compote, raspberry, cinnamon spice and a touch of garrigue precede flavors of black cherry, plums and juicy acidity, resulting in a wonderfully balanced Pinot perfect for the Thanksgiving table. merryedwards.com