A conversation with Ian Kraft about selecting wines for Thanksgiving

The Thanksgiving menu has been determined, the turkey has been procured, and you’ve pulled out the china to set a festive table… but what about the wines? Most Thanksgiving menus include such a range of dishes that it can be hard to fine the right wine to pair with the meal. Yes, there is the old standby, Pinot Noir, but there are lots of other options for wines to serve at the Thanksgiving table.

In a recent conversation with wine expert Ian Kraft, Ian shared the range of wines that can be served at Thanksgiving and selected four particular wines and one digestif (essential after a big Thanksgiving feast!) that would be perfect pairings for your meal. For those local to DC, we’ve listed where the bottles can be procured.

Ian, a certified wine consultant, is the DC-area representative for Free Run Wines and owner of Sophisticated Imbiber, a consultancy that provides a range of services including sourcing wines, inventory management, cellar refinement, wine auction representation, and online wine tasting and education events.

So, sit back, grab a glass of your favorite wine and enjoy our lively conversation on wines for the holiday, why supporting small wine shops is so important, some wine wisdom from Madame Bollinger, and why amaro is the perfect way to end a Thanksgiving meal. Cheers!

The Wines

1 · Alain Vincey Champagne Brut NV

2· Caraccioli Cellars Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay 2016 

3 · Clos Cibonne Cotes de Provence Tiburouen Rosé 2018

4 · Rafael et Fils "Lauren's Cuvée" Pinot Noir Anderson Valley 2018           

5 · Antica Torino Amaro Della Sacra 

Where to buy the wines locally in DC:

Ace Beverage
Located in: Foxhall Square
Address: Foxhall Square Mall, 3301 New Mexico Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
Phone: (202) 966-4444

Cordial @ The Wharf
Located in: District Wharf
Address: 35 Sutton Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
Phone: (202) 803-2677

Wardman Wines
Located in: Brookland
Address: 625 Monroe St NE, Washington, DC 20017
Phone: (202) 780-9236