Thanksgiving Pairings from the Finger Lakes: Wines to Elevate Every Dish

Nov 18, 2025 | Blog

Thanksgiving is all about gathering around the table with family, friends, and flavors that celebrate the season. Here in the Finger Lakes, we’re lucky to have world-class wines that make every bite even better. Whether you’re carving turkey, scooping stuffing, or savoring pumpkin pie, see how these local bottles pair with your holiday feast.

Here's your ultimate guide featuring local favorites:

Appetizers & Opening Toast

Dr. Konstantin Frank – Blanc de Blancs Sparkling
Elegant bubbles to kick off the celebration. Crisp and refreshing, perfect with cheeses and light starters.
Fox Run Vineyards – Sparkling Riesling
Adds a festive touch with bright acidity and subtle fruit notes.

Turkey

Fox Run Vineyards – Dry Riesling
Bright acidity and citrus notes refresh the palate and complement roasted turkey and gravy.
Scout Vineyards – Chardonnay
Lightly oaked with creamy, buttery notes that pair beautifully with turkey and mashed potatoes.

Stuffing

Billsboro Winery – Pinot Noir
Light-bodied with cherry and spice, perfect for herbaceous stuffing and roasted vegetables.

Cranberry Sauce

Anthony Road Wine Company – Gewürztraminer
Aromatic and slightly sweet, balancing tart cranberry sauce and spiced sides.

Green Beans & Other Veggies

Red Tail Ridge – Teroldego
A unique, medium-bodied red with dark fruit and earthy tones that complement green beans and roasted root vegetables.

Pumpkin Pie & Dessert

Bully Hill Vineyards – Seyval Blanc
Floral and smooth, pairing well with pumpkin pie and other sweet treats.

Barnstormer Winery – Nosedive Port
This 100% Blaufränkisch port-style wine is rich, bold, and sweet enough to pair perfectly with pumpkin pie, pecan pie, or even chocolate desserts.

A Thanksgiving dinner spread on a wooden table featuring a roasted turkey on a platter with sprigs of rosemary, surrounded by bowls of mashed potatoes with gravy, stuffing, green beans, cranberry sauce, and a pumpkin pie. In the foreground, three wine bottles are displayed: a dark bottle labeled “Fox Run Lemberger 2020,” a light bottle labeled “Red Tail Ridge Chardonnay 2022,” and a dark bottle labeled “Bully Hill Cabernet Franc” with an illustrated dog on the label.

Happy Thanksgiving from FLX Retreats

As we gather around the table this season, we want to take a moment to say how truly thankful we are for all of our supporters and guests who make FLX Retreats possible. Your encouragement and love for the Finger Lakes inspire us every day. We’re so excited to start hosting everyone again in the new year—bringing you cozy stays, unforgettable views, and the best local experiences.

From all of us at FLX Retreats, cheers to a joyful Thanksgiving and a wonderful holiday season ahead!