In my family, we tend to have big Thanksgiving gatherings every year, with folks traveling from across the country to be together for the holiday. And I’ll admit, while I always get excited about the idea of Thanksgiving as a wine holiday, wine is rarely the focus for us. It’s more of an accent—something that ties everything together—but it’s never the driving conversation. Sure, I’m the “wine guy” and get plenty of questions, but it’s something everyone tends to casually embrace, rather than planning the meal around it. For me, Thanksgiving is all about wines with broad appeal, great value, and, although they can be serious in their own way, nothing that’s too complicated.

I also think it’s worth mentioning that the magic of the holiday happens during the times that aren’t the meal itself. Wednesday night cocktails when everyone first arrives and catches up, or the chaos of too many cooks in the kitchen on Thursday as everything comes together. These are the moments where wines can come from anywhere—they just need to bring smiles to faces. Here are the wines I would pick for my Thanksgiving—selections that will make any wine enthusiast feel at home, but are also easy to enjoy for anyone just looking to grab a glass.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: white Bordeaux is where it’s at when you want a wine that lights up the palates of all different kinds of wine lovers. The vibrancy of Sauvignon Blanc, the texture of Semillon, and a touch of richness from oak aging combine to create something broadly irresistible. 2019 La Louvière Blanc, Pessac-Léognan $36.99 93VN fits the bill beautifully, with lovely complexity, richness, and a thread of acidity that makes it an excellent food wine or aperitif.

For reds, I have two wines that hit very different styles but each offers something special. We just landed a small parcel of 2020 Troplong Mondot, St-Émilion $109.99 100DC 98WA 98TWI 98VN 98WE 97JA 97JD 97JS a wine that delivers the complexity of top-tier Right Bank wines, yet with a bright focus and purity that makes it a superb food wine. Its high-toned fruit and amazing freshness make it a perfect pairing for turkey, while its textured, lightweight palate offers plenty of flexibility. For those looking for something bolder, Labégorce is the ticket. Whether it’s the can't-miss magnum of the 2015 Labégorce, Margaux (1.5L) $129.99 94-96WE, a stunning Margaux vintage, or the newly arrived 2016 Labégorce, Margaux $44.99 95JS, which is a benchmark for the estate, you can’t go wrong.

Of course, I’d be remiss not to give a shoutout to my colleagues who have some absolutely stunning selections for the holidays—wines I’d be more than thrilled to share with friends and family:

2021 Martin Woods "Koosah Vineyard" Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir $49.95 98JD 95WA 95DC – One of my favorite Pinot Noirs of the year. Elegant, expressive, and flavorful, it’s impossible not to enjoy.

2020 Château Gigognan Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Signargues $14.99 – So much wine for such a reasonable price. Complex, food-friendly, and sure to be a crowd favorite.

2023 Xanadu "Estate" Chardonnay Margaret River Western Australia $24.99 95JH – When Margaret River is on point, it has the purity of Burgundy and the depth of New World Chardonnay. For under $25, Xanadu will satisfy both the Burgundy and New World lovers in your crowd.

2018 Beaulieu Vineyard "Georges de Latour - Private Reserve" Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon $139.95 98JS 98VN 97JD 97WE 96DC 96WA 95JA – If I’m thinking of Thanksgiving, I know a Cabernet will make a lot of friends, but it needs to be one that’s balanced and bright. This one fits the bill perfectly.

Pierre Mineral Mesnil "Vieillie En Fût" Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne $49.99 – Trust me on this. A super-complex, top-tier Champagne from Mesnil that will be emptied before you know it. If you're thinking of getting one, get two.

2005 Secret Orkney (Highland Park) 19 Year Old "Signatory" K&L Exclusive #DRU 17/A63 #28 First Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt Cask Strength Non Chillfiltered Orkney Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $179.99 – Don’t forget the after-dinner celebration. This show-stealing dram will be a joy to share, and it’s one of our all-time favorites.

- Ryan Moses, K&L Bordeaux Buyer