At my home during the holidays, vinos and vibes are always the name of the game. It isn’t a holiday party unless there are at least a couple bottles of wine ready to open, with a glass of red or white being an essential accoutrement to any meal. 

We typically opt for cabernets or merlots, sometimes cava for mimosas while we cook throughout the day, but we don’t put much thought into how well it goes with the meal. This year, however, with Houstonia’s 12 Days of Thanksgiving, I decided it was time to expand my horizons and learn from the experts about what actually pairs well with turkey, stuffing, and the other greatest hits.

Steven McDonald of Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, who was named the Texas Michelin Guide’s Sommelier of the Year in 2024, says sticking to the classics is always a safe bet. “I’m at risk of sounding like a cliché. The best ones to bring for Thanksgiving are generally your Burgundy grapes, and that comes in a lot of forms,” he says. “What we’re really talking about is pinot noir and chardonnay.” 

McDonald recommends wines from California and Oregon, as well as “exotic places” such as Australia and New Zealand. Right now, though, his favorite wine is made from Nebbiolo grapes, grown in northern Italy’s Piedmont region. This variety produces red wines, including Barolo and Barbaresco, which are fun to add to the mix. McDonald also likes to introduce Brunello di Montalcino, “a beautiful warming wine” that’s great for when the weather cools down. Later in the season, he’ll often gravitate toward Bordeaux, which can be diverse in flavor depending on the type. 

McDonald adds that real Champagne can be a refreshing option, too, especially for toasts on New Year’s Eve. It’s fine to go with alternatives like Crémant d'Alsace, Crémant de Loire, and Corpinnat wines, but don’t be afraid to splurge or spend a little more for better quality. “When you reach too low on the grocery store shelf, you get all sorts of flavorings and sugars and things that give sparkling wine a bad name, a.k.a. a bad hangover,” he says. 

And don’t forget about booze-free options. Mixologist and Botonica owner Alexis Mijares says it’s essential to offer a nonalcoholic option to ensure your sober guests feel included. “The holidays are either extremely happy, fun times for people, or they can be really sad times for people, and emotional drinking is a real thing,” she says. “When people feel like they have thoughtful options…they don’t have to use drinking as a coping mechanism.” 

Mijares’s favorite producers of zero-proof wines and beers include Oddbird and Athletic Brewing Company, which she says makes an impressive nonalcoholic Mexican lager. “Taking people beyond just like a sparkling cider or giving them some juice is important, especially during the holidays,” she says.