When planning your Thanksgiving table, German and Austrian wines might not be the first to come to mind, but they offer some of the best pairings for the season. Both regions have rich winemaking traditions tied to the harvest, and their wines are known for their bright acidity, fruit-forward flavors, and elegant structures—perfect for complementing the diverse dishes of a Thanksgiving meal.
This Thanksgiving, as we gather around the table, Chilean wines offer a taste of history and a touch of adventure—beginning with País, the very first grape variety planted in Chile, brought over by Spanish conquistadors in the 1500s. Long before French varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot arrived, País was the foundational grape, thriving in Chile's unique, isolated landscapes. Known in Europe as Listán Prieto, this grape traveled across the ocean on the ships of Spanish explorers, becoming one of the oldest surviving varietals in the New World.
In a cozy West Coast home, preparations were in full swing for a Thanksgiving feast that would capture the region's essence. This celebration, shaped by the bounty of the Pacific coast, promised an unforgettable experience filled with seasonal produce, diverse dishes, and wines that showcased California and Oregon’s finest. The gathering brought together family and friends—parents, siblings, cousins, and extended family—all excited to savor the local flavors that defined the holiday meal.
At first glance, New Zealand’s wine offerings might seem fairly limited, particularly dominated by the Sauvignon Blanc varietal. Despite producing just about 1% of the world’s wine, New Zealand has made an iconic impact with names like "Kim Crawford" and "Cloudy Bay." Sauvignon Blanc has become synonymous with New Zealand, much as Malbec has with Argentina, leaving France to say, “But it was here first!”
The California wine industry is facing a unique period of oversupply, with 2019 marking a decline in production from 2018, yet still leaving the market with an excess of grapes. This imbalance, caused by overproduction and slow-growing demand, has led to plummeting bulk wine prices and stagnant vineyard values. Complicating matters further is a generational shift, as Baby Boomers pass the torch to Millennials, who show less interest in wine and are more drawn to alternatives like craft beers, premium spirits, and cannabis.
