Blended wines are like perfectly curated guest lists—each grape varietal brings its unique personality, creating a harmony that’s greater than the sum of its parts. From the structured elegance of Bordeaux, to the bold flavors of Portugal, these blends showcase the best of what teamwork can achieve in a bottle. Let’s take a closer look at the grapes that turn these regional blends into unforgettable experiences.
Chile’s independence in the early 19th century ushered in an era of freedom and opportunity for its citizens. With the ability to travel the world, own land, and explore new ventures, Chileans embraced viticulture as a promising endeavor. Wealthy landowners, inspired by European winemaking traditions, began importing vine cuttings from France and other renowned wine regions. These clippings were planted to produce wines initially intended for personal and local consumption.
Thanksgiving is a time for coming together, celebrating abundance, and sharing a meal full of comforting flavors. The variety on the table—from roasted turkey to tart cranberry sauce, rich casseroles, and buttery sides—can make wine pairing feel overwhelming. But choosing the right bottles doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little thought, you can select wines that enhance the food and the mood, making your holiday gathering even more special.
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.
