Thanksgiving Wine Pairing Guide: Celebrate Big with Magnums

Thanksgiving Wine Pairing Guide: Celebrate Big with Magnums

Featuring WTSO’s Magnum Marathon Selections

Thanksgiving is a holiday built on abundance – generous tables, heartfelt stories, and wine poured freely among friends and family. It’s also the perfect time to bring out something extraordinary: a Magnum bottle. Twice the size of a standard 750ml, magnum wine bottles age more gracefully thanks to their ideal air-to-wine ratio, developing deeper, more integrated flavors. They’re impressive on the table and designed for sharing, perfect for a day that celebrates connection and gratitude.

In honor of our Magnum Marathon on October 29, we’re pairing standout large-format wines with classic Thanksgiving favorites, from roast turkey and herbed stuffing to creamy sides and decadent desserts.

For the Traditional Roast Turkey

Sojourn Cellars Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir (2022 or 2023 Magnum)
Pinot Noir remains the quintessential Thanksgiving wine pairing, and few regions express its nuance like California’s Sonoma Coast. Influenced by cool Pacific breezes and morning fog, Sojourn’s Pinot Noir balances red cherry, cranberry, and forest spice with soft tannins and refreshing acidity. It complements roast turkey, cutting through rich gravies and buttery sides with grace and harmony.

Looking for an Old World alternative?
Try the Yohan Lardy Chénas Les Deschamps Beaujolais 2023 Magnum, from granitic soils in the Chénas cru. Expect fragrant red fruit, floral tones, and mineral freshness. Elegant, versatile, and perfect for pairing across the Thanksgiving table.

For Savory Sides and Stuffing

Château Haut-Gravet ‘Grand Chemin’ Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2020 Magnum
From Bordeaux’s Right Bank, this Merlot-led blend delivers plush texture and supple tannins, making it a natural companion for savory holiday dishes. Notes of plum, cocoa, and warm spice pair beautifully with mushroom stuffing, roasted root vegetables, and garlic mashed potatoes.

The clay-limestone soils of Saint-Émilion bring depth and refinement that unfold as the wine opens, making it a comforting choice for the heart of the meal.

For the Cheese & Charcuterie Course

Oceano Chardonnay Spanish Springs Vineyard 2021 Magnum
From Edna Valley’s coastal vineyards, just one mile from the Pacific, this Chardonnay embodies balance and finesse. Winemaker Rachel Martin crafts a mineral-driven style with crisp pear, Meyer lemon, and a hint of hazelnut. Its texture and lift make it a match for soft cheeses like baked brie with herbs. The saline edge and bright acidity echo the ocean air that defines its terroir.

For the Feast’s Grand Moment

Angwin Estate Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Magnum
High above Napa Valley, Howell Mountain’s rugged volcanic soils and cool nights yield structured, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2016 vintage, celebrated as one of Napa’s finest in recent years, allowed for even ripening and remarkable balance. Angwin Estate’s expression unfolds with cassis, graphite, and tobacco, framed by firm yet polished tannins. Bold and elegant, it’s a showstopper for a holiday roast, standing rib, or herb-crusted lamb – a wine built for sharing and savoring.

Looking for something iconic?
Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Magnum captures the richness of dark fruit and the smooth refinement of American oak, offering a crowd-pleasing expression of classic California Cabernet – perfect for holiday entertaining or a luxury wine gift.

For Sparkling Starts & Toasted Finishes

Champagne Bouché Cuvée Réservée Brut N/V Magnum
Produced by a fourth-generation family house in Pierry near Épernay, Champagne Bouché blends Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier for balance and elegance. Expect bright apple, lemon zest, and brioche notes with a fine mousse and chalky finish. It’s ideal for starting the celebration, toasting with friends, or pairing with classic appetizers like deviled eggs, baked appetizers, or buttery rolls.

J Vineyards Vintage Brut Sparkling 2012 Magnum
From the Russian River Valley, this méthode traditionnelle sparkler showcases honeyed citrus, almond, and toasted spice. Six years of lees aging create creaminess and depth that bridge beautifully from appetizers to dessert. A versatile choice for the entire feast, and a standout for magnum Champagne gifts and festive holiday gatherings.

Read our blog post: Best Sparkling Magnums for Holiday Celebrations for a closer look at how these two sparkling Magnums compare in style, terroir, and celebration appeal.

For the Finale: Pies, Chocolate & Late-Night Toasts

Poggio Il Castellare Brunello di Montalcino 2016 Magnum
From the sun-soaked hills of Tuscany, this 100% Sangiovese hails from the renowned 2016 vintage, widely celebrated for its balance, depth, and exceptional aging potential. 

The wine is rich, complex, and beautifully structured, unfolding with aromas of red cherry, cedar, and cocoa that evolve gracefully with air. Its harmony of fruit, spice, and tannin makes it a natural companion to pumpkin pie, pecan tart, or chocolate desserts – a bottle that lingers long after the plates are cleared.

Big Bottles, Big Gatherings, Big Memories

This Thanksgiving, celebrate with wines that reflect craftsmanship, terroir, and a true spirit of generosity. Large-format bottles bring joy and presence to every table – impressive to display, rewarding to pour, and always meant for sharing.

Explore exclusive 1.5L selections available for a limited time during our Magnum Marathon, featuring bottles perfect for gifting, entertaining, and savoring throughout the season.

Join us on October 29 for the WTSO Magnum Marathon, our biggest celebration of the year – a full day devoted to exceptional wines, incredible savings, and the timeless magic of large-format sharing.

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