Black-Owned Wines & Spirits for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving dinner is all about the delicious food – the turkey, the mac and cheese, the collard greens! But let’s not forget the essential supporting cast: the wines and spirits that perfectly complement every bite and keep the good cheer flowing. This year, you can give thanks for a growing selection of high-quality, Black-owned sips that deserve a spot on your holiday table.

The Evolution of Holiday Drinks

Ken Pettus, a certified sommelier and wine educator, notes a shift in how people approach holiday beverages. “Ten years ago, bringing a bottle of sangria or rum, tequila, vodka, or whiskey was the social norm,” he explains. “But now… people are really interested in finding out and discovering, diving into what wines go and pair well with your typical Thanksgiving or holiday dinners.”

Whether you’re looking for festive cocktails to greet your guests or the perfect wine to cut through the richness of your meal, there are fantastic Black-owned options available. Let’s explore some top picks!

Sparkling Starts and Crisp Whites

Pettus suggests starting your Thanksgiving celebration with something bubbly. “Definitely get some sparkling wine,” he advises, recommending Prosecco for its bright, lively, and fruit-forward profile. It’s an ideal aperitif that can handle the richness of holiday foods.

For a fun, easy-drinking Prosecco, consider Issa Rae’s Viarae Prosecco. If you prefer a sparkling wine with a bit more depth, B. Stuyvesant Champagne Reserve and HRLM Brut Réserve are excellent choices. When it comes to white wine, Pettus recommends Sauvignon Blanc, noting that cooler climate versions offer higher acidity and citrus notes, while warmer climate ones bring more tropical fruit flavors – both pair beautifully with Thanksgiving dishes.

McBride Sisters: A Standout Choice

Pettus specifically calls out the McBride Sisters Collection Sauvignon Blanc. “[McBride Sisters Collection is] the biggest Black-owned wine that you can find from state to state,” he emphasizes. “And if you can find their Sauvignon Blanc, I would reach and grab it as soon as possible.”

Fruity Reds and Bold Spirits

For red wine lovers, Thanksgiving is the perfect occasion for light, fruit-forward styles like Pinot Noir or Gamay. Pettus highlights Maison Noir by Andre Mack, particularly the O.P.P. Pinot Noir, stating it “literally goes with everything” and its artistic presentation makes it a great addition to any tablescape. He adds that these lighter reds truly shine during the holidays and offer great value.

The growth in Black-owned spirits is equally exciting, with producers offering a range of whiskeys, gins, vodkas, rums, and tequilas. For crafting a classic Old Fashioned, Pettus recommends Uncle Nearest whiskey or Edmond’s Honor whiskey, both praised for their quality in cocktails.

More Black-Owned Thanksgiving Picks

• **La Fête du Rouge 2021:** A Provence red blend (Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre) with strawberry and cherry notes, offering an elegant, silky texture that’s not overpowering and pairs well with dry red wine drinkers.
• **iBest Wines Red Blend:** This South African blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Petite Sirah, Malbec) features dark fruit and savory notes with spice, yet remains light enough for heavy holiday dishes.
• **Gran Coramino Tequila:** A collaboration between Kevin Hart and Domingo Beckmann, offering premium Añejo, Cristalino, and Reposado tequilas perfect for cocktails or sipping.
• **LS Cream:** A Haitian take on rum cream, this liqueur is described as “absolutely phenomenal” with warm flavors of coconut, vanilla, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, ideal for dessert cocktails.

With such a diverse and high-quality selection of Black-owned wines and spirits, your Thanksgiving dinner is sure to be both festive and sophisticated. Cheers to celebrating with great taste and supporting incredible entrepreneurs!