NYC Wine & Spirits Recommendations for Thanksgiving 2025

Thanksgiving in New York City has a rhythm like nowhere else. The streets may quiet down, but the city never really stops. You can hear jazz from a Harlem brownstone, laughter echoing through Brooklyn lofts, and the hum of ovens in tiny Manhattan kitchens where friends squeeze around a table meant for four. The city might be fast, but when Thanksgiving comes, it slows just enough for glasses to clink and good wine to shine.

At Vino Fine Wine & Spirits, we’ve gathered a selection of NYC wines and spirits that reflect the city’s personality: bold, diverse, and full of heart. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner in the East Village or bringing a bottle to a family feast in Queens, these picks are meant to make your Thanksgiving this year unforgettable.

What Makes a Great Thanksgiving Drink in NYC

A perfect Thanksgiving drink in New York has to multitask. It should pair as easily with stuffing as it does with sushi or a spicy side from your neighbor’s table. It should work in a tiny apartment with one oven rack and in a dining room that fits twelve. The best bottles are adaptable, approachable, and full of life–just like the city itself.

At Vino Fine Wine & Spirits, we focus on wines and spirits that tell a story. Each label on our shelves comes from small producers, local distillers, or global makers who share that same New York spirit of craftsmanship and creativity.

Best Sparkling Wines to Start

In New York, bubbles mean business. A sparkling pour signals that the night has begun. Whether you’re welcoming guests or raising the first toast, it adds energy to any table.

Champagne
In New York, Champagne isn’t just for the elite; it’s for everyone. With its crisp bubbles and refined complexity, it adds energy and style to any occasion. From Brut to Blanc de Blancs, Champagne is the drink that says, "Let’s make this moment unforgettable."

Photo Courtesy: cellarmasterwines.com

Bottle: Laurent Perrier La Cuvee Brut Champagne
Laurent Perrier La Cuvée Brut Champagne is the perfect choice for November celebrations. This Chardonnay-dominant Champagne offers a fresh, balanced profile with citrus, white fruit, and toasty notes. Its fine mousse and delicate bubbles make it a refreshing pairing for roasted turkey, buttery mashed potatoes, or creamy pumpkin soup.

 

Pet Nat
Pet Nat is as lively as the city itself. It’s fresh, fruity, and sometimes a little unpredictable (which makes it fun). The gentle fizz cuts through rich fall dishes and adds a sense of celebration to even the simplest meal.

Photo Courtesy: @silverthreadwine

Bottle: Silver Thread Vineyard Red Pet Nat Seneca Lake
For a Thanksgiving toast with a twist, try the Silver Thread Vineyard Red Pet Nat from Seneca Lake. This organic, handcrafted sparkling wine from Silver Thread Winery blends red and white varietals like Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc. Bottled while still fermenting, it delivers a lively sparkle and balanced fizz, an ideal choice to elevate your holiday celebration.

 

White Wines That Bring Brightness

Thanksgiving in New York is all about the contrast between the cool air outside, and the warm kitchens inside. These whites bring that same balance of brightness and depth.

Oaked Chardonnay
A good oaked Chardonnay feels like a cozy sweater in a glass. The oak adds warmth and a touch of spice, while the acidity keeps things lively.

Photo Courtesy: @wine_quaffer

Bottle: Crystallum Wines 'The Agnes' Western Cape Chardonnay 2021
From South Africa’s Western Cape, this Chardonnay combines tropical fruit with crisp citrus and a hint of toffee apple. It’s full but never heavy, the kind of wine that feels right alongside a table of roasted vegetables and creamy sides.

 

Viognier
Viognier is the white for anyone who loves aroma and texture. It’s floral, round, and packed with flavor but still refreshes between bites.

Bottle: Comtesse Marion Pays d’Oc Viognier 
From the Mediterranean coast, this Viognier comes from old vines grown in volcanic soil. Expect soft notes of peach and apricot with a gentle floral lift. It’s smooth, balanced, and built for long dinners that stretch late into the night.

Red Wines That Belong on Every Table

In New York, no one’s Thanksgiving plate looks exactly the same. That’s why these reds are made to fit everywhere: versatile, food-friendly, and rich with personality.

Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is the undisputed MVP of Thanksgiving wines. Its silky texture and red fruit flavors make it an easy match for turkey, duck, and anything roasted.

Photo Courtesy: @tatomerwines

Bottle: Tatomer Santa Barbara County Edna Valley Pinot Noir 2023
Light, elegant, and layered with cherry, rose petal, and herbs like sage and basil. This Pinot’s bright acidity keeps it fresh, while subtle earthy tones tie it beautifully to the season.

 

Gamay
With its juicy red fruit, bright acidity, and light touch, Gamay is made for Thanksgiving tables. It complements everything from turkey to cranberry sauce without overpowering the plate.

Photo Courtesy: www.cellartracker.com

Bottle: 2023 Domaine Anita Chénas Cuvée P’tit Co

A deeper take on Beaujolais, this Chénas brings cherry, blackberry, and a touch of licorice and minerality. With silky tannins and a long finish, it’s built for hearty plates and slow, city-style dinners. Give it a little air and let the night unfold.

Spirits for Every Stage of the Feast

Thanksgiving in New York doesn’t stop when dinner does. The night keeps moving, and so do the drinks. Spirits bring warmth, conversation, and a little sparkle to every stage of the evening.

Aperitifs & Pre-Dinner Pours
Aperitifs are made for the start of the night. They open the palate, spark conversation, and make the wait for dinner a little more enjoyable.

Photo Courtesy: @drinklemone

Bottle: Le Moné Meyer Lemon Aperitif
For a refreshing start to the evening, the Le Moné Meyer Lemon Aperitif brings bright citrus flavors with a subtle sweetness. Its clean, zesty profile is perfect for sipping neat, over ice, or mixed into a light spritz. A great choice to kick off the night with a touch of elegance.

 

Cocktail Hour & Dinner-Friendly Spirits
As plates hit the table, deeper flavors come out. That’s when bourbon takes the spotlight, adding warmth that mirrors the glow of the evening.

Photo Courtesy: www.kingscountydistillery.com

Bottle: Kings County Peated Bourbon
Distilled in Brooklyn, this bourbon blends sweetness and smoke with finesse. The peat-smoked malt gives it a hint of Scotch character while keeping the caramel and spice that bourbon lovers crave. It’s made for slow sipping and late laughter.

 

After-Dinner Sips & Digestifs
When the city quiets down and the plates are finally cleared, a digestif marks the perfect ending. These sips aren’t rushed; they’re the kind that make you linger at the table a little longer, letting the night wind down with warmth.

Photo Courtesy: www.monnet.com

Bottle: Monnet VS Cognac
From the Cognac region of France, Monnet VS is youthful and aromatic with notes of vanilla, dried fruit, and gentle spice. It’s aged in French oak for at least two years, giving it a smooth texture and round finish. Sip it neat, pair it with dessert, or pour it into coffee for a warm city nightcap.

There’s something about ending a meal with a good Cognac. It’s the sound of quiet music, the glow of candles, and the feeling that even in the city that never sleeps, you can pause for one perfect moment.

 

Cider
Before the oven timer dings and the turkey takes center stage, there's time for something easygoing and effortlessly cool, just like a New York pregame. Cider fits that space perfectly. Its clean apple notes and slightly tart finish add a festive touch and are ideal for pairing with light appetizers, setting the stage for the feast to come.

Photo Courtesy: @brooklynciderhouse

Bottle: Brooklyn Cider House ‘Kinda Dry’

This semi-dry, gluten-free cider brings bright green apple notes and a crisp, juicy finish. Made from a blend of 7 to 9 apple varieties, it’s refreshing, lightly sweet, and a perfect pairing for turkey, stuffing, or sipping between courses.

So, pour a glass as friends arrive, pass around a cheese plate, and let the night begin.

Your Destination for NYC Wine and Spirits

Thanksgiving in New York is not just about the food. It’s about connection. The friends who show up early, the neighbors who drop by late, and the bottles that bring everyone together.

At Vino Fine Wine & Spirits, we’re proud to be part of that story. Our collection of New York wines and spirits celebrates craftsmanship, culture, and community. Whether you’re looking for a small-batch bourbon from Brooklyn or a crisp Chardonnay for a Manhattan dinner, we’re here to help you find something that feels like home.

Stop by the shop, explore our shelves, or ask what we’re drinking this season. We love sharing our favorites and hearing yours. Here’s to full glasses, great food, and an unforgettable Thanksgiving in the city we love most.

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