4 Pennsylvania Wines to Pair with Your Thanksgiving Dinner

There is no doubt that Thanksgiving is a holiday of feasting. Many of us have been busy planning how to make this year’s spread even better than last year’s. The deliberation over what favorites to keep, what new things to try and how to cook the ultimate turkey can be difficult. While you’re busy deciding what dishes make the cut, don’t let the evening’s wine roster be an afterthought. Pairing the right courses with the right wines can elevate a meal from delicious to luxurious. For those of us who are lucky enough to be in proximity, Black Walnut Winery offers fantastic locally made wines that will help perfect your Thanksgiving dinner.

Drink Apple Wine With

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While turkey, pie and mashed potatoes are often considered the signature dishes of Thanksgiving, there still needs to be a starting point for any great feast. Whether you’re serving up fresh fruit, salty cheeses or candied nuts, consider starting off the meal with an equally accessible wine. Black Walnut’s Apple Wine is very approachable and versatile. A bit sweet, a bit fruity and downright delicious, its autumnal origins are perfect for Thanksgiving. Try it lightly chilled to let the natural apple flavors evolve as it warms up, or spice things up by making mulled wine that will instantly warm your guests and get the feast started right.

White Wine Lovers, Enjoy Sips of Mischief

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When the turkey is being carved and the gravy is in the boat, the feast is truly underway. That means it’s time to break out the bottles that will go with all of the savory fixins that make up the majority of the meal. Oftentimes, folks prefer red or white, but to really make things special don’t just go by color. For those who are set on white wine, Black Walnut’s Mischief is the perfect Thanksgiving companion. This blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon starts soft with notes of passionfruit and pear. Honeyed and floral aromas on the nose are met with crisp minerality on the finish, and enough body to stand up to a hearty feast. As co-owner and winemaker Lance Castle describes, Black Walnut wanted to make sure that Mischief was released in time for Turkey Day. “It will go well with turkey, stuffing and even cranberries,” says Lance. “Even though it’s not sweet, it has a viscous mouth feel that will stand up against tart flavors.” This versatile wine will not only complement all your Thanksgiving dishes and keep white wine lovers happy, but it might also surprise red wine fanatics too.

Red Wine Fanatics, Drink Bank Barn Red

Black Walnut Winery

For the red wine lovers Bank Barn Red is the way to go. More and more folks are discovering just how good sweet red wines can be when they’re done right, and Bank Barn Red is a perfect example. “Every year at Thanksgiving people just go wild for it,” says winemaker Lance. “It’s a sweet red, and goes well with Turkey and cranberries.” Before releasing the annual edition, Lance and trusted tasters sample potential blends against previous vintages to see what makes the cut. This year’s version introduces the addition of Norton grapes into the blend and showcases flavors of sweet cherry cola upfront and blackberry on the finish.

Opt for Deception During Dessert

Black Walnut Winery

All good things must come to an end. When the clatter of forks, knives and conversation begins to die down, it’s just the right time to break out something special. Black Walnut’s Deception is an alluringly complex white port style wine. At 20% ABV, it truly is deceptive, given its softness and intriguing fruity sweetness. For this release Black Walnut collaborated with Manatawny Still Works, who made a special batch of Syrah brandy just for this bottling. The Syrah brandy, vinted at Black Walnut, blends harmoniously with their very own Vidal wine. The result is amazingly delicious. Notes of mango, Honeycrisp apple and citrus on the nose give way to melon and stone fruit flavors on the palate. This wine is beautiful as a stand alone, but will also pair well with apple pie, salty cheeses and any fruit dessert. For a special treat, serve this with brie en croute and fresh sliced pears.

At Thanksgiving, the warmth of family, food and drink kindles an inner fire that eases us into the winter season. Sharing an amazing meal with loved ones serves as a great reminder of what we have to be thankful for. That’s why one of the Thanksgiving traditions among Black Walnut’s owners is to invite in any friends with family afar and nowhere else to go. The feasts we have with loved ones are oft remembered as much for the laughs shared as for the vintages shared. Black Walnut’s wines are a special way to share the holidays with your family. Be sure to check out their Facebook page for awesome upcoming events like New Wine Wednesdays and “Wine a Bit, You’ll Feel Better” to warm up your holiday season!

Find Black Walnut Winery HQ at 3000 W. Lincoln Hwy. in Sadsburyville and find the Phoenixville tasting room at 260 Bridge Street.

  • Photography: Sarah Greenwood

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