There is something special about a Thanksgiving table. It’s the gathering of family and friends, the familiar aromas coming from the kitchen, the passing of favorite dishes, and the conversations that seem to stretch just a little longer than usual. And then, of course, there’s the wine.

At Taplin, we’ve embraced the idea of sobremesa throughout the year. A Spanish tradition, sobremesa describes the time spent lingering at the table after a meal has ended. It’s when the plates have been cleared, the wine is still flowing, and nobody is quite ready to leave. It’s about conversation without a clock, stories shared over another glass, and the simple pleasure of being together.

If there is one American holiday made for sobremesa, it’s Thanksgiving. From the first pour to the final bite of dessert, the day invites us to slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy the people around us, and with a thoughtful selection of wines, every course becomes another opportunity to celebrate.

Here are a few of our favorite ways to bring Taplin wines to your Thanksgiving table.

A Welcome Pour: Sauvignon Blanc & Holiday Appetizers

Before everyone gathers around the dinner table, there’s usually a little grazing involved. Think artisan cheeses, seasonal dips, roasted vegetables, and savory bites passed around with a glass of wine in hand.

This is where a beautifully balanced Sauvignon Blanc shines. Its refreshing acidity and lively character make it a natural companion for appetizers, fresh cheeses, and lighter starters. It also provides a welcome contrast to richer holiday fare, awakening the palate before the main event.

Our pairing suggestion: Taplin Sauvignon Blanc alongside a cheese board featuring goat cheese, aged cheddar, fresh pears, and Marcona almonds. It’s an elegant way to welcome guests and set the tone for the afternoon ahead.

Around the Thanksgiving Table: Cabernet Franc & Roast Turkey

Turkey may be the centerpiece of Thanksgiving, but pairing it with wine isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. Between the delicate flavor of the meat, savory herb stuffing, roasted vegetables, and tart cranberry sauce, the plate is full of contrasting textures and flavors.

Enter Cabernet Franc.

With its expressive aromatics, graceful structure, and lively acidity, Cabernet Franc is a wonderful partner for Thanksgiving turkey. It has enough depth to complement the savory elements of the meal without overwhelming the more delicate flavors of the bird. Its freshness also makes it especially appealing alongside herb-forward stuffing, roasted root vegetables, and cranberry accents.

Our pairing suggestion: Serve Taplin Cabernet Franc with herb-roasted turkey, traditional sage stuffing, and roasted Brussels sprouts. The wine’s character and freshness bring all those familiar holiday flavors together beautifully.

For the Richer Sides: Cabernet Sauvignon Takes Its Place at the Table

Let’s be honest: sometimes the sides are the real stars of Thanksgiving. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery sweet potatoes, wild mushroom stuffing, and savory gravy all deserve a wine that can hold its own.

This is where Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon earns its place.

While Cabernet Sauvignon might not be the first wine that comes to mind when planning a traditional turkey dinner, its depth, concentration, and layered flavors can be surprisingly versatile. The key is to pair it with the richer, more savory components of the meal. Mushroom dishes, roasted root vegetables, aged cheeses, and hearty gravies provide wonderful opportunities to bring out the wine’s complexity.

Our pairing suggestion: Open a bottle of Terra 9 Cabernet Sauvignon alongside roasted turkey with mushroom gravy, caramelized onions, and a generous helping of mashed potatoes. For those who prefer a more substantial centerpiece, Cabernet is also a natural match for a holiday beef tenderloin.

Save Something Special for Sobremesa: 2023 Ghost Creek Cabernet Sauvignon

The best part of Thanksgiving might just be what happens after dinner. The dishes are cleared, someone brings out the dessert, the conversation takes a new turn, and nobody seems to be in a hurry to call it a night.

This is sobremesa at its finest.

It’s also the perfect time to open a bottle you’ve been saving for a special occasion. Our 2023 Ghost Creek Cabernet Sauvignon is a wonderful choice for those lingering hours around the table. With the depth and character of Napa Valley Cabernet, it’s a bottle worth slowing down for.

Pour a glass alongside a selection of aged cheeses, dark chocolate, or simply enjoy it on its own as the evening unfolds. No elaborate pairing required. Sometimes the best accompaniment to a beautiful wine is good conversation and the company of people you love.

A Thanksgiving Worth Lingering Over

The beauty of Thanksgiving wine pairing is that there are no rigid rules. Some guests may prefer a refreshing white, while others will reach for a beautiful Napa Valley Cabernet. The best approach is to offer a little variety and let everyone discover their own favorite pairing.

But beyond the food, the wine, and the perfectly set table, Thanksgiving reminds us of something we can sometimes forget in the rush of everyday life: the importance of slowing down.

So pour another glass. Pass the dessert. Tell one more story. Let the conversation wander and the evening stretch on a little longer.

That’s the spirit of sobremesa, and we can’t think of a better day to embrace it.