If you’ve been tasked with bringing the wine to Thanksgiving, this post is for you. Instead of picking up the old familiar names–Kendall Jackson, Meiomi, Cline–spice up your gathering with these lesser-known wines that are as good, or better, than the usual suspects. Many are from smaller producers in up-and-coming wine regions, and they’re all $40 or less. Instead of talking about…you know what… this Thanksgiving, toast to the future with the delicious wine you thoughtfully brought.
| If you Usually Buy… | …Consider this Instead | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|
| Rosé Whispering Angel Rosé | Leonardo Bussoletti 05035 Ciliegiolo Rosato; Narni, Italy Mengler Family Rosé of Syrah, Sonoma, CA | $20 Union Sq Wine $16 Yankee Spirits |
| Tart Whites Broadbent Vinho Verde | Zuri Txakoli, Getariako Txakolina, From the Basque region of Spain | $23 Vivino |
| Chardonnay Kendall Jackson | Castello di Monsanto “Fabrizio Bianchi” Chardonnay; Toscana, IT | $40 Vino Italiano |
| Sauvignon Blanc Cloudy Bay | Fallegro Favorita; Gianni Gagliardo Vermentino; Piedmont, IT Chateau Olivier Pessac-Leognan Blanc, Bordeaux, FR | $24 Wine.com $36 Saratoga Wine |
| Smooth Reds Meiomi Pinot Noir | Willamette Valley Pinot Noir; Belle Pente, OR Château Leydet-Valentin 2020; Bordeaux, FR 73% Merlot, 27% Cab. Franc | $30 at the winery $40 Saratoga Wine Exchange |
| Cabernet Sauvignon Decoy California | Justin Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, CA Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon NV, Paso Robles, CA | $20 Total Wine $24 Marty’s |
| Zinfandel Cline Ancient Vines | Brady Vineyard Zinfandel 2021 Paso Robles, CA Robert Renzoni Old Vines Zin 2022; Temecula, CA | $20 Redneck Wine $38 at the winery |
VinoDuo 