Harvest feast wines

By Paso Robles Press · Sun Nov 23 2025

By Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance

Every culture has its version of a harvest feast. In the United States, we celebrate Thanksgiving. In Italy, it's La Festa del Ringraziamento. The main Greek harvest celebration is Thesmophoria, and in Spain, a series of regional festivals are collectively known as Fiestas de la Vendimia. The common thread is a celebration of a good harvest and the act of coming together to enjoy the fruits of labor with family and friends. Every culture pairs native foods with native wines, a concept often described as "what grows together, goes together."

In much of the New World, this concept can feel a bit foreign, as most wine grapes originate from France, Italy, Spain, and Greece. However, in Paso Robles, we have the luxury of growing over 60 different varieties of wine grapes from these old-world regions. This Thanksgiving, consider bringing a different wine to the table for your harvest feast.

Turkey is the protein most associated with our traditional Thanksgiving dinners, and Pinot Noir is the go-to pairing. It's light-bodied with moderate acidity and some earthiness. This year, why not try a Nebbiolo? Originally from Italy's Piedmont region, this grape still delivers a light color, high acidity, and delicate earthy qualities. With a touch more tannins, this wine can pair with your turkey and all the fixings, along with a delicious dish of baked ziti.

For those who prefer a bolder approach, Zinfandel is often the traditional pairing. It thrives in the warm California sun, producing a fruit-forward wine bursting with blue and black fruit with moderate tannins. Lately, Paso winemakers have been taking a more restrained approach to Zinfandel, a departure from the jammy and sweet. This subtle style is more akin to a Tempranillo, with savory red fruit, fig, and plum notes. Tempranillo is the main grape of Rioja, Spain, a region easily compared to Paso Robles due to its Mediterranean influences and chalky soils. It’s also a versatile red wine that can pair with a decadent prime rib roast or introduce something different like Cordero Asado, a slow-roasted lamb with potatoes and onions.

White wines are also a staple of Thanksgiving dinner, with Sauvignon Blanc's bright citrus notes typically shining through the richness of turkey or heavier side dishes. An alternative could be Assyrtiko, which matches the citrus tones but offers more minerality and density. Originating from the Greek island of Santorini, it's perfect for introducing Tzatziki as an appetizer dip or as a sauce for your herb-crusted roast lamb.

Unoaked Chardonnay can pair perfectly with creamy Thanksgiving favorites or with a beautiful branzino, a whole roasted, locally caught fish. Much like Chardonnay, Fiano offers nutty, floral, and tropical fruit notes. Its rich texture pairs wonderfully with grilled fish or seafood in sauces. While Fiano is known for coming from the Campania region of Italy's southwest coast, plantings are growing in Australia, Argentina, and here in Paso Robles.

You can find producers of these alternatives to Thanksgiving staples on Pasowine.com. Use the filter tool under "Wine Type" to find all the grapes and styles of wine to choose from.

Enjoy your harvest celebration with some Paso Robles wine!

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