Do you know what I hate? I hate it when a publication posts a story about the wines you need for a special occasion on the day of that special occasion, or even the day before. Who wants to be wandering store aisles the day before Thanksgiving, clutching a can of cranberry sauce and wondering what wine to buy? Certainly not me!
To that end, and as a result of a few emails last year, I’m posting my Thanksgiving wine recommendations a bit earlier this year, giving all of you plenty of time to seek them out.
### Reflecting on Thanksgiving Wine Traditions
In years past, Thanksgiving turkey was an easy pairing with Marin County wine. Susan Pey of Pey-Marin Vineyards produced an excellent riesling perfect for turkey—just ask any sommelier. Sean Thackrey created a wonderful, light-bodied red blend called Pleiades. Sadly, neither winemaker is with us today: Thackrey died in 2022, and Pey in 2016. Neither of their wines is available anymore, nor are those companies around. The Pleiades Wine Co. ceased operations this summer, and Pey-Marin is now Domaine Jonathan Pey.
All of this just goes to show that we should never take anything for granted—neither the great Marin wines we have available nor the winemakers who create them. For that alone, we should give thanks.
In that spirit, I offer up two Marin-associated white wines, one sparkling, and, for the iconoclasts out there, a red wine—all of which are sure to complement your upcoming holiday meal. Gobble gobble.
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## Thanksgiving Wines to Try in 2024
### Honig Sauvignon Blanc 2024 — $24
**Made in Napa by a family that mostly lives in Marin**
Honig co-owner and director of California sales Steven Honig lives in Corte Madera. This sauvignon blanc is stainless steel-fermented and then aged on the lees (also in steel), lending the wine a steely, minerally character. Yes, there’s still some grapefruit and melon flavor—it is California, after all—but delightfully so.
Turkey often has plenty of butter, and sometimes oak, so why add more of those elements to your wine? Lees aging gives this sauvignon blanc great richness without the need for buttery or oaky notes. Sure, it’s not Sancerre, but it’s also much more affordable.
[Learn more or purchase → honigwine.com](https://honigwine.com)
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### Carboniste Marin Blanc de Noir 2020 — $46
This lovely sparkling wine is made primarily with pinot noir, with a touch of chardonnay for depth. While it isn’t a traditional “méthode champenoise” wine (Carboniste adds a step or two that disqualify it from that label), the result is still fantastic. Crisp apple and a yeasty, elegant sparkle make it perfect for pairing with food.
The two organic vineyards, Kendric and Corda, bring even more Marin authenticity. The crown enclosure (like a soda or beer bottle) may take getting used to, but it’s both common in Champagne before corking and wonderfully convenient.
Sparkling wine really is the universal solvent for food pairings.
[Learn more or purchase → carboniste.com](https://carboniste.com)
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### Kendric Vineyards Petaluma Gap/Marin County Viognier 2024 — $30
Kendric Vineyards makes the list again with their own wine. Winemaker Stewart Johnson calls San Anselmo home, as does his wife, Councilmember Eileen Burke. Their delightfully restrained Viognier comes from Marin’s Petaluma Gap vineyards and features all the crisp apple brightness you’d expect from a cool-climate grape—think southern Rhône.
It lacks the oiliness that some French Viogniers (particularly from the northern Rhône) can show. At 13.1% ABV, it’s a more subtle wine that is simply perfect for turkey.
[Learn more or purchase → kendricvineyards.com](https://kendricvineyards.com)
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### DeLoach Vineyards Devil’s Gulch, Marin County Pinot Noir 2021 — $75
Arguably, Sean Thackrey made the finest pinot noir ever to come out of Marin. His Andromeda, made from Devil’s Gulch fruit, was unctuous, rich and elegant—all at once, just like he was. Now that Thackrey has passed, DeLoach Vineyards in Santa Rosa has taken up the mantle.
Devil’s Gulch in West Marin is aptly named; its steep terraces and shallow soils force the vines to work harder, resulting in smaller berries. Smaller berries mean a higher skin-to-fruit ratio, creating bigger, bolder flavors (tannins and acidity and such). Still, this pinot is technically a lighter-bodied wine, but it exhibits an acidic muscularity that truly can pair with anything.
And if it doesn’t? Let the in-laws, the kids, or even the dog have the food—this wine is that good.
[Learn more or purchase → deloachvineyards.com](https://deloachvineyards.com)
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Wishing you all an early and delicious start to your Thanksgiving planning—may your wine glass stay full and your table surrounded by those you love. Cheers!
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/12/4-north-bay-wines-to-pair-with-your-thanksgiving-feast/