In 2023, Scott Harvey’s Barbera grapes stayed on the vine well into November, the latest harvest of his 50 vintages, according to our winemaker’s notes. That long hang time gave the fruit excellent acidity, deep color, and concentrated flavor, which is the combination a Thanksgiving table asks for.
Thanksgiving puts many flavors on one table: roast turkey, gravy, buttery stuffing, cranberry, sweet potatoes, and pie. No single wine matches every plate, but a short lineup from Amador County can cover the meal. Below, we match five Scott Harvey wines to the dishes they suit best, using the tasting notes from each bottle’s page.
Which Wine Goes Best With Thanksgiving Dinner?
Barbera is the most dependable single bottle for a Thanksgiving table. Scott Harvey’s vineyard notes explain that Barbera buds earlier and ripens later than Zinfandel, producing grapes with lower pH and bright natural acidity. That acidity cuts through gravy, butter, and dark meat the way cranberry sauce does on the plate.
A table with mixed tastes benefits from three styles: Barbera for the turkey and gravy, Zinfandel for ham and sweet sides, and Syrah for earthy dishes. Here is the lineup at a glance:
- Roast turkey and gravy: 2023 Scott Harvey Mountain Selection Barbera
- Stuffing and mushroom gravy: 2023 Scott Harvey Reserve Barbera
- Ham and sweet potatoes: 2022 Scott Harvey Old Vine Zinfandel
- Roasted vegetables and dark meat: 2021 Scott Harvey Mountain Selection Syrah
- A slow dinner by the fire: 2022 Scott Harvey J&S Reserve Syrah
What Wine Pairs With Turkey and Gravy?
The 2023 Scott Harvey Mountain Selection Barbera is our pick for turkey and gravy. Its bright red fruit and ripe cherry aromas echo cranberry, while a vibrant mid-palate keeps rich gravy from feeling heavy. At $36.00, it is also the easiest bottle to open for a full table.
Scott Harvey made this wine in the traditional Italian Old World style, with food in mind. It is 100% Amador County Barbera, aged 31 months in French oak, with subtle oak notes and a long, lingering finish. Turkey is a mild meat, so a wine built on acidity and fruit, rather than heavy oak, lets the bird and the gravy share the spotlight.
Which Wine Suits Stuffing, Mushrooms, and Rich Sides?
The 2023 Scott Harvey Reserve Barbera suits stuffing, mushroom gravy, and other rich sides. Its cherry gumdrop aromas, creamy mid-palate, and long finish give buttery, savory dishes a wine with enough body to match. At $49.00, it is the bottle to open when the meal is the main event.
This wine is 100% Amador County fruit, split evenly between Toy Vineyard and Karmere Vineyard, and aged 31 months in French oak. The oak is subtle, so sage, thyme, and browned butter in the stuffing stay in front.
What Wine Goes With Ham and Sweet Potatoes?
The 2022 Scott Harvey Old Vine Zinfandel suits glazed ham, candied sweet potatoes, and other sweet-savory dishes. Its dark jammy fruit, currants, and mulberry meet the sweetness on the plate, while white pepper and a full tannin structure hold up to salty, fatty meat.
Zinfandel has grown in Amador County’s Gold Rush area for over 150 years, according to the vineyard notes. The 2022 season began with a hard frost that cut the crop to 40% of normal, and the fruit that remained was extractive and full of old vine flavor. Violets on the nose and a long, firm finish round out the wine.
Which Wine Works With Roasted Vegetables and Dark Meat?
Syrah is the match for roasted root vegetables, mushroom dishes, and dark turkey meat. Scott Harvey offers two: the 2021 Mountain Selection Syrah at $35.00 and the 2022 J&S Reserve Syrah at $49.00.
The Mountain Selection Syrah is fruit forward and rich, aged 21 months in French oak, with firmly structured tannins. Those tannins stand up to the caramelized edges of roasted vegetables and the richer meat of the thigh and leg. The J&S Reserve Syrah leans toward elegant red fruit, with layers of blackberry, plum, and a whisper of smoky oak, a good fit for a slow dinner by the fire.
Where Can You Taste These Wines Before Thanksgiving?
Plan your visit to the Scott Harvey Wines tasting room at 10851 Shenandoah Road in Plymouth, California, or to the Sutter Creek tasting room, and ask our team which wines suit your menu. Confirm current hours and reservation options on the Visit page before you go.
Ready to order for the holiday? Browse the Scott Harvey Wines shop for current releases, or see our food pairings page for more dish-by-dish ideas.
Frequently Asked Thanksgiving Wine Questions
What is the best red wine for Thanksgiving dinner?
Barbera is the most dependable choice. Its bright natural acidity cuts through gravy, butter, and dark meat, and its red cherry fruit echoes cranberry. The 2023 Scott Harvey Mountain Selection Barbera is made in the Old World Italian style to be food friendly.
Does Zinfandel go with Thanksgiving turkey?
Zinfandel suits dark meat, ham, and sweet-savory sides best. The 2022 Scott Harvey Old Vine Zinfandel has dark jammy fruit, white pepper, and a full tannin structure, which pair well with glazed dishes and richer cuts of meat.
Can you serve Syrah at Thanksgiving?
Yes. Syrah fits roasted vegetables, mushroom dishes, and dark meat. The 2021 Scott Harvey Mountain Selection Syrah is fruit forward with firm tannins, and the 2022 J&S Reserve Syrah offers blackberry, plum, and smoky oak notes.
How is Barbera different from Zinfandel?
Scott Harvey’s vineyard notes say Barbera ripens later than Zinfandel and produces grapes with lower pH and bright natural acidity. His Old Vine Zinfandel shows a full tannin structure with dark jammy fruit. Barbera tends to read brighter at the table.
Where can I buy Scott Harvey Wines for Thanksgiving?
Browse current releases in the Scott Harvey Wines online shop, or visit the Plymouth or Sutter Creek tasting room. Confirm current hours, reservations, and any holiday ordering details on the Visit page or with our team before you plan.
Please enjoy Scott Harvey Wines responsibly. You must be 21 or older to purchase.