5 Outstanding Zinfandels For Thanksgiving 2025
But wait, there’s more. Mildly dissatisfied with limiting our Thanksgiving wine suggestions exclusively to Pinot Noir, we pivot to five Zinfandels at a variety of price points for Thanksgiving dinner. Zinfandel is always a good call to pair with turkey, as a Zinfandel with lower tannins provides a bit of juiciness. Which, depending on who is running point in the kitchen this year, can absolutely run the risk of being sandpaper dry and overcooked. Its fruit-forward flavor profile also complements non-turkey main courses and seasoned side dishes quite well.
Below are four of our top picks, all available at or under $50 at the time of publication (tariffs may have adjusted the prices), and all sensible picks worthy of a place at the table with family or friends.
2017 Sky Vineyards Mount Veeder Napa Valley Zinfandel
Stunningly complex and full of earthy notes on the nose while kicking down the door with dark fruit, cranberry and chocolate on the palate, it has more dimension and depth than any other selection on our list, and was one of the most well-regarded Zinfandels of 2025. Here’s the secret about Sky’s Zinfandel: it can compete with Zinfandels twice the asking price in the region. So if you’re looking to up your game and impress those who future in-laws who are less than impressed with your showing thus far, this will help score some points and make people think twice about secretly and not-so-secretly questioning your partner’s tastes. $50
2021 Bartholomew Estate Zinfandel Sonoma Valley
According to Christopher, this Sonoma Valley Zinfandel showcases a milder side of the varietal, leaning into cranberry notes and delivering a tarter experience than your standard fare. However, don’t mistake this for some alcohol-infused version of cranberry juice: this has plenty of complexity to satisfy even the most refined palate, even if it is paired with honey-glazed ham, or yam, or whatever else is heavily glazed at the dinner table. Worth bringing if the company you’re keeping is worth paying the asking price. $44
2021 Rombauer Zinfandel California
Big on both abv (15.9%) and flavor, Robert reviewed this in 2024, but I took compiling this list as a sign to finally open my bottle and take it for a test drive with a plate of jambalaya. As Robert wrote in his review, this continues to be “dangerously drinkable,” with notes of plum, cranberry, cherry cola, and milk chocolate masking the high alcohol content. It may not be the right move if high alcohol content is likely to amplify emotions and discussions of tense topics at dinner, but if everyone’s in a jovial mood or in need of a strong nap after the big meal, this will do the job nicely. $38
2022 Ancient Peaks Zinfandel Paso Robles Santa Margarita Ranch
This Paso Robles Zin delivers a sneak peek of the remainder of the holiday season, with sweet notes of chocolate and black cherry cordial nicely integrating with gingery Christmas spices. While this may be our value pick of the list, don’t be fooled by the price tag. There’s no skimping on quality, and it holds its own nicely. Uncork this in anticipation of the next few weeks, and celebrate the survival of another Thanksgiving. $25
Need help with something that isn’t a Pinot Noir or Zinfandel? Shoot us a line in the comments, and we shall provide some suggestions!
Additional reporting to this article contributed by Robert Lublin and Christopher Null.
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