As the leaves settle and the last of harvest wraps up on the Leelanau Peninsula, our team at Blustone turns to one of our favorite moments of the year: gathering around the Thanksgiving table. It’s a holiday built on warmth, gratitude, and good company—and for us, that always includes thoughtful wine pairings that bring the meal (and the memories) to life.
This year, our table is a snapshot of the season ahead: rich reds, cozy whites, and a sparkling wine that starts every celebration on the right note. Whether you’re hosting, visiting family, or looking for a meaningful gift, these are the bottles we’re reaching for—and the ones we think will carry you beautifully from Thanksgiving all the way through the holidays.
2022 Merlot Reserve — A 91-Point Standout for the Main Event
We’re incredibly proud of our new 2022 Merlot Reserve, which just earned 91 points from Forbes—a recognition that feels especially rewarding as we head into the season of great meals and great conversations.
This Merlot is all about depth and intention. It opens with deep aromas of ripe plum, smoky cavendish, and a savory, earthy complexity. Our Vineyard Manager, John Molenhouse, thinned the leaves early in the season to let the grapes soak in more sunlight, resulting in striking concentration and color.
On the table, it’s a dream pairing for lamb chops, roast pork with grilled vegetables, hearty stuffing, or a holiday charcuterie board. And while it’s built for aging, it’s showing beautifully right now—making it both a luxurious dinner bottle and a gift that truly means something.
2024 Chardonnay Reserve — Cozy, Bright, and Perfect for Thanksgiving Classics
Our newly released 2024 Chardonnay Reserve feels tailor-made for this time of year. Think Golden Delicious apple, warm bread dough, a touch of toasted almond, and delicate honey on the nose. A swirl brings orange blossom, brioche crust, orchard fruit, and just the right amount of French oak.
It’s rich yet fresh, silky yet bright—exactly the balance that shines alongside:
- Thanksgiving turkey
- Buttery lobster rolls
- Citrusy or creamy pastas
- Seared scallops or roast chicken
- Soft Brie and holiday cheese boards
This is the bottle we open for long, lingering lunches or cozy evenings by the fire after the feast is over.
If you’re shopping early, here’s a hint: this will be a star in our December holiday shop.
2023 Gewürztraminer — A Thanksgiving MVP That’s Nearly Gone
For something aromatic and expressive, our 94-point 2023 Gewürztraminer brings a burst of personality to the table. It’s crisp, bright, and full of lychee, citrus, and subtle baking spices—the kind of wine that makes you pause after the first sip.
And when it comes to Thanksgiving food? It just works.
Spicy dishes, herb-driven sides, sweet-salty glazes, rich gravies—this wine complements all of them. It has also become a tradition around our own Thanksgiving table, and with low stock remaining, it may not be back for long.
2024 Blu Secco — For Toasting, Hosting, and Every Happy Moment
Every celebration deserves something sparkling, and our 2024 Blu Secco is the bottle we reach for before the meal, during the meal, and well into dessert.
Fresh apple, crisp pear, bright citrus, and fine bubbles make it lively without being overwhelming. It’s light, refreshing, and endlessly versatile—just as good with appetizers as it is in a spritz or celebratory toast.
If your Thanksgiving gathering includes cocktail hour, charcuterie, or a fridge that opens 20 times an hour, Blu Secco fits right in.
Looking Ahead: Our Holiday Shop Opens in Early December
Thanksgiving may be the first stop of the season, but it won’t be the last. Starting the first week of December, you’ll be able to explore our full Holiday Shop—complete with limited bundles, special releases, and wine gifts crafted with the same care that goes into every bottle.
Whether you’re planning your holiday table, filling stockings, or shipping a bottle across the country, we can’t wait to share the season with you.
From our vineyard to your celebration—cheers to a warm, memorable Thanksgiving and the joyful days ahead.
