- Experts recommend four budget-friendly Trader Joe’s wines for Thanksgiving.
- Super Happy’s red blend offers dark cherry and plum notes and is beloved by TJ’s employees.
- Espiral Vinho Verde and Charles Shaw Nouveau Red are crisp, crowd-pleasing holiday picks.
If you’re looking for the perfect wine for your Thanksgiving gathering, you’re in the right place. On a 2024 episode of the Inside Trader Joe’s podcast, four crew members from the Trader Joe’s wine team selected bottles that are worth a try.
We think these wines are perfect for the winter holiday season, especially Thanksgiving. From fruity reds to crisp whites, here are four bottles of wine to consider for the big meal—and to stock up on this season.
Super Happy Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese & Malbec
First up, the Super Happy Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese & Malbec is a top choice for the wine experts over at TJ’s.
“It’s coming from the Happy Canyon AVA of Santa Barbara County. It’s essentially sangiovese plus cabernet and a little malbec blended together, reflecting a version of Super Tuscan wine style,” James Zichterman, the category manager for wine, beer and spirits at Trader Joe’s, explains.
This blended red gives the best flavors of dark cherries and plum, making it a delicious sip for the main meal. And at a budget-friendly price of $9.99 a bottle, you might as well grab two!
Espiral Vinho Verde
If you’re looking for a white wine that will be sure to impress, this Espiral Vinho Verde is a crowd pleaser. Trader Joe’s employees noted the flavor to be bright, acidic and resembling the tartness of a Granny Smith apple. This brightness holds a depth that will caress whatever you’re eating.
“Vinho verde is one of my go-to whites to serve at parties,” our editorial director Carolyn Malcoun says. “It’s slightly effervescent, with a bright, crisp flavor that goes well with everything.” She recommends pairing it with grazing apps like a meat-and-cheese board or these 3-Ingredient Cranberry-Brie Bites. And you can’t beat the price at $4.99 to $6.99 a bottle (price varies depending on region).
Charles Shaw Nouveau Red Table Wine 2024
Beloved by wine connoisseurs, Charles Shaw promises a fresh approach to California red, and their Nouveau Red Table Wine 2024 bottle is no exception. A top recommendation for the holidays, it will pair well with both turkey and ham.
“One out of every 10 bottles of wine that customers buy is Charles Shaw,” Trader Joe’s podcast co-host Matt Sloan says. Senior category manager Colin Fields notes that this particular variety of Charles Shaw wine is “lights-out awesome.” Try it with the Thanksgiving feast, or give it a taste while enjoying leftovers through the weekend.
