Discover Walla Walla

Thanksgiving is around the corner and isn't it interesting that when asked what our favorite part of the dinner is, we don't always mention the turkey. Often our favorites are the ‘taters and gravy, dressing, Aunt Bessie's canned green bean casserole and most of all, the pie. Of course, I'm going to tell you that the favorite part of the meal should be the wine - and several choices, of course. It is Thanksgiving, after all and isn't this American holiday about giving thanks to our bountiful harvest?

The Walla Walla Valley just finished up a long and unpredictable crush as well as their Fall Release Weekend. Now that the crowds have thinned a bit, it's a great time to seek out some treasures to go with your Thanksgiving dinner. Check out the new releases from the area's wineries, but don't forget the older vintages as well. The older vintages will often gain complexity and tannic red wines will mellow and soften with age.

We are seeing more cool crisp rosés than ever before, and they are not just for the summer anymore. Rosés do seem to sell out fast but if you see them at the winery, grab a few bottles for the holidays. Not only are they pretty, but add to the holiday spirit. Rosés will pair well with turkey and even that holiday ham.

Does your favorite turkey dressing recipe call for mushrooms, rosemary and sausage? If so, then bring out a bottle of Sangiovese. Want to stick with a white wine that, not only pairs with the turkey, but also the pie? Choose a rich and floral Viognier or Gewurztraminer.

Celebrate the Thanksgiving bounty with Late Harvest wines - - and how appropriate. Late Harvest Rieslings and Semillons are, not only aromatic, but are very dessert friendly wines.

Be flexible with your wine pairings this Thanksgiving and most of all, generous.