This three-part SOMM&SOMM Thanksgiving series is a celebration of gratitude, gathering, and the glass — designed to unfold just as the season does.

There’s a quiet beauty to early November. The Halloween decorations are packed away, the first cool fronts roll in, and suddenly the house feels like it’s waiting for something. For some, it’s the countdown to Christmas lights and shopping lists. But for many of us — those who live for the smell of roasting herbs, clinking glasses, and family stories that spill across the table — it’s the beginning of something more grounded: Thanksgiving season.

Somewhere along the way, this holiday has been tucked between the commercial fanfare of Halloween and Christmas, like the forgotten middle child of the holidays. But Thanksgiving deserves more. It’s a celebration of connection, of gratitude, of food shared and stories retold. It’s not about grand gestures or elaborate centerpieces — it’s about the simple act of gathering.

The Spirit of Thanksgiving

Before there were supermarkets and double ovens, Thanksgiving was born from gratitude — people giving thanks for harvest, survival, and community. It wasn’t a feast for show; it was a moment of pause. Somewhere amid our modern rush, that sense of quiet appreciation still exists — we just have to slow down enough to notice it.

Thanksgiving asks us to step away from our screens and schedules and gather with the people who make our world whole. Whether it’s family, friends, or the neighbors you only see once a year, it’s the one day when conversation, food, and drink matter more than the clock.

Warming Up for the Season

The weeks leading up to Thanksgiving are a perfect time to get back into the rhythm of the kitchen — and the cellar. Farmers’ markets are alive with squash, apples, and sweet potatoes. The first casseroles reappear, and “test runs” of favorite recipes start filling the air with familiar aromas.

It’s also the season to enjoy wines that ease us into the warmth of late autumn. Think of it as tuning your palate for what’s to come.

Try these cozy pre-holiday pairings:

• Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Viognier: A rich, silky soup meets a wine with soft apricot and floral notes.
• Mushroom Tartlets with Pinot Noir: Earthy and elegant, this combo practically defines autumn.
• Apple and Brie Crostini with Sparkling Wine: Crisp, celebratory, and simple — ideal for impromptu gatherings.

These aren’t the wines you reserve for the main event — they’re for the small, beautiful in-between moments.

Perfectly Imperfect Gatherings

Let’s be honest — Thanksgiving can be a circus. There’s always a forgotten dish, a heated debate over football or politics, and that one relative who insists on bringing a “healthy” version of mashed potatoes. But these moments are part of the charm.

Every family has its quirks, just like every bottle has its surprises. The laughter, the noise, the imperfect timing — that’s the real flavor of the season. The best wines aren’t the most expensive; they’re the ones that taste better when shared.

So dust off the good glasses (or don’t), open something that makes you smile, and toast to the mess and magic of it all.

What’s Next

Over the next few weeks, we’ll take a deeper dive into the Thanksgiving experience — from the prep and planning to the meal itself. Each article will offer fresh pairing ideas, stories, and maybe a few borrowed family recipes.

For now, pour something seasonal, light a candle, and enjoy the calm before the carving. Thanksgiving isn’t just a day on the calendar — it’s a whole mood 🍷

Cover Photo by Anna Tukhfatullina Food Photographer/Stylist on Pexels.com