The Week Before Thanksgiving.

By the week before Thanksgiving, excitement (and maybe a little anxiety) starts to bubble up. The fridge is slowly filling, the guest list keeps shifting, and the dining table looks more like a staging area than a place to eat.

This is when the holiday starts to feel real — the point where anticipation meets aroma. And with a little planning (and the right bottle or two), this week can be just as enjoyable as the big day itself.

Monday: Lists and Light Wines

Monday is the calm before the culinary storm. The fridge still has space, your to-do list is organized, and there’s time to think.

Wine to sip while planning: Sancerre or Grüner Veltliner
Bright, refreshing, and focused — they keep you alert while dreaming about the feast ahead.

Easy pairing: Goat cheese and roasted beet salad or a quick apple and cheddar plate.

It’s not a celebration yet — it’s about easing into the rhythm of the week, with a glass that says, “I’ve got this.”

Tuesday: Test Kitchen Tuesday

This is the day for trial runs — those little recipe experiments or make-ahead dishes. Invite a friend over, open a bottle, and turn testing into a mini celebration.

Wine pick: Beaujolais-Villages or Gamay Noir
Playful and food-friendly, these reds match almost anything you might taste-test.

Try with: Cranberry-glazed meatballs, stuffing muffins, or baked brie with herbs.

These are wines that remind you cooking is supposed to be fun — not stressful.

Wednesday: The Night Before

By Wednesday, the kitchen’s in full swing. The turkey’s thawed, the counters are covered, and someone’s already sampling the pie filling. This is when you need something comforting, easy, and familiar.

Wine of choice: Chardonnay (unoaked or lightly oaked)
It’s rich enough for a cozy meal but won’t weigh you down.

Pair with: Herbed roast chicken, creamy soup, or even just buttered popcorn and a movie while the house fills with anticipation.

This is the night to unwind — to exhale before the big day.

Thursday Morning: A Sparkling Start

There’s nothing like waking up on Thanksgiving morning to the smell of cinnamon and coffee, with the kitchen already humming. Before the chaos begins, take ten minutes to pause. Step outside, take in the crisp air, and toast to what’s ahead.

Wine for the moment: Sparkling Rosé or Prosecco Superiore
Bubbles have a way of marking a moment. They remind you this is a celebration — not just a meal.

Pair with: Pumpkin muffins, cranberry scones, or fruit and cheese for a light breakfast spread.

It’s the small rituals that make the day memorable.

Wine and the Art of Anticipation

Wine has a way of slowing time — it nudges us to notice the details: the warmth of the oven, the laughter drifting from another room, the comfort of familiar aromas. This week is about those details.

Don’t wait for the big day to open something special. Celebrate the process — the prep, the planning, the people. Thanksgiving isn’t just about what’s on the table; it’s about what happens around it.

Coming Next: The Feast

In our final article — Part III: “The Feast — A Thanksgiving Table Worth Toasting” — we’ll sit down at the table together. Expect classic pairings, fresh ideas, and a few surprises for every stage of the meal — from appetizers to dessert wines.

Until then, take this week slowly. Sip something seasonal. Laugh off the chaos. And remember: gratitude isn’t just for Thursday — it’s for every moment that leads up to it 🍷

Cover Image: Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com