Inspiration for a Special Thanksgiving
George Vanderbilt was known for his hospitality to guests and an elegant entertaining style that included the finest foods and wines available. What was his own favorite meal? Our archives suggest that Mr. Vanderbilt enjoyed turkey accompanied by a very traditional Appalachian cornbread dressing. You can try that very same recipe, along with an array of delicious side dishes and a praline pumpkin pie worthy of your holiday celebration, plus exciting wine pairings to complement these traditional tastes of the season. See Thanksgiving Recipes and Wine Pairings
Top Wine Picks for Thanksgiving
For a delicious and festive option, Biltmore Winemaster Bernard Delille recommends choosing a crisp, full-bodied sparkling wine that can complement your Thanksgiving meal from start to finish. ""For the holiday dinner at my house, I always serve sparkling wine because this special time deserves an equally special wine," says Bernard Delille. "My wife and I love sparkling wines and this has become a family tradition."
For a more traditional option, our winemakers recommend selecting both a white and red wine to pair with the Thanksgiving meal. Consider our crisp North Carolina Chardonnay and our Biltmore Reserve Cabernet Franc. Though many recommend Pinot Noir for a Thanksgiving red, we think Cabernet Franc is a great match because of how well its earthy characteristics complement foods of the harvest season.
Setting a Harvest Table
Although your holiday meal is the highlight of your celebration, you can easily create a table setting that's sure to delight your family and guests. According to Scott Garland, Food and Beverage Manager at the Inn on Biltmore Estate, even the most stylish holiday table should leave plenty of room for your Thanksgiving feast.
Here's a simple, natural table decoration that Garland recommends—place pine cones and seed pods collected on walks in the woods in a shallow wooden or glass bowl, then add a few shiny ornaments in autumn colors for contrast. It's easy to create, elegant enough for any gathering, and can be quickly updated to feature Christmas colors, as well.