A New England Thanksgiving: Wine Pairings from Flag Hill

The Heart of the Season

The table is set, the oven’s humming, and the air carries the scent of roasted turkey, herbs, and fresh-baked pie. Thanksgiving is a celebration of connection — family, friends, and the food that brings us together.

At Flag Hill Winery & Distillery in Lee, New Hampshire, we believe every memorable meal deserves the perfect pour to match. Whether you’re hosting the feast or simply bringing a bottle to share, our locally crafted wines pair beautifully with every course of your holiday table.

The Quintessential Thanksgiving Pairing: Apple Cranberry Wine

If there were ever a wine made for Thanksgiving, this is it.

Our Apple Cranberry Wine captures the essence of New England autumn with crisp local apples and bright, tart cranberries. The result is a fruit-forward wine with bold flavor and lively acidity — the perfect counterpoint to the rich, comforting dishes of the season.

It cuts beautifully through roasted turkey, savory stuffing, and creamy potatoes, while its ruby hue brings a festive sparkle to your table. Slightly chilled, it’s both refreshing and celebratory — a true crowd-pleaser that tastes like fall in a glass.

Light and Bright: Cayuga White

A Flag Hill classic, Cayuga White offers a smooth, balanced profile with notes of citrus and gentle floral tones. Its crisp acidity refreshes the palate between bites of buttery sides, roasted vegetables, and turkey with gravy.

This wine’s clean finish and versatile flavor make it a perfect choice for guests who prefer something lighter and refreshing throughout the meal.

Cayuga White is our best-selling white wine, and we think it defines the local New Hampshire wine style. A bold and aromatic white wine, designed from the grape as the starting point. Grab the Bubbly Cayuga White for a more festive and slightly drier alternative.

For the Red Wine Lovers: Flag Hill Red

For those who love a smooth red at the table, Flag Hill Red delivers a soft, fruit-forward experience. With subtle cherry and spice, it pairs wonderfully with dark-meat turkey, mushroom gravy, and herb-roasted root vegetables.

Serve slightly chilled to highlight its bright fruit and smooth texture. This approachable red has enough character to complement rich dishes while remaining easygoing enough for any guest.

Alternatively, you can select our Marechal Foch for more body, tannin and oak.

A Warm Finish: Mulled Wine for the After-Dinner Hour

After the plates are cleared and the stories start to flow, keep the warmth of the day alive with a simple, aromatic mulled wine. It’s cozy, fragrant, and the perfect way to end Thanksgiving night with friends and family.

Flag Hill Mulled Wine

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle Flag Hill Red

• 1 cup Apple Cranberry Wine (optional, for extra brightness)

• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 4 whole cloves

• 2–3 orange slices

• (Optional) splash of Flag Hill Maple Whiskey for added depth

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over low heat.

2. Warm gently for 15–20 minutes — do not boil.

3. Remove from heat, ladle into mugs, and garnish with an orange slice or cinnamon stick.

The result is a comforting cup filled with fruit, spice, and a touch of New England sweetness — a final toast to gratitude and good company.

Visit Flag Hill for Your Thanksgiving Wines

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving in New Hampshire or visiting family across New England, stop by Flag Hill Winery & Distillery in Lee, NH to pick up your holiday pairings. Our tasting room is stocked with wines and locally made gifts that make Thanksgiving entertaining easy and memorable.

Coming Next Week: Thanksgiving Spirits & Cocktails

Looking for something stronger to serve before or after the meal? Next week, we’ll share Thanksgiving Spirits & Cocktails from Flag Hill — featuring our Maple Whiskey, General Stark Vodka, Spiced Rum, and 18-Year Niagara Brandy in simple, festive drink ideas for the holidays.

Stay tuned and raise a glass to New England craftsmanship this Thanksgiving season.