Raise a Glass to Gratitude: What’s on the Table at Base Camp

Thanksgiving is one of those rare occasions where tradition meets generosity, and where the food on the table invites conversation, laughter and seconds. At Base Camp Wine & Co., we believe your wine should honor this moment—not complicate it. That’s why our Thanksgiving Table Must-Haves collection brings eight thoughtfully-selected wines that work across the full scope of your feast: from pre-meal bubbles to the final sip after pie.

Here’s how each bottle plays its role.

1. Start the Evening — Sparkling

J. Lauren's Cremant de Limoux NV
There’s something celebratory about popping corks before the turkey hits the table. This sparkler (or classic brut) sets the tone: bright, welcoming, and lively enough to support everything from hors d’oeuvres to the first pour with guests arriving. It awakens the palate, invites smiles, and signals that the meal ahead is one to savour. One of LO's favorite sparkly sippers.

2. The Whites that Work with Turkey & Sides

20222 Château de la Grange “La Berrière” Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu AOC
While many reach for red with roast turkey, a crisp, well-balanced white can be equally brilliant—especially when the sides take over the table. Think orchard peaches, fresh apple, a whisper of oak and enough structure to hold up to gravy, stuffing and vegetables. This white is the unsung hero of the spread.

3. Aromatic White for the Sweet-and-Savory Balance

2022 Prinz Salm Two Princes Riesling
Casseroles heavy on sweet potato, caramelised onions, or cranberry sauce deserve a wine that can walk the line between sweet and savoury. This aromatic white – maybe a Riesling-leaning or Viognier-tilted bottle – does exactly that: it brings a little lift, a little lift of spice, and a note of freshness when the table gets rich.

4. Rosé — Versatility in a Glass

Eternal Beauty Rosé of Cabernet Franc
A dry rosé is often overlooked for Thanksgiving, but we think it’s one of the most versatile pours. It has the charm of red fruit to sit with the turkey, the crispness of white to keep things lively, and the aesthetic to appeal to both casual wine drinkers and more serious collectors. Chill it, open it early and let it roam through the meal.

5. Red for the Turkey Purists

[Wine #5 – Name, Vintage, Price]
For those who say “red only,” here’s your go-to turkey red: light-to-medium body, bright red fruit, soft tannins and enough acidity to refresh with each bite of white meat. It honours the bird without overshadowing the stuffing. The perfect red for the main act.

6. Red for the Side-Dish Champions

2021 Brewer-Clifton Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills
When the side dishes take over—sage-buttered stuffing, roasted root vegetables, Brussels sprouts with balsamic—you’ll want a red with a little more depth. This one brings the richness without tipping into heaviness: a red that stands alongside the sides and adds to the experience.

7. Wild Card Red / Leftover Night Star

2023 Brunier Ventoux Rouge Megaphone
Here’s the fun one: a red that steps a bit out of the norm. Maybe it’s a Grenache-driven Rhône blend, maybe it’s from a lesser-known region. It appeals to the collector in your group and also becomes the star of leftover turkey sandwiches the next day. Choose bold-ish, but still food-friendly.

8. Dessert/After-Dinner Sip

Koenig Ice Wine
And finally: the sweet finish. Whether it’s late-harvest, tawny style or a richer dessert wine, this bottle is about closing out the evening on a high note. It pairs beautifully with pie, cheese plates, or should-we-just-keep-chatting-with-wine-in-hand. Let the conversation flow.

Why This Collection Works

• Balanced across the board – From aperitif to dessert, we’ve covered the full spectrum.

• Approachable yet elevated – Wines that novice sippers can enjoy, yet collectors will respect.

• Food-friendly logic in play – Each bottle has structure, enough acidity and flavor alignment to engage with the table.

• Right price sweet spot – These selections live around the $25–$40 range (with exceptions when something special elevates).

• Community focused – At Base Camp, we aim to bring people together. These wines reflect that—no intimidation, just good bottles for good company.

Final Thoughts

So when your guests begin arriving and the kitchen hums with the sound of the oven timer and conversation, raise a glass without hesitation. Pour the sparkle, open the whites, have a rosé on hand, rotate into reds, and keep the dessert wine handy as the evening lingers into laughter and leftovers.

From all of us at Base Camp Wine & Co., thank you for letting us be part of your table. Here’s to community, gratitude and truly memorable wine.

Cheers.