Steven McDonald of Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, who was named the Texas Michelin Guide’s Sommelier of the Year in 2024, says sticking to the classics is always a safe bet. “I’m at risk of sounding like a cliché. The best ones to bring for Thanksgiving are generally your Burgundy grapes, and that comes in a lot of forms,” he says. “What we’re really talking about is pinot noir and chardonnay.”
McDonald recommends wines from California and Oregon, as well as “exotic places” such as Australia and New Zealand. Right now, though, his favorite wine is made from Nebbiolo grapes, grown in northern Italy’s Piedmont region. This variety produces red wines, including Barolo and Barbaresco, which are fun to add to the mix. McDonald also likes to introduce Brunello di Montalcino, “a beautiful warming wine” that’s great for when the weather cools down. Later in the season, he’ll often gravitate toward Bordeaux, which can be diverse in flavor depending on the type.