Perfect Wine Pairings for Ham and Turkey: A Friendly Guide

If you’re planning a delicious meal featuring ham, turkey, or both, you might be wondering: what wine goes best with these classic dishes? Whether it’s for a holiday feast, a family gathering, or a simple Sunday dinner, choosing the right wine can elevate your meal and make every bite more enjoyable. In this easy-to-follow guide, we’ll explore the best wines to pair with ham and turkey, why they work so well, and tips to make your next meal a memorable one.

Why Wine Pairing Matters with Ham and Turkey

Ham and turkey are staples at many festive tables, but they have distinct flavors and textures. Ham is usually salty, sometimes sweet (especially if glazed), and often rich. Turkey is milder, leaner, and can be a bit dry if not cooked carefully. The right wine can balance these flavors, complement the meats, and even enhance the side dishes on your plate.

Best Wines to Pair with Ham

Ham’s salty-sweet profile calls for wines that can either complement its flavors or cut through its richness. Here are some top picks:

• Riesling: A slightly sweet or off-dry Riesling pairs beautifully with ham, especially if it’s glazed with honey or fruit. The wine’s crisp acidity and subtle sweetness balance the saltiness of the meat and any sugary glaze.
• Gewürztraminer: This aromatic white wine is another great match for ham. Its floral notes and hint of spice work well with both savory and sweet glazes.
• Zinfandel: If you prefer red wine, try a fruity Zinfandel. Its bold flavors hold up to ham’s richness without overpowering it.
• Rosé: Dry or off-dry rosé is a versatile option that complements both the saltiness and any sweetness in your ham.
• Pinot Noir: For those who enjoy lighter reds, Pinot Noir’s bright acidity and red fruit notes are a lovely match for baked or smoked ham.

Quick Tips for Ham Wine Pairing

• If your ham has a sweet glaze (like honey or maple), lean toward off-dry whites.
• For smoky or savory hams, try fruit-forward reds like Zinfandel or Pinot Noir.
• Sparkling wines (like Brut Champagne or Prosecco) are festive choices that work surprisingly well with ham’s richness!

Best Wines to Pair with Turkey

Turkey’s mild flavor makes it one of the most wine-friendly meats out there. The key is to choose wines that won’t overpower the bird but still bring out its best qualities.

• Pinot Noir: This classic Thanksgiving pairing is light enough not to overwhelm turkey but has enough body to stand up to rich side dishes.
• Chardonnay: A lightly oaked Chardonnay offers creamy texture and citrus notes that complement both white and dark turkey meat.
• Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp and refreshing, Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with turkey breast and herby stuffing.
• Beaujolais: Made from Gamay grapes, this French red is fruity, light-bodied, and perfect for a turkey dinner.
• Viognier: This aromatic white brings floral and stone fruit notes that work well with turkey’s delicate flavor.

Quick Tips for Turkey Wine Pairing

• If your turkey is roasted with herbs, try herbal whites like Sauvignon Blanc.
• For richer preparations (like deep-fried or smoked turkey), opt for fuller-bodied whites or light reds.
• Sparkling wines are always a crowd-pleaser and pair nicely with turkey’s mildness.

The Best Wines for Meals Featuring Both Ham and Turkey

If your table features both ham and turkey (think Thanksgiving or Easter buffets), you’ll want wines that are flexible enough to go with both meats. Here are some safe bets:

• Rosé: Its versatility makes it an excellent bridge between the sweet-salty ham and mild turkey.
• Pinot Noir: Light enough for turkey but flavorful enough for ham.
• Sparkling Wine: Bubbly options like Cava, Prosecco, or Champagne are festive and food-friendly.
• Riesling (off-dry): Works wonders with both meats, especially if you have sweet glazes or fruity sauces.

Wine Pairing Tips for Holiday Feasts

• Consider Your Sides: Stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, and gravies all add flavors to your plate. Choose wines that can handle a variety of tastes—versatile options like Pinot Noir or Riesling are great choices.
• Serve Both Red and White: Offering both gives guests more choices and ensures everyone finds something they like.
• Keep It Light: Avoid heavy, high-tannin reds (like Cabernet Sauvignon) which can overpower both ham and turkey.
• Chill Your Reds Slightly: Especially lighter reds like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais. Serving them slightly cool brings out their best flavors.

FAQs: Wine Pairing with Ham and Turkey

Can I serve sparkling wine with ham or turkey?

Absolutely! Sparkling wines are festive, refreshing, and pair wonderfully with both ham and turkey. Their bubbles help cleanse the palate between bites.

What if I prefer sweet wines?

Semi-sweet wines like off-dry Riesling or Moscato are great with ham—especially if there’s a sweet glaze. For turkey, stick to whites that aren’t overly sweet so you don’t overpower the meat.

I’m serving both white and dark turkey meat. Does it matter?

No worries—most recommended wines work well with both. White meat is milder; dark meat is richer. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, or even rosé will complement both types.

Should I match wine to the sauce or glaze?

Sauces can change the flavor profile of your dish. If you’re serving a sweet glaze on ham or cranberry sauce with turkey, go for slightly sweeter or fruit-forward wines to balance things out.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Meal!

The best wine pairing for ham and turkey is ultimately the one you enjoy most. Use these suggestions as a starting point, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Whether you’re pouring glasses of Riesling, Pinot Noir, or sparkling wine, your meal will be all the more special when shared with family and friends. Cheers!

Quick Reference Table: Top Wine Picks

DISH	BEST WINE PAIRINGS
Ham	Riesling (off-dry), Gewürztraminer, Zinfandel, Rosé, Pinot Noir
Turkey	Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Beaujolais, Viognier
BOTH	Rosé, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Wine, Off-dry Riesling

No matter what you choose, remember: good food and good company are the most important ingredients. Happy pairing!