Wine Watch: Bottles Fit for a Thanksgiving Feast
Each month, wine expert Vicky Hampton shares seasonal wine recommendations for both budget-conscious buyers and those looking to splurge. With Thanksgiving becoming more popular in the Netherlands, this edition focuses on the best wines to complement a traditional feast. These suggestions also fit Christmas dinners featuring turkey.
Personal Thanksgiving Experience
My first Thanksgiving was in 2012, and I dived in headfirst. My boyfriend, originally from Louisiana, had moved to Amsterdam six months earlier, and I wanted to make his first Thanksgiving outside the US feel special. I scrambled to order a turkey from the butcher, researched side dishes frantically, and wondered if gift exchanges were expected.
I encountered many unique traditions — some I embraced, like American casseroles, which are quite different but enjoyable compared to European versions. Others, such as potato dishes topped with marshmallows, didn’t appeal to me at all.
Now, thirteen years later, my appreciation of Thanksgiving has grown, in part because I’ve been invited by my in-laws to celebrate the holiday in the US multiple times.
“An American casserole is nothing like a European casserole, but it can be perfectly delightful.”
“Any potato dish involving a topping of marshmallows is just plain wrong.”
Author’s summary: Vicky Hampton blends personal Thanksgiving memories with practical wine advice, offering readers thoughtful insights for festive seasonal celebrations.