I’m asked this question a lot. Mostly because the holiday is filled with so many different flavors on our table - and partly because when you’re having a group it’s sometimes difficult to know how much wine to buy for a crowd.

So let’s cut to the easy part first.

My first response when asked how much to buy begins with another question - buffet or courses for service of the meal?

This is important because in a meal served by courses you can pair or select wines that might be appropriate with each recipe. With a buffet, you probably want to have one white and one red that will be pleasing whatever it is consumed with.

But let’s start at the beginning. Will there be a reception or cocktail hour first as guests arrive? I like to serve Prosecco or rose to my guests during that time. Both go well with salty snack type finger foods, nuts and such and are reasonable as well. Look for Prosecco DOC from the newly designed region in Italy which means that it’s made from 100% grapes from the estate area of the region. I’m loving La Tordera Valdobbiadene which we served at two events this week - dry, crisp with a smooth after palate. Great with food - or just served alone. I’m also loving Petra lava rose from Southern Italy - make in very small production this is a ‘meatier’ rose than the ones that you’ve been drinking all summer.

If you feel like something fun - try sparkling Shiraz from Australia too. The color is a deep rich red which is surprise to your guests and is very flavorful and festive too.

These wines should range from $12-22 a bottle on average. For a reception, use a 7 oz. champagne flute for the sparkling and an 8 oz. white wine glass for the rose to get 5-6 pours per bottle.

For the meal, if it’s a sit down try a Pinot Gris or Viognier for your  soup course especially if it’s butternut squash or something creamy. Both varietals go really well with this flavor palate and are aromatic and floral. Prices range from $15-30 a bottle and each bottle serves 5 full glasses or 6 party serving comfortably.

If you’re doing ‘tasting pours’ you can get away with a 2 oz pour per course (just a few sips) or 4 oz. If you are planning to serve a white wine with salad next (or before) you won’t need to change your glasses for these two course either.

My favorite seasonal salad at Thanksgiving is arugula, chopped dates, shaved parmesean, artisan olive oil, salt and pepper. This salad can pair well with a steel fermented chardonnay which is what I prefer next to one that is buttery and rich. Or try a white from the Loire valley or a Cotes Du Rhone if you want the salad wine to transition to the main meal red. All of these wines can be found for under $20 - and for a chardonnay that you will love try either Alma Rosa from Richard Sanford in the Santa Ynez Valley outside Santa Barbara or BVC Buena Vista Carneros from Carneros in Sonoma. Both available nationally.

What to do at turkey time? Everyone seems to be thinking Pinot Noir but I’m partial to Sangiovese, Tempranillo or Chateauneuf du Pape from France. The Pinot Noirs will work well and be sure to please the crowd - check out Hahn Family from Monterey County for good values. Otherwise plan on spending about $28-$45 a bottle for the others.

You can finish the meal with a bit of Muscat, Late Harvest Riesling or even a bit of champagne if you’re serving chocolate and your guests will love you for this treat.

If you’re having a big group for a buffet, don’t be afraid to try the box wines - the Cabernet from Target (yes, that Target) is $12 and has gotten great scores.

Big format bottles are always fun and impressive on the holidays. A 1.5 ltr. is the equivalent of 2 regular bottles.

If you are doing a buffet and people are eating with plates in their lap - or on other more informal small tables - try using stemless wine glasses to keep down the chance of spillovers.

Have more questions about Thanksgiving choices? email me at julie@womenwine.com.

Enjoy!