Thanksgiving is a time of warmth, gratitude, and togetherness — a day when the table overflows with family, flavor, and laughter. And while the feast is often the star of the show, the drinks you serve can turn an ordinary dinner into an unforgettable celebration.
This year, elevate your Thanksgiving table with sparkling wines that bring effervescence, joy, and sophistication to every toast. Whether you’re welcoming guests with an aperitif, pairing bubbles with dinner, or ending the evening with a sweet sparkle, Opera Prima has a bottle to match every moment of gratitude.
Why Sparkling Wine Belongs at Thanksgiving
Sparkling wines are synonymous with celebration — and what’s more worth celebrating than gratitude? The bubbles, brightness, and refreshing finish of sparkling wine bring balance to Thanksgiving’s rich, hearty dishes. From turkey and stuffing to pumpkin pie, there’s a perfect bubbly to complement every bite.
Unlike heavy wines, sparkling varieties cleanse the palate, keeping your taste buds fresh through multiple courses. They also pair beautifully with a wide range of flavors — salty, sweet, savory, and even spicy — making them one of the most versatile options for a Thanksgiving feast.
Opera Prima’s range of Brut, Moscato, and Mimosa wines offers something for everyone: the crisp for the purists, the sweet for the indulgent, and the citrusy for the adventurous.
Explore the collection at Opera Prima USA.
1. Start the Celebration with Opera Prima Brut
Kick off your Thanksgiving gathering with a sparkling toast that sets the tone for the evening. The Opera Prima Brut is light, crisp, and perfectly dry — ideal for welcoming guests or pairing with appetizers.
Its bright notes of green apple, pear, and citrus create a refreshing start to the meal. Pair it with:
- Light starters like shrimp cocktail, bruschetta, or smoked salmon
- Cheese platters with aged cheddar, brie, and fresh fruit
- Savory pastries or spinach-stuffed phyllo bites
The Brut’s effervescence cuts through the richness of creamy dips or buttery bites, refreshing the palate for the main course to come.
2. Pair Your Feast with Opera Prima Moscato
When it’s time for the main event, few wines capture the warmth of Thanksgiving like the Opera Prima Moscato. With its aromatic notes of peach, honey, and white flowers, Moscato offers a gentle sweetness that complements savory dishes beautifully.
Moscato pairs wonderfully with classic Thanksgiving fare, such as:
- Roasted turkey with herbed butter or honey glaze
- Sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows
- Cranberry sauce and roasted vegetables
Its low alcohol content and playful sweetness make it a crowd-pleaser for everyone at the table — even those who don’t usually drink wine.
For a unique twist, chill a few bottles before dinner and offer guests a Moscato spritz with frozen cranberries as a garnish. It’s festive, refreshing, and photo-ready.
3. Add a Citrus Twist with Opera Prima Mimosa
For brunch gatherings or early dinners, the Opera Prima Mimosa is the perfect companion. This ready-to-enjoy sparkling orange-infused wine brings zest, brightness, and fun to Thanksgiving mornings or mid-afternoon celebrations.
It’s a delightful choice for:
- Thanksgiving breakfast or brunch spreads
- Light snacks before dinner (cheese boards, fruit platters, pastries)
- Post-dinner palate cleansers
The natural citrus notes pair wonderfully with holiday flavors — orange-glazed ham, pumpkin scones, or even apple pie. Its cheerful flavor profile makes every sip feel like a mini celebration of gratitude.
4. Sparkling Wine and Dessert: The Sweet Finish
No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without dessert — and no dessert spread is complete without bubbles. Opera Prima Moscato and Mimosa both make for perfect dessert companions.
Try pairing:
- Moscato with pumpkin or pecan pie, fruit tarts, or cheesecake
- Mimosa with citrus desserts, pound cake, or chocolate truffles
The sweetness in both wines complements the richness of desserts while the bubbles lift each bite, keeping the finish light and joyful.
You can even create a Thanksgiving dessert cocktail:
- Pour Opera Prima Moscato over a scoop of vanilla ice cream and top with caramel drizzle. It’s indulgent yet simple — the perfect finale to a feast.
5. How to Serve Sparkling Wine at Thanksgiving
Serving temperature and presentation play a key role in how your sparkling wine shines. Here are a few tips to make your Thanksgiving service seamless:
- Chill before serving: Keep bottles between 45°F and 50°F. Too cold, and you’ll mute the flavors; too warm, and you’ll lose the sparkle.
- Use proper glassware: Flutes preserve bubbles, but wide-bowled glasses (like white wine glasses) help release more aroma.
- Open gently: Tilt the bottle at 45°, twist the bottle (not the cork), and let the cork release with a soft sigh — not a pop.
- Store extras properly: If you don’t finish a bottle, reseal it with a sparkling wine stopper and refrigerate. It’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days.
6. Sparkling Wine Cocktail Ideas for Thanksgiving
Looking to add some creativity to your Thanksgiving drinks menu? Try these easy sparkling wine cocktails:
Cranberry Sparkle
- Opera Prima Brut
- A splash of cranberry juice
- Fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig for garnish
Autumn Citrus Mimosa
- Opera Prima Mimosa
- Dash of triple sec
- Garnish with an orange twist
Spiced Moscato Punch
- Opera Prima Moscato
- Apple cider and a cinnamon stick
- Optional slice of pear for sweetness
These cocktails are quick to mix, crowd-friendly, and add a festive twist to your Thanksgiving celebration.
7. Setting the Scene: Gratitude in Every Glass
Thanksgiving is more than a meal — it’s a feeling. The laughter that fills the room, the memories shared, and the quiet moments of appreciation make it special.
A toast with Opera Prima sparkling wine captures that spirit perfectly. The effervescence mirrors the lightness of being together, the joy of reflection, and the gratitude for good company.
So, as you raise your glass this Thanksgiving, let every bubble remind you of life’s simple pleasures — warmth, friendship, and the beauty of being present.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can sparkling wine replace champagne for Thanksgiving?
Absolutely. Quality sparkling wines like Opera Prima Brut deliver the same festive bubbles and bright flavors as champagne, but at a more accessible price point.
2. What’s the best sparkling wine to pair with turkey?
Opera Prima Moscato complements roasted turkey beautifully, especially with sweet glazes or cranberry sides.
3. How many bottles should I buy for Thanksgiving dinner?
Plan for one bottle per two guests if serving throughout the meal, or one bottle per four guests for toasts only.
4. Can I serve sparkling wine with dessert?
Yes — Moscato or Mimosa pair wonderfully with desserts like pumpkin pie or cheesecake.
5. How early should I chill sparkling wine before serving?
Refrigerate it for at least 3-4 hours before your guests arrive.
6. Is Opera Prima Mimosa pre-mixed, or do I add juice?
Opera Prima Mimosa is ready-to-drink — perfectly balanced with sparkling wine and natural orange juice.
7. What’s a good Thanksgiving cocktail using Opera Prima wines?
Try the Cranberry Sparkle — Opera Prima Brut with a splash of cranberry juice and fresh berries.
8. Can sparkling wines be used for gifting?
Definitely. Opera Prima’s elegant packaging makes it a thoughtful, festive gift for hosts, friends, or family.
9. Are Opera Prima wines suitable for people new to wine?
Yes, they’re approachable, well-balanced, and easy to enjoy — perfect for casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike.
10. Where can I find Opera Prima wines?
They’re available at select wine stores across the U.S. You can also explore the full collection online at Opera Prima USA.