Meijer, a Grand Rapids retailer with 235 supercenters and grocery stores in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin, typically sells nearly 10 million bottles of wine and beer during Thanksgiving week. Here are the chain’s wine and beer buyers’ 2017 Thanksgiving Day picks from vineyards and breweries across the Midwest.
2017 Local Wine Recommendations
According to wines.com, Thanksgiving is the one day of the year when wine is most likely to appear on American dinner tables. Turkey is one of the most versatile meats that can be paired with many types of wine. White wines and delicate reds complement white meat, while a bold red pairs nicely with dark meat. The pairing process gets complicated when you consider side dishes and desserts. Here are our wine buyers top local vintage picks by state that range from dry to sweet:
- Michigan: From Chateau Grand Traverse, they prefer Mich Mash White Blend; Mich Mash Red Blend; and Mich Mash Riesling.
- Wisconsin: From Door Peninsula Winery, they recommend Door County Blackberry Merlot; from WollerSheimWinery, its Prairie Fume; and from Cedar Creek Winery, its Cranberry Blush.
- Illinois: From Illinois Cellars, they recommend Velvet Red; from Lynfred Winery, the top pick is Lynfred Cranberry; and from St. James Winery, its St. James Blackberry.
- Indiana: From Oliver Winery & Vineyards, they prefer Oliver Riesling; from Mallow Run Winery its Rhubarb; from Easley Winery, the top choice is Jubilee Cranberry and from Huber Winery its Sweet Marcella.
- Ohio: From Mon Ami Winery, they recommend Pink Catawba, Catawba White, and Concord; from The Winery at Versailles, its Rodeo Red; and from Vinoklet Winery its La Dolce Vita.
- Kentucky: From Stonebrook Winery, they recommend Blackberry; and from Old 502 Winery, the top choice is Kentucky Lady.