Wine Watch: Bottles fit for a Thanksgiving feast

Wine Watch: Bottles Fit for a Thanksgiving Feast

Each month, wine expert Vicky Hampton shares her seasonal selections for both budget-conscious drinkers and those ready to indulge. As Thanksgiving becomes more popular in the Netherlands, this month's column highlights the best wines to pair with a festive dinner. The same ideas apply to Christmas, where turkey often takes center stage again.

Discovering Thanksgiving Abroad

Vicky recalls her first Thanksgiving experience in 2012. Her then-boyfriend had relocated from Louisiana to Amsterdam just six months earlier, and she wanted him to feel at home during his first holiday away from the United States. Determined to recreate the celebration, she ordered a turkey from a local butcher, searched online for side dishes, and even wondered whether gifts were part of the tradition.

"I threw myself straight in at the deep end," she remembers, describing her early attempt to host a true American Thanksgiving abroad.

Traditions Adopted and Avoided

Through that first experience, she discovered many quirky customs. Some she embraced, enjoying the hearty comfort of a classic American casserole, while others she politely declined — such as any potato dish topped with marshmallows.

Growing Familiarity Over the Years

Thirteen years later, Vicky’s understanding of Thanksgiving has deepened. She has celebrated the holiday several times in the United States with her in-laws, gaining firsthand knowledge of its warmth and family-centered traditions.

Author’s Summary

Celebrating Thanksgiving in the Netherlands helped Vicky Hampton blend American traditions with Dutch hospitality, shaping her insights into pairing wines for any festive table.

DutchNews.nl — 2025-11-01