Meijer Wine, Beer Buyers Release Their Midwest Picks to Try This Thanksgiving

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Nov 21, 2017, 10:00 ET

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Nov. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Historically, Meijer sells nearly 10 million bottles of wine and beer during Thanksgiving week, according to the Meijer beer and wine buyers. If you are looking for guidance and open to adding a local selection, the buyers have released their 2017 Thanksgiving Day picks that herald 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.

2017 Local Beer Recommendations

For those looking to buck tradition, consider featuring some local brews at your Thanksgiving celebration. According to the Meijer beer buyers, the effervescence in beer cleanses the palate, which based on all of the textures and flavors offered in a Thanksgiving meal, drinking beer allows you to fully experience the flavors of each dish. During dinner, consider sticking with a pale ale or a session IPA.

Pale Ales: New Glarus Moon Man from Wisconsin; Lagunitas Little Sumpin Sumpin from Illinois/California; and Rhinegeist Crash from Ohio
Session IPAs: Founders All Day IPA and Perrin No Problems, both from Michigan

When it comes to dessert, the Meijer beer buyers suggest adding something a little more complex depending on the dessert, or try a cider, especially when enjoying apple pie.

Pumpkin Pie: Atwater Vanilla Java Porter; Bell's Christmas Ale; and Vander Mill Totally Roasted, all of which are Michigan brews, and Great Lakes Christmas ale from Ohio
Chocolate Cake: Founders Backwoods Bastard; New Holland Dragon's Milk or The Poet; and Rochester Mills Milkshake Stout, all of which are Michigan brews. Kentucky Ale's Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Stout, from Kentucky and Sun King Wee Mac from Indiana
Apple Pie: Blake's Wake Fire Cider from Michigan; and Redd's Blueberry Ale from Wisconsin

About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 235 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. A privately-owned and family-operated company since 1934, Meijer pioneered the "one-stop shopping" concept and has evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive apparel, home decor and pet departments, and garden centers. For more information on Meijer, please visit www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.