Although Thanksgiving is still the fourth Thursday in November, it seems to be a little early this year. It's only two weeks away, so I hope you have your plans well underway! Thanksgiving is our "travel" holiday - we spend it with either my family in Massachusetts or my husband's family here in New York, so I'm not responsible for the turkey. Usually I'm requested to bring dessert, and to bring the wine. The wonderful thing about turkey is that you can pair so many different wines with it. Really, if you like it, you can usually drink it with turkey. I suppose the complicated part is making sure the wine works with the large number of side dishes typically served. But there is not need to stress! I've drafted up a list of some great Thanksgiving wines to get you started.

White Wines

Hayman & Hill Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2005 ($15) -Soothing tropical fruit with subtle bursts of mineral weave through the palate. Ripe melon and butterscotch round out the rich mouth feel and finish with soft sweet acidity.

Gainey Vineyards Riesling 2005 ($16) - A mélange of fruit flavors such as lemons, peaches and apricots intermingle and the lively spritzy character create a refreshing wine of depth to enjoy with a wide variety of foods.

BEX Riesling 2005 ($13) - From Germany's renowned Mosel, it has lightly sweet-but-not-too-sweet pear, peach and pineapple flavors that taste drier than they are because of the nice bracing acidity that the wine has.

Martin Ray Winery Pinot Gris 2006 ($26) - Rich floral aromatics lead to flavors of luscious fresh peaches and creamy vanilla. This wine has a full mouthfeel and finishes soft and long.

Baron Rothschild Réserve Spéciale Bordeaux Blanc 2006 ($13) - A crisp wine made from Sauvignon, Semillon, and Muscadelle grapes. Citrusy flavors and a nice, clean finish.

Red Wines

Lobster Key Pinot Noir 2004 ($18) - A wonderful New Zealand Pinot Noir. It is deep red in color with a nose of black cherry, black raspberry, vanilla, clove, and floral notes. This bottle is dry with medium body, bright acidity, and soft tannins. It is a red redolent of cherries, black raspberries, vanilla, spice, and smoky oak.

Warwick Valley Winery Black Dirt Red NV ($10) - I couldn't make a list without including a wine from the Hudson Valley. Black Dirt Red is 100% Baco Noir, a French-American hybrid grape. This wine has been aged in stainless steel tanks for a period of eight to nine months, creating an exceptionally smooth, easy drinking wine. It is particularly fruit forward in style with notes of cherry, plum and fig.

Huntington Wine Cellers Petit Syrah 2005 ($15) - Enormous fruit characteristics include aromas of black fruit, chocolate, currant, blackberry and black cherry. The palate is rich and full, blanketed with soft tannins. This would be the wine to pick for someone who insists on a really full red.

Chasse du Pape Prestige 2005 ($10) - A delicious Cote-du-Rhône wine, which is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and Mourvedre. It's full of spice and red fruit, but won't overwhelm your dinner.

Sparkling Wine

Filipetti Prosecco NV ($9) - Prosecco is an affordable and festive wine to serve at Thanksgiving, and the Filipetti is deliciously dry, with fresh fruity flavors and a crisp finish.

Personally, I like red wines with my Thanksgiving dinner, and I try to pick something on the lighter side. Although I included the Petite Syrah on my list, many people might find it a little overwhelming for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. However, some people want to drink bigger reds, no matter what. In that case, the Huntington would be great. If you want to go with a Chardonnay, I would only suggest one that is unoaked or lightly oaked. Pinot Noirs are a great choice and most people enjoy them. Rieslings (I'd pick a drier Riesling) are always popular for Thanksgiving, too. And if all else fails - pick a sparkling wine! What better day to celebrate than the one when you're gathered with family and friends. Don't be shy about asking for recommendations at your local wine shop. The staff will be more than happy to help you pick great wines for your holiday table.

Next Thursday check back for my dessert wine suggestions!