Keeping the whole family happy at Thanksgiving is nearly impossible, but a little wine can go a long way to keep those social bonds nice and lubricated! We’ve got some suggestions this week on what we think are some of the best crowd pleasing wines that won’t break the bank for any Thanksgiving event!

Beaujolais is a wine that comes to many people’s mind when talking about Thanksgiving, in years past it that meant Beaujolais Nouveau, this days we mean something a bit more serious like a Beaujolais-Villages or a Cru of Beaujolais, there are ten Crus, we love Morgan, Fleurie and Moulin-a-Vent in particular. Beaujolais Villages wines are particularly good value, with a few options under $17 a bottle. It is something that nearly anyone can get along with, red wine that is easy drinking but not too light!

We also think a wide range of Italian reds go great for Thanksgiving, they are always food friendly and can please nearly any palate. Chianti is certainly a go to, but we think a great Barbera can make an excellent bottle to throw on the table as well. Want to get crazy? Try an Etna Rosso or Frappato, both great wines from Sicilian.

As far as white wines go, we think that Chardonnay is always a good choice for any dinner, find the right one can be a challenge, but look for something with toned down oak notes, a big oaky chardonnay can really put some folks off, but something with just a kiss of oak can bring the whole table together. We also love a range of Chenin Blancs, whether from South Africa, France or one of our new favorites, Sula, is from India!

Branching out a bit from Chenin and Chard, you could certainly try something like a Vinho Verde while serving up apps, this refreshing style is appealing to tried and true wine drinkers, but can also convert a few beer drinkers along the way! Also, never underestimate the universality of bubbles! Who can really resist a full of Cava? Not only do bubbles immediately put a smile on any face, but they also go with pretty much everything on the table.

Finally, don’t for those who are choosing not to drink, don’t forget there is a wider range of nonalcoholic.