Pour Wines From American Winemaking Families This Thanksgiving

(Forbes) - Thanksgiving is the uniquely American holiday that celebrates family in all of its complex, often blemished wonderfulness. It seems right and fitting to bless your table this holiday with American made, family-owned wines. Working with family 24/7 in an agricultural enterprise is no small achievement and I’ve always had high respect for the individuals who stick together and make a go of it. The wines below were selected based on their affinity for Thanksgiving dishes; invite one of them to your table this holiday.

However, if crazy Uncle Wayne shows up with a shoebox full of condiments to share and hippie cousin Violet stages a sit-in to spare the turkey—well, skip the wine and go straight for the whiskey.

Buyer’s Note: Because family-run winery often means ‘no time for marketing and sales’ many of these wines are not widely distributed and are best purchased directly from the winery.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Families–in no particular order:

Bella Vineyards and Wine Caves, CA. Bella is a small, family-run winery that specializes in old-vine Zinfandel and Rhône-varietal wines from the Alexander and Dry Creek valleys. The 2010 Lily Hill Estate Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel  includes grapes from original 1915 plantings. It will pair best with the roasted bird, but I’d try this spicy, brambly wine with pumpkin pie as well.

Benziger Winery, CA. Mike Benziger and his wife Mary started farming grapes in Sonoma over 30 years ago—with the help of Mike’s parents Bruno and Helen.  Soon after, brothers Joe, Bob and Jerry joined the business, followed by sister Patsy and her husband Tim. Eventually youngest siblings, Chris and Kathy got into the act. Eleven family members makes a team and with their biodynamic philosophy (the entire portfolio is biodynamically farmed) they have plenty going on to keep everyone busy. The 2010 Imagery Estate Lagrein, Paso Robles, is a gorgeous red (which normally hails from the Alto Adige region in Italy) boasting supple tannins, delicious blue-black fruits and soft spices. The brilliant, mouth-watering finish just leaves you begging for more.