You see it everywhere: store aisles brimming with bottles of every style—red, white, rosé, orange, even bubbly—all carefully curated to complement your Thanksgiving feast. It made me wonder: what did the Pilgrims drink during their first celebration? Curious, I dug into the history to find out. Here’s what I discovered.
The Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth in December 1620, their first winter was harsh and unrelenting, claiming the lives of many in their small group. Whatever ale or brandy they had brought aboard the Mayflower for the journey was long gone by the time they emerged from those bleak months. Survival had demanded their full attention.
By the time autumn 1621 arrived, the Pilgrims had endured not only the brutal winter but also the uncertainty of planting and harvesting in a foreign land. Their efforts, supported by the invaluable guidance of the Wampanoag people, had achieved results and offered hope for the months ahead.
There was an abundance of food for the first Thanksgiving feast; however, there is no record of fermented beverages being served. Plymouth Rock was, in essence, a dry town. Brewing beer or distilling spirits required ingredients, equipment, and time the settlers simply didn’t have. Instead, water quenched their thirst during the historic meal.
Gratitude was the centerpiece of the gathering—gratitude for survival, for the harvest, and for the alliances they forged between them and their Wampanoag neighbors. Their focus remained on preparing for the future, as they knew another winter was approaching. Hunting, preserving food, fortifying shelters, and stockpiling wood for heat were priorities, ensuring they’d be better equipped for the frigid cold months ahead.
The first Thanksgiving was a testament to resilience and community rather than indulgence. While their table might have lacked the comforts of fermented drink, it overflowed with the hard-won fruits of their labor and the shared hope of a brighter, more stable future.
This Thanksgiving, as we gather around tables filled with abundance, let’s honor the original spirit of the holiday by reflecting on what it means to persevere, to share, and to give thanks. In doing so, we can strive to be better citizens, friends, and family members, building connections rooted in understanding, gratitude, and the shared hope for a brighter future.
With the story now retold, let’s move on to the day—below are a few stellar domestic picks to help celebrate with your family and friends:
Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley, OR, such as Willamette Valley Vineyards, Stoller, or Evesham Wood (around $25).
Zinfandel from CA, such as Turley, Ridge, or Bedrock (around $50).
Whites:
Sauvignon Blanc from CA, such as Lieu Dit, Frog’s Leap, or Morgan (around $25).
Grgich Hills Estate, Merry Edwards, or Cakebread are solid choices (around $50).
But really, drink what you like—wine, beer, cider, juice, water—pretty much anything goes with turkey!
We’ll start our celebration with a favorite domestic sparkler, Schramsberg, to set a festive tone. After all, and most importantly, Thanksgiving is about who’s around the table in addition to what’s on it. It’s also a time to reflect on those who may not be with us but remain in our thoughts and hearts and, their absence enriching the spirit of the day. So, raise a glass of whatever you enjoy and toast to gratitude, togetherness, and the enduring connections that make this season so special.
Salud!
In Vino Veritas (In wine there is truth)