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“Run for your lives, turkeys, only one of you will be pardoned!” Here’s wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, full of lots of love, laughter, food, family, and plenty of Heath Family Brands wine. Today’s post should be fun!

For the first time ever, our post will be co-written with the incredibly capable Cristin Tippin. Cristin is my editor and posts these stories on Facebook and our website and also reels me in when I step out of bounds. 

Cristin is Julie Herbort’s daughter (our second in command behind Brian and Jennifer) and is going to share with us some of her family’s holiday traditions along with some food and wine pairings. So, here we go…

Cristin: Hi, friends! Growing up in the Texas Hill Country, Thanksgiving for my family revolved around these things: family, food, football, and a post-turkey nap. I know. You expected an epic alliteration there, but the post-turkey nap is too important to substitute for the sake of fancier writing.

In adulthood, Thanksgiving Day still looks much the same as it did growing up. But now, with the food comes a great wine or drink pairing. I won’t pretend to be a wine expert. But thankfully, we have Jeff to help us out with that! So today, I’ll share my favorite Thanksgiving traditions and Jeff has graciously shared the best wine to pair it with.

Thanksgiving mornings always started the same. My amazing mother (who can multi-task in the kitchen like no other) in the midst of already beginning her Thanksgiving turkey prep, would have some cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven. With cinnamon rolls and a classic pomegranate Mimosa in hand, we (and by we, I mean my mom) would take a break from the cooking and enjoy the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It was a tradition we never strayed from and one day I finally got to share in the mimosas… and they are as good as they look. Sharing the recipe below!

Thanksgiving lunch included all the favorite Thanksgiving Day dishes. Turkey and ham, creamy corn, sweet potato casserole (extra marshmallows), my mom’s famous green beans with bacon, and of course, buttery rolls. While Jeff could probably give us a wine to pair with each dish, below he’s given us some staples to have on the table this Thanksgiving for all to enjoy.

Then comes one of my favorite parts… the post Turkey nap. While the Cowboys were on, we’d spread out on the couches and spend much of the first half in our turkey comas. But just before half-time, you’d grab your snack (remember this is the day for food) and get ready for the half-time show.

After a Cowboy’s win (hopefully) and diving into the first round of leftovers, it’s time for the late-night dessert. Yes, by the time night rolls around, we’ve probably already cut into some pie. But it’s the late-night dessert on Thanksgiving that just hits different. Grab your pie, cool whip, and wine, and finish out the perfect Thanksgiving Day.

Then our heads would hit the pillow with full bellies, full hearts, and sweet traditions that I’ve cherished even to this day.

Thanksgiving Day Schedule with Pairings

Heath Sparkling Pomegranate Mimosa Recipe

• 4oz Heath Sparkling Blanc de Blancs
• 2oz Pomegranate Juice
• A flute, not a saucer
• Pomegranate Seeds
• Rosemary for garnishing

Pour the wine into the flute first, then add the pomegranate juice. Top with a spoonful of pomegranate seeds and garnish with rosemary.