Dungeness is a rich, succulent delicacy to be savored when in season This is a great dish from the past, and uses a classic egg yolk thickened sauce. It’s traditionally served on toast points but can also be spooned into little puff or choux pastry shells or in crepes. The mineriality of ​Sonoma-Cutrer Les Pierres is a great match here.

Does the thought of turkey, cranberry sauce and stuffing—again—leave you feeling a bit uninspired? This year, jazz things up with some slightly different dishes that will impress your guests and reinvigorate your holiday table.

Of course what you pour is just as important as your menu, and Sonoma-Cutrer has the perfect wines for your feast. With the help of a few inspired recipe ideas and wine pairings that will elevate your offerings, it’s simple to create a truly memorable meal.

Set the tone with a made-for-fall soup that lets guests know this isn’t your standard Thanksgiving spread. Pumpkin Soup with seasonal wild mushrooms becomes a showstopper when served in individual pumpkin bowls. A warming Winter Squash Soup is a tasty alternative, both of which pair nicely with a glass of crisp, versatile Russian River Ranches Chardonnay.

Bold enough to bypass the turkey this year? If so, give your guests something to gawk at with individual Smoked Game Hens. Brined in cider for moist, flavorful results, these birds also pick up a rich smoky flavor when cooked over wood chips on the grill.

If you’d rather stick to the traditional Thanksgiving centerpiece, not to worry—the same brining technique will work quite well on turkey. Either makes a fantastic partner for Sonoma-Cutrer’s Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Lush and silky, the fruit-forward pinot is light enough to let the poultry shine through.

For an intimate Thanksgiving meal, or impressive sidekick for your turkey, try serving a Slow-Roasted Duck. Surprisingly simple to prepare, the rich duck is an ideal pair for a glass of complex yet elegant Founders Reserve Pinot Noir.

Top off your meal with a dessert that will challenge pie for a permanent place on your holiday table. Pumpkin Cheesecake with a graham-cracker crust is a fitting finish, while a simple Apple Batter Cake is a slightly lighter option that celebrates the season equally well.

Uncork a bottle of succulent Late Harvest Chardonnay to serve alongside your dessert and raise a glass to family, friends and an exceptional meal.

Shrimp tossed in an easy Pesto flavored with mint and rosemary. Pair this dish with The Cutrer Chardonnay for a light meal.

An easy and authentic version of this classic. The key to crab cakes is not to over mix and shred the crab. These crab cakes pair well with our Sonoma Coast Chardonnay.

This Smokey Corn Chowder is a heart-warming comfort food and pairs well with our ​Russian River Ranches Chardonnay.

These rich seafood strudels pair nicely with our Founder’s Reserve Chardonnay. Serve them at your next dinner party and wait for the rave reviews.