What is Jason Feulner Doing for Thanksgiving?

As I promised last week, the next few days on LENNDEVOURS will feature a look inside the Thanksgiving plans of our contributors and readers.

Kicking off the week is Jason Feulner, our Finger Lakes Correspondent:

My Thanksgiving plans will place me in a position where the choices of wine will be less than spectacular.  As a guest at my in-laws, I will be subject to a choice between a mass produced, generic California wine or a mass produced, generic Australian wine.  Most of these wines are not awful by any stretch, but there is nothing special about them even when they fit the meal nicely enough.  They are the wines that are found at the front of the shop, cases piled high, with a big discount sign hanging above.

Ultimately, wine is about enjoyment and sharing its pleasures with others.  Despite the fact that my wine tastes have matured considerably in the last few years, I will never bring myself to consider the wine before I consider the company.  I’m grateful that my wife’s family will generously provide what will undoubtedly be a great meal, and I will make due with any beverages that are available.  My own family barely even drinks at all, and I find meals with them to be a wonderful experience.

I’m thankful for my family, my wife’s family, and the time we spend together.  Right now, the wine has to take a firm second place in terms of importance.  Later, when our siblings grow older and we have children of our own, I’m sure we will be hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or two.  These events will give me a chance to share wine in my own style.

Other than my wife’s homemade apple pie, I think I will bring along a good semi-dry blush from Keuka Springs and a 2003 chardonnay from Dr. Frank’s.  It is entirely possible that these bottles will be placed immediately in the refrigerator and forgotten before the meal even starts.  So be it.

 

Comments

[John Sperr]

Take half a case of your favorites with you and make sure it makes it to the table at dinner. Most hosts are happy to have someone more knowledgeable take charge of the wine at dinner.

[Jason Feulner]

Among "peers" yes, you are correct, but sometimes it's best to avoid pushing wine when wine is simply not going to be the focus of the meal or evening. In this case, I'm not running the show as I'm an odler member of the younger generation.

I don't need wine to enjoy a meal; wine is a complement to a meal much like good company. In this cae, the company will more than suffice, and wine will be available in one form or another. I'll bring a bottle or two and see what happens!