The Unexpected Star of Your Thanksgiving Table: Why Lone Point Cellars' Award-Winning Cabernet is the Perfect Holiday Wine
The Thanksgiving table is a uniquely American tableau, a beautiful and chaotic symphony of flavors. It is a meal defined by its delightful contradictions: the savory depth of roasted turkey, the earthy sweetness of yams, the tart burst of cranberry, and the herbaceous warmth of stuffing. For the host, selecting a wine to navigate this culinary minefield can be a daunting task. The conventional wisdom, often repeated in holiday guides, steers us toward "safe" choices—wines like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel, chosen more for their ability to not offend than for their capacity to truly elevate the meal.
This year, however, presents an opportunity to challenge that convention, to move beyond the safe and embrace the spectacular. The key to unlocking a more memorable and delicious holiday feast may not be a light-bodied red, but rather a bold, elegant, and surprisingly perfect alternative: a world-class Cabernet Sauvignon from the heart of Washington State. This is not just any Cabernet; it is the Lone Point Cellars 2021 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine that is more than a beverage. It is a conversation starter, a palate-enhancer, and a liquid testament to modern American winemaking excellence.
This exploration will serve as a guide, demonstrating precisely why this specific wine, born from the unique terroir of the Columbia Valley and the deep-rooted passion of a family-run winery, possesses the structure, flavor profile, and story to not only stand up to the complexities of Thanksgiving dinner but to become its most celebrated component. It is a wine that promises to transform the holiday meal from a collection of disparate dishes into a harmonious and unforgettable culinary experience.
An Award-Winning Expression of Washington: Deconstructing the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon
Before a wine ever reaches the holiday table, its quality is often judged by experts whose sole purpose is to identify excellence. The Lone Point Cellars 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon has not only faced this scrutiny but has emerged with one of the most compelling endorsements possible, providing an empirical foundation for its place as a premium holiday selection.
The Mark of Unanimous Excellence
In the world of wine competitions, medals are common, but some accolades carry significantly more weight. At the 2024 Cascadia International Wine Competition, the Lone Point Cellars 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded not just a Gold Medal, but the titles of "Best Cabernet Sauvignon" and, most importantly, a "Double Gold Medal". This distinction is critical. A "Double Gold" signifies that a wine received a unanimous gold medal rating from every single judge on the panel. The panel for a prestigious competition like Cascadia is composed of a diverse group of top wine professionals, including winemakers, retailers, journalists, and educators—individuals with varied palates, preferences, and professional biases.6
For a single wine to achieve a consensus of "gold" quality among such a group is a remarkable feat. It suggests that the wine possesses a universally recognized quality of balance, structure, and flavor that transcends individual taste. This is not a niche or polarizing wine; it is a wine of objective, demonstrable excellence. This unanimous verdict from experts directly validates the winery's mission to create wines that are both high-quality and "approachable". For a Thanksgiving gathering, which brings together family members with equally diverse tastes—from the uncle who only drinks bold reds to the aunt who prefers something softer—a wine with proven universal appeal is the perfect, low-risk, high-reward choice. It is, in essence, approachable excellence in a bottle.
The Flavor Profile - A Symphony of Sun and Soil
The judges' praise was rooted in a specific and compelling flavor profile. The wine was lauded for its complex aromas of "black aggregate fruits, vanilla, oak, and spice". This aromatic bouquet translates into a rich and satisfying experience on the palate. The term "black aggregate fruits" suggests a dense, concentrated medley of blackberry, cassis, and ripe black cherry—the classic hallmarks of a premium Cabernet Sauvignon from a warm climate. These primary fruit notes are layered with the subtle, sophisticated nuances of vanilla and spice imparted by careful aging in oak barrels.
On the palate, the wine delivers on the promise of its aroma, with "intense dark fruit flavors that linger on the palate". This long, persistent finish is a key indicator of a well-made, high-quality wine. This profile is a quintessential expression of Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon, known for being fruit-forward yet structured, with a supple and velvety texture supported by firm but polished tannins. It is this combination of rich fruit and refined structure that makes it uniquely suited for the Thanksgiving table.
The Columbia Valley Advantage
A wine's character is inextricably linked to its origin, and the exceptional qualities of this Cabernet Sauvignon are a direct reflection of its home: the Columbia Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA). This is Washington's largest and most renowned growing region, a vast expanse of over eleven million acres defined by a unique set of climatic and geological conditions that are nearly perfect for cultivating world-class wine grapes.
The region's semi-arid, desert-like climate is a critical factor. With a mere six to eight inches of annual rainfall, growers have precise control over irrigation, allowing them to strategically stress the vines. This stress forces the vines to direct their energy into producing smaller, more concentrated berries, leading to wines with intense color and flavor. This is amplified by the sheer amount of sunshine the valley receives—up to 16 hours a day during the peak of the growing season, two hours more than in Napa Valley. This abundance of sunlight ensures the grapes achieve optimal ripeness, developing the deep, dark fruit flavors that define the wine's profile.
However, heat and sun alone can lead to wines that are overly ripe and "jammy." The secret to the Columbia Valley's success is its significant diurnal temperature variation. While the days are hot, the nights are cool, a phenomenon that allows the grapes to preserve their natural acidity. This acidity is the wine's backbone, providing freshness, structure, and balance. It prevents the bold fruit from becoming overwhelming and is the key to the wine's remarkable food-pairing versatility.
Finally, the soils of the Columbia Valley—predominantly well-drained sandy, loamy, and gravelly compositions left behind by ancient floods—play a vital role. These low-nutrient soils force the vines' roots to dig deep in search of water and sustenance, further concentrating the flavors in the fruit. It is this combination of sun, aridity, temperature shifts, and soil that creates the perfect conditions for growing Cabernet Sauvignon with both power and elegance.
The Story in the Bottle: A Family's Passion Rooted in Washington Soil
A truly great wine is more than the sum of its technical attributes; it carries a story of place and people. The Lone Point Cellars 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is not the product of a large corporation but the culmination of a family's multi-generational dedication to the land of North Central Washington. This human element transforms the wine from a simple commodity into an artifact of family heritage, making it a particularly resonant choice for a holiday centered on tradition and togetherness.
From Orchardists to Vintners
The story of Lone Point Cellars begins long before its grand opening in 2019.14 It starts in 1984 with founders Jim and Dana Divis and a modest 12-acre apple orchard on the Columbia Valley property. Over the decades, their hard work and deep understanding of the local agriculture allowed them to grow their operation into a sprawling 200-acre estate of pristine orchards and, eventually, vineyards. This background is crucial. The Divis family's journey into winemaking was not a whim but a natural evolution of their life's work. Their decades of experience as orchardists provided them with an intimate, hands-on knowledge of the region's soil, climate, and farming practices.
This deep agricultural heritage provides a powerful "reason to believe" in the quality of their wines. The meticulous care required to raise premium fruit is directly transferable to the art of viticulture. When Jim Divis speaks of winemaking as a "new challenge that reinvigorated and elevated my passion for farming," it underscores that this venture is rooted in a genuine connection to the land.15 This authenticity is palpable in the final product and adds a layer of meaning to every bottle.
The "On Point" Philosophy
From the beginning, the Divis family envisioned more than just a winery. Their goal was to build a community and share their connection to the land by making their thoughtfully produced wines "accessible to everyone". This philosophy is woven into every aspect of the Lone Point Cellars experience. The winery's mission is to create a welcoming environment where "great wine and beautiful memories go hand in hand". This is not a place of pretension or exclusivity, but one built on warm hospitality and shared enjoyment.
This commitment to accessibility is reflected in their wines, which are described as "approachable" and "easy (and enjoyable!) to drink" even while being bold and complex. It is a delicate balance to strike, but one they have clearly mastered, as evidenced by the unanimous praise from the Cascadia competition judges. They have succeeded in creating wines that can be appreciated by seasoned connoisseurs and those just beginning their journey into wine alike.
More Than a Winery, A Destination
The Divis family's vision has culminated in a comprehensive agritourism destination designed to offer a complete "vineyard-to-table" experience. The estate is home not only to the winery and tasting room but also to a full-service restaurant featuring a locally inspired menu crafted by Chef Dana Divis. Guests can extend their visit by staying in one of the six modern cottages that offer panoramic 180-degree views of the Columbia River Valley, or at the brand-new, upscale RV park nestled within the cherry orchard.
This holistic approach reinforces the brand's identity. Lone Point Cellars is not just selling wine; it is offering an experience. The stunning views, the delicious food, and the comfortable lodging all serve to deepen the guest's connection to the place where the wine is made. This makes the wine itself a memento of that experience, a way to bring a piece of Washington's beautiful wine country home. When presented as a gift, the bottle carries with it the implicit invitation to visit, explore, and create new memories.
Mastering the Feast: A Strategic Guide to Pairing Cabernet with Every Thanksgiving Dish
The primary objection to serving Cabernet Sauvignon at Thanksgiving is its reputation as a "big" wine, with the potential to overpower more delicate dishes like turkey. However, with a wine as balanced as the Lone Point Cellars 2021 vintage and a few strategic culinary techniques, this bold red can not only coexist with the feast but create a truly synergistic dining experience.
The Core Principle: Building Flavor Bridges
The key to a successful pairing with a complex meal is not to seek a wine that will simply stay out of the way, but to actively create connections between the food and the wine. This is achieved by incorporating "bridge ingredients"—elements added to dishes that echo or complement the wine's primary flavor and aroma characteristics. For the Lone Point Cellars Cabernet, the primary bridges are its notes of dark fruit (blackberry, cherry, cassis), savory herbs, and the subtle hints of vanilla, spice, and smoke from oak aging. By thoughtfully weaving these flavors into the menu, each dish becomes a perfect partner for the wine.
The Main Event (Turkey, Ham, and Beyond)
While many focus on the challenge of pairing red wine with lean turkey breast, the Thanksgiving bird offers a perfect opportunity for a robust Cabernet. The wine's firm tannins and bright acidity are an ideal foil for the richer, fattier dark meat of the thighs and legs, cleansing the palate with each sip.
Pro Tip for Roast Turkey: To make the entire bird more Cabernet-friendly, create an herb rub with classic savory spices like rosemary and thyme, which will complement the wine's subtle herbal notes. For an even more profound connection, sprinkle the turkey with finely ground porcini mushroom powder during the last hour of roasting. The earthy, umami character of the mushrooms will beautifully accentuate the savory, earthy undertones in the wine.
Pro Tip for Glazed Ham: For those who serve ham, the wine's bold, dark fruit profile is a perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of a traditional glaze. The wine's structure prevents the pairing from becoming cloying, while its fruitiness harmonizes with glazes that incorporate cherry or plum.
The Savory Ensemble (The Sides that Make the Meal)
The side dishes are where the "bridge ingredient" strategy truly shines, transforming the entire meal into a cohesive pairing.
Stuffing/Dressing: This is perhaps the most natural partner for Cabernet on the table. A classic sausage and sage stuffing is already rich with savory, herbaceous flavors that mirror the wine's complexity.
Pro Tip: To elevate the pairing, add ingredients that introduce a deep umami flavor. Sautéed wild mushrooms (like cremini or shiitake), deeply caramelized onions, or even a handful of chopped, salt-cured black olives will create powerful flavor bridges. These savory elements have the effect of softening the perceived astringency of the wine's tannins, making the pairing exceptionally smooth.
Gravy: A rich, brown gravy is essential. A lighter, cream-based gravy will clash with the wine's structure.
Pro Tip: Create the ultimate wine-friendly gravy by using a beef or dark poultry broth as the base. After roasting the turkey, deglaze the pan with a generous splash of the Lone Point Cellars Cabernet itself, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits. Incorporating sautéed mushrooms into the finished gravy will further enhance its ability to pair beautifully with the wine.
Roasted Vegetables: The process of roasting brings out the natural sweetness in vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, and parsnips. This caramelization creates nutty, sweet flavors that resonate with the vanilla and toasted oak notes in the wine.
Navigating the Sweet & Tart (The "Difficult" Pairings)
Even the most challenging Thanksgiving dishes can be harmonized with the Cabernet through minor adjustments.
Cranberry Sauce: A standard, overly sweet canned cranberry sauce can make a dry red wine taste bitter and "hot" with alcohol.
Pro Tip: Opt for a homemade version that balances sweet and savory. A recipe that incorporates dried cherries will echo the wine's dark fruit profile perfectly. Adding savory elements like minced shallots and a splash of good balsamic vinegar will temper the sweetness and add a layer of complexity that makes it an outstanding partner for the wine.
Sweet Potatoes/Yams: The classic marshmallow-topped casserole is a difficult pairing for any dry wine.
Pro Tip: Choose a savory preparation. Roasting sweet potatoes with herbs like thyme and rosemary, mashing them with butter and a hint of smoked paprika, or preparing a savory sweet potato gratin with Parmesan cheese and cream will create a dish that complements, rather than clashes with, the Cabernet.
To simplify these strategies, the following table provides an at-a-glance guide for creating the perfect Thanksgiving pairings.
Roast Turkey (Dark Meat)
The wine's tannins and acidity cut through the richness of the dark meat, cleansing the palate.
Add porcini mushroom powder to the turkey rub to bring out the wine's earthy, savory notes.
Sausage & Sage Stuffing
The savory herbs and rich sausage in the stuffing naturally complement the wine's complex, spicy character.
Incorporate sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions to add umami, which softens the wine's tannins.
Mushroom & Wine Gravy
A rich, brown gravy made with beef broth and a splash of the Cabernet creates a seamless flavor connection.
Deglaze the roasting pan with the Lone Point Cellars Cabernet itself to infuse the gravy with the wine's character.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
The caramelization from roasting brings out a nutty sweetness that harmonizes with the wine's oak notes.
Toss the sprouts with bacon or pancetta before roasting to add a smoky element that pairs with the wine.
Cranberry & Cherry Sauce
A less-sweet sauce with dark fruit notes creates a bridge to the wine's fruit-forward profile.
Make a homemade sauce using dried cherries and a splash of balsamic vinegar to mirror the wine's fruit and acidity.
Savory Sweet Potatoes
A savory preparation avoids a sweetness clash, allowing the vegetable's earthy notes to shine.
Mash the sweet potatoes with butter, cream, and a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a savory, spicy kick.
The Perfect Gesture: More Than a Wine, It's a Story to Share
During the holidays, the act of giving is as important as the gift itself. A bottle of wine is a classic gesture, but choosing the right bottle can elevate it from a simple offering to a thoughtful and memorable statement. The Lone Point Cellars 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is uniquely positioned as the perfect holiday gift, whether brought to a dinner party or sent to a valued client.
The Ultimate Host Gift
Arriving at a Thanksgiving dinner with this particular bottle demonstrates a level of care and consideration that goes far beyond grabbing a generic wine from a supermarket shelf.
It Shows Thought: Selecting an award-winning wine from a specific, family-run estate shows that the giver has invested time and effort in choosing something special. It communicates an appreciation for quality and craftsmanship.
It Carries a Story: The gift comes with a built-in narrative. The giver can share the compelling story of the Divis family, their four-decade journey from orchardists to acclaimed winemakers, and their deep connection to the Washington landscape. This personal touch transforms the bottle from an object into a shared experience.
It's a Proven Winner: The "Double Gold" medal serves as an unimpeachable third-party endorsement.6 It is a guarantee of quality that will impress any host, assuring them that they are receiving a truly exceptional wine. It removes the guesswork and risk often associated with gifting wine.
Furthermore, the wine's price point, currently listed at $42, occupies a strategic "sweet spot" for a premium holiday gift. It is substantial enough to be perceived as special and high-quality, reflecting the gravity of the occasion, yet it is not so prohibitively expensive as to be impractical for a host gift. This aligns perfectly with the winery's mission to make great wine "approachable," extending that concept from the palate to the wallet. It offers a perceived value—bolstered by its awards and story—that arguably exceeds its price, making it a strategic choice for consumers during the expensive holiday season.
Effortless & Elegant Gifting
For those looking for a more substantial gift for family, friends, or corporate partners, Lone Point Cellars offers a perfectly curated solution: the 2025 Estate Gift Box. This thoughtfully assembled package includes a bottle of their Gold Medal-winning 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, the crowd-pleasing Side By Side Red Blend, and artisanal products made right on the estate, such as honey from the orchard bees and homemade berry jam. This gift box is a tangible expression of the winery's "vineyard-to-table" ethos, offering a complete taste of the Lone Point Cellars estate.
The Gift of an Experience
Ultimately, a bottle of Lone Point Cellars wine is more than just a liquid; it is an invitation. It is a connection to a specific place and a passionate family. Gifting this wine can be a way of sharing a piece of Washington wine country and encouraging the recipient to explore it for themselves. It can be the catalyst for planning a future visit to the estate—to enjoy a meal in the Tasting Room, to take in the spectacular views from a cottage deck, or to meet the people who so carefully crafted the wine. In this way, the gift is not just a bottle to be consumed, but the beginning of a lasting memory.
Conclusion: Bring an Award-Winner Home for the Holidays
The search for the perfect Thanksgiving wine need not end with a compromise. The Lone Point Cellars 2021 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon offers a compelling and sophisticated solution that elevates every aspect of the holiday experience. It is a wine that refutes the old rules and establishes a new, more delicious tradition.
The argument for its place at the center of the table is clear and multifaceted. It is, first and foremost, a wine of exceptional, unanimously declared quality, a "Best of Class" winner whose balance and structure have been celebrated by the industry's most discerning palates. Its Columbia Valley origins bestow upon it the perfect architecture for a food-centric holiday: bold, concentrated fruit is perfectly counterbalanced by fresh, vibrant acidity, allowing it to pair harmoniously with the entire spectrum of Thanksgiving dishes. Beyond its technical merits, every bottle contains the story of an American family, a four-decade legacy of hard work and deep connection to the land, adding a layer of heritage and heart to the holiday celebration. Finally, as a gift, it is a thoughtful, impressive, and story-rich gesture that is certain to be appreciated by any host, friend, or colleague.
This Thanksgiving, the opportunity is present to move beyond the expected. It is a chance to introduce family and friends to the pinnacle of Washington State winemaking and to create new, more flavorful memories around the holiday table.
Shop Now: The award-winning 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon and other handcrafted wines can be purchased directly from the Lone Point Cellars website, with shipping available to 40 states across the country.
Join the Club: For those who wish to continue exploring the winery's offerings, the Lone Point Cellars wine club provides exclusive access to new releases, complimentary tastings, and members-only events and discounts.
Plan Your Visit: The ultimate way to experience the wine is at its source. An invitation is extended to all to visit the estate in Brewster, Washington—to book a tasting, reserve a table at the restaurant, or plan a getaway in one of the scenic cottages or the new RV park.
This Thanksgiving, do not just pour a wine—share a story. Pour Lone Point Cellars.