A Frenchman's Thanksgiving: JP Bourgeois Shares the Insider Wines He Pours at His Own Table

French-born importer turned Asheville local reveals six bottles that sommeliers secretly stock for the holiday; luxurious, joyful, and priced to pour generously.

ASHEVILLE, N.C., Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- An American Holiday Seen Through a French Lens

Thanksgiving might be America's most iconic holiday, but for JP Bourgeois, a Frenchman who's built his life in the U.S., it's become one of his favorites. "In France, we don't have Thanksgiving," JP says with a grin. "But what could be more French than gathering with family, eating too much, and making sure there's always another bottle open?"

As an importer, JP's job is connecting America with small family estates across France and Slovenia. As a host, his job is to find wines that make the turkey taste better, the sides sing, and the toasts feel special. If he can do all that and have a little cash leftover… so much the better!

"These are the wines I open at my own table," JP says. "They're elegant, joyful, and they deliver the kind of quality that makes people think you spent twice as much."

The Thanksgiving Six, à la JP

Domaine de Châteaumar Côtes-du-Rhône Cuvée Bastien
Old-vine Grenache that drinks like Châteauneuf-du-Pape, only friendlier. Rich black cherry, spice, and a touch of earthiness. This is the bottle JP insists everyone pour with turkey.

Domaine Beauséjour Sauvignon Blanc Les Grenettes
"Closer to Sancerre than most Sancerre," JP jokes. Floral, mineral, layered with stone fruit, this Loire Sauvignon Blanc is sharp, elegant, and makes every Holiday table brighter.

Alexis Pollier Mâcon-Villages
From Burgundy's next generation, this Chardonnay is all citrus zest and tropical lift. "It's like sunshine in a glass," JP says. "You could drink it while basting the bird or with oysters before dinner."

Numa Cornut Bourgogne Pinot Noir
A ninth-generation winemaker with fresh, modern energy. Light on its feet, red-berried, and endlessly drinkable. "This Pinot disappears fast," JP warns. "Open two."

Champagne Philippe Fontaine Brut Tradition
Grower Champagne crafted with creamy richness and citrusy zip. "This is the one sommeliers hide in the fridge for themselves," JP says. "A luxury bottle under $50? That's unheard of."

Grape Abduction Orange
From Slovenia's Peter Gönc, a skin-contact wine that's adventurous without the funk. Apple, quince, spice. "It's the conversation starter," JP says. "I always put it next to the cheeseboard. It never lasts long."

Why JP's Picks Matter

Industry insiders know the truth: even sommeliers aren't popping $200 bottles at home. The real magic is in finding wines that punch far above their weight. Wines with stories, family roots, and the kind of craftsmanship that makes them taste like you spent twice what you did. That's the JP Bourgeois portfolio in a nutshell, and this Thanksgiving list is proof.

About JP Bourgeois Wine Imports

Founded in Asheville, NC, JP Bourgeois Wine Imports is the vision of French-born importer JP Bourgeois, who has made it his mission to bring America the wines he'd drink himself: small-production, sustainably farmed, family-made, and always delivering more than the price tag suggests. His portfolio spans France, Spain, and Slovenia. Wines with heart, story, and value that insiders can't resist. Learn more at www.jp-bourgeois.com.

Media Inquiries:
Tracy Pell | [email protected] | 214-562-6732

Sample Requests, or Wholesale Interest:
JP Bourgeois | [email protected]

SOURCE JP Bourgeois Wine Imports