These boozy desserts will get you through Thanksgiving dinner

By the time dessert rolls around at this year’s Thanksgiving, you might be craving a slice of something sweet and a warm mug of mulled wine before falling into your much-deserved turkey coma.

If you’re like us, you might also be really, really sick of pumpkin pie — or pumpkin spice in general. It’s in the lattes. It’s in the pastries. It’s in just about everything (did the world really need pumpkin spice potato chips?).

We felt like it was high time to change things up, and turned to our friends at Sumac Ridge Estate Winery to create a set of oozy, boozy, delicious (read: easy to make) wine-infused pies that will make this Thanksgiving one to remember.

It’ll keep the whole table happy and give you something tasty and notably lacking in nutmeg to look forward to at the end of your meal.

Making a pie can be more about love than labour. Open up that bottle and pour yourself a glass before one goes in the pie. It’s all about balance, right?

Not so interested in working in the kitchen for hours? Fret not. Vancouver’s own The Pie Shoppe is selling a Pinot Grigio Lemon Pie from now until Thanksgiving, so you can also stop by the store and pick up one made by the professionals.

Without further ado, here are four boozy pies that will be star of your Thanksgiving table this year. Channel your inner Masterchef and get baking!

Sumac Ridge Merlot Chocolate Cream Pie

There are few pairings out there more comforting than Merlot and chocolate. Mix it in a pie and you have yourself a recipe for a full belly and some seriously sweet dreams. We’re talking about a graham cracker crust filled with rich, creamy chocolate and topped with clouds of whipped cream. Click here for the full recipe.

Boozy Blueberry Pie with Sumac Ridge Cabernet Merlot

If you’re not a chocolate fan, we have a similarly boozy option that combines fruit and Merlot, courtesy of local influencer, Leslie Rossi. Throw some blueberries in the mix instead for a lighter, more minimalistic dish. To make it, you’ll need a lot of frozen blueberries as well as sugar, lemon, vanilla, and cinnamon. Bake with a traditional pie top until golden. Simple and satisfying! Click here for the full recipe.

Strawberry and Raspberry Pie with Sumac Ridge Gewurztraminer 

A classic pie crust filled with a mixture of strawberries, raspberries, Sumac Ridge Gewurztraminer, and pantry staples makes for a tangy end of the night treat. Gewurztraminer is fruity, sweet and spicy, so it’ll go nicely with your pie, both in the recipe itself or on the side. No pumpkins allowed. Click here for the full recipe.

Sumac Ridge Pinot Grigio Lemon Pie with Poached Peaches and Cream

Thanks to a collaboration between Sumac Ridge and the Pie Shoppe, you don’t even have to make this one. It’s for sale at The Pie Shoppe until Thanksgiving on October 13 (and after that through special order) which could be a real lifesaver for those of you reading this on October 12 or, heaven forbid, October 13. There are limited quantities, so call ahead before picking up this lip-smacking, tart-sweet confection, ready to be served with a lovely Pinot Grigio. Or, make it yourself by combining wine-poached peaches with a lemon-orange custard. Click here for the full recipe.

Don’t forget to grab a bottle for the table before you head to your Thanksgiving feast with pie in hand. Sumac Ridge, available in any BC Liquor Store, has tons of options to choose from that pair beautifully with any meal.

Thanksgiving is about giving thanks for love, luck, and laughter, but also for really good wine and food. Make this year a memorable one with some spiked goodness and create memories with the people you love most.

Sumac Ridge has been bringing local, consistently delicious wines to the people of Vancouver and beyond for more than 39 years. These are wines that are meant to be shared and paired with dishes you love – like boozy pies. To learn more, visit their website at sumacridge.com.