Avoid Thanksgiving Prohibition, Buy Your Alcohol in Minnesota Today

It's the most wonderful time of the year, until the in-laws show up. Not that we NEED alcohol to make it through the holidays, but let's be honest -- a glass of Chardonnay will help Uncle Rollie a little easier to deal with.

By the way, Uncle Rollie's gonna need some scotch. Mom needs a glass of wine (or three), your cousins are gonna want plenty of Busch Light, and a can of alcohol-infused spray whipped cream is a suggestion for the pumpkin pie. (Oh, and grandma wants a bourbon & 7-Up.)

Now to channel my inner wine snob (not that I really have one). When choosing wines for Turkey Day, think about the food you'll be serving and the wine's body and acidity that best goes with that food. Get it? Me neither, so here's a little help.

Medium-Bodied Wines with Good Acidity that pair well with rich dishes like turkey and gravy. Some options include:

• Pinot Noir: A classic red wine that goes well with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and roasted vegetables.
• Gamay: A fruit-forward, easy-drinking red wine that pairs well with turkey, poultry, cranberry sauce, and other dishes.

• Chardonnay: A perfect pair for buttery mashed potatoes or mushroom dishes.
• Riesling: A favorite choice for Thanksgiving dinner with its natural apple, apricot, and honey tastes.

Here's the Big Minnesota Thanksgiving Catch

None of the above recommendations matter one single bit if you wait until Thanksgiving Day to head to the liquor store. Why? Because every single one of them will be closed tomorrow (11/28). State law, right along with Christmas Day.

Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy your friends and family. Take in all the football. Shop 'til you drop. Skol Vikings. (Not necessarily in that order.)