Our resident wine expert Rick Kushman takes us through a Thanksgiving-themed Kushman By the Bottle, where he guides us through avoiding wine snobs and what will work best with your holiday meals.

Kushman says there is no wrong way to do wine unless you can't open the bottle or miss the glass. He makes a note of what he calls "pessimist wine writers" who say with so many foods, no wine will go with just anything -- he insists on the opposite.

For people who still wish to pair their food with wines, he breaks down these suggestions as follows.

• Bubby wines are great for beginning the meal
• Chardonnays and zinfandels are best for beginners
• Sparkling wine and pinots are best for experienced drinkers
• Desserts call for sweeter wines