A common misconception is that Thanksgiving is strictly an American tradition, started in America and celebrated only in this country. The fact is — just like everything else the pilgrims brought over — the holiday has roots grounded in English tradition. There are also Thanksgiving celebrations in Canada, Liberia, Granada and Norfolk Islands. Japan and Germany have similar celebrations and in Germany, it’s called Erntedankfest — the harvest festival of thanks.

Erntedankfest is primarily a rural and religious celebration, usually part of a church service. Just like Thanksgiving in America, it includes large harvest dinners and parades. And of course, one would serve a glass of wine with a large harvest dinner, right?

This year, as we give thanks, let’s offer up a toast with a couple of Germany’s classic wine choices — Riesling and Gewürztraminer. They are both aromatic and slightly spicy and right at home with sage-rubbed turkey. They are perfectly paired with stuffing and would make any Erntedankfest table complete.

Riesling is the most popular white grape variety from Germany. It is used to make dry, semi-sweet, sweet and sparkling wines and displays a flowery aroma and is highly acidic giving it excellent aging potential. In the cool climate of Germany, Rieslings tend to display apple and tree fruit notes.

One to try: Valckenberg Riesling 2011 – a medium dry crisp wine from Germany with fresh flavors of green apple, peach and tropical fruits balanced with mineral notes on the finish.

Gewürztraminer literally means "spice traminer” or "perfumed traminer," and should give a clue as to its flavor profile. It is another white grape variety with high natural sugar and a showy bouquet of lychees, roses or passion fruit. Dry varieties often offer a slight spritz.

One to try: Starling Castle Gewürztraminer 2012 – a medium sweet wine from Germany with flavors of pear, sweet oranges and cinnamon.