The Best Chardonnay Wines in 2025

By Dirk Smits

Top Chardonnay Wines from Around the World

Learn about the Chardonnay grape varietal

Chardonnay is the most famous white grape varietal in the planet. It is cultivated in many countries around the world and found its origin in Burgundy, France. DNA shows that it is a direct descendant of Pinot Noir, coupled with another old grape: Gouais Blanc. This means that we can reject the theory that the grape originates from the Middle East.

Chardonnay does not make high demands on the soil and the climate. Yields can range widely but high-quality Chardonnays will be produced when yields are kept low. The soil and the microclimate will also determine the suitability for barrel fermentation and aging.

In France, Chardonnay is mainly found in Burgundy, particularly in the Côte d’Or where it produces great wines (Meursault, Montrachet), in the Côte de Beaune and Chablis where this grape varietal appreciates the clay-limestone soil. Chardonnay is also grown in Champagne, mainly in the Côtes des Blancs (a Blanc de Blancs Champagne is made only from Chardonnay). It is also found in the Jura, Languedoc and Alsace.

Besides France, Chardonnay is produced in all the major wine regions of the world: Italy, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, California, Canada, Chile, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Israel and many other countries.

The grape has a huge potential and allows full expression of the winemaker and the climate where it is grown;
– in colder climates, Chardonnay will tend to give dry and fresh wines with notes of citrus and apples;
– in warmer climates, the wines will be richer with a more exotic aroma and flavor palette;
– finally, in temperate climates, Chardonnay will express itself in a bouquet of flowers (acacias) and a range of white fruit.

A passage in oak barrels can bring toasted notes and spices such as vanilla to the wine. It will also have the virtue of giving depth to the wine and allowing it a better balance with the acidity of the wine and therefore greater aging potential.

1. LangeTwins, Merrill Vineyard, 2021 Chardonnay | California, USA

Origin: Clarksburg, California
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Price: $28.00
ABV: 14.5%

LangeTwins Winery & Vineyards is a family-owned and operated winery located in Acampo, California, within the renowned Lodi wine region. Established by the Lange family, who have been farming in the area since the 1870s, the winery embodies a deep commitment to sustainable viticulture and crafting wines that reflect the unique terroir of Lodi.

This gold-colored wine opens with aromas of tropical fruit, sweet oak and a touch of mineral. The flavor profile is marked by more tropical fruit, honeysuckle and juicy acidity.

Pair the wine with this recipe by @chefnickkubitz, courtesy of LangeTwins Winery & Vineyards | Serves 4
Seared Halibut with Crispy Herbed Sun Chokes, Charred Corn & Roasted Mushroom Risotto

INGREDIENTS
Crispy Herbed Sunchokes
– 2 tbsp Italian parsley (picked and fine chopped)
– 2 tbsp chive (fine chopped)
– 8 sunchokes (scrubbed, shaved thin on a mandolin and soaked in cold water)
– 1 lemon (zest)
– 1 quart canola oil (for frying sun chokes)
– fresh cracked white pepper (to taste)
– kosher salt (to taste)
–
Charred Corn & Mushroom Risotto
– 3 ears corn (shucked and cleaned)
– 3 cups oyster mushrooms (broken down and cleaned)
– 2 tsp shallot (finely chopped)
– 1 tsp fresh thyme (picked and finely chopped)
– 1 clove garlic (minced)
– 1 lemon (zest)
– 1 cup arborio rice
– 7 cups chicken stock
– 1/2 cup white wine
– 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (plus extra to drizzle over corn to char)
– fresh cracked white pepper (to taste)
– kosher salt (to taste)

Seared Halibut
– 4 6-8 oz. halibut steaks
– 1/2 tsp fresh cracked white pepper
– 1 tbsp kosher salt
– 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

METHOD
Crispy Herbed Sunchokes
• Put canola oil in a sauce pan with tall enough walls so oil does not boil over when frying.
• Turn the pan on medium-high heat until the oil reaches 325 degrees.
• While the oil is heating up, drain the sunchokes on paper towels.
• Also make a landing station of a plate lined with paper towels.
• Add the sunchokes to the oil and fry until crispy like potato chips.
• Pull the sunchoke chips from the oil and put them on the landing station to drain.
• Sprinkle the chips with kosher salt to season.
• While the fish is cooking in the oven, mix the sunchoke chips with parsley, chive, lemon zest and a little fresh cracked white pepper in a large bowl.
• Set aside for plating.

Charred Corn & Mushroom Risotto
• Either turn the BBQ or oven broiler on high.
• Drizzle the corn with olive oil and season it with kosher salt and white pepper.
• Grill or broil the corn until charred and browned all over.
• Cut the corn off the cob and set aside.
• Put chicken stock in a saucepan and bring it to a simmer.
• In a large sauce pan on medium-high heat add the olive oil and butter.
• Once the butter is melted, add the oyster mushrooms, thyme, shallot and white pepper.
• Sauté until the mushrooms are tender, about 5-8 minutes.
• Add charred corn and garlic to the mushroom mixture.
• Sauté for another couple of minutes, stirring constantly so the garlic does not burn.
• Add arborio rice and sauté to toast rice for about 5 minutes.
• Stir in white wine until evaporated.
• Slowly ladle in the simmering chicken stock a little at a time stirring constantly.
• Continue this process until rice is creamy and tender.
• Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and the zest from 1 lemon to finish.
• Set aside on a low burner to keep warm.

Seared Halibut
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Place a large oven safe sauté pan on high heat.
• Once hot, drizzle the pan in olive oil and add seasoned halibut.
• Hard sear the halibut until browned and crisped on both sides. This should take about 2 minutes per a side.
• Put the fish in the preheated oven and cook until just cooked through. Another 4-8 minutes depending on the fish thickness.
• Prepare to plate the dish.

Plating
• Evenly distribute the risotto onto four plates.
• Top risotto with the seared halibut and drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil.
• Finish the plate by topping the halibut with herbed sun chokes and enjoy with LangeTwins Merrill Chardonnay!

> For more information, visit LangeTwins Winery & Vineyards official website.

2. Stags’ Leap Winery, 2023 Chardonnay | California, USA

Origin: Napa Valley, California
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Price: $32.99 BUY NOW!
ABV: 14.3%

Established in 1893, Stags’ Leap Winery has a rich history and is one of the oldest wine estates in Napa Valley. Its storied pas includes Prohibition-era winemaking and the revitalization of Napa Valley wine culture in the late 20th century. They are situated on a 240-acre estate in the Stags Leap District, Napa Valley’s first officially designated American Viticultural Area (AVA).

This light-golden Chardonnay creates aromas of honey crisp apple, white flowers, Meyer lemon and brioche. The flavor profile is marked by Anjou pear, pineapple, toasted nuts and oak spices, all wrapped in vivid acidity.

> For more information, visit Stags’ Leap Winery official website.

3. Ram’s Gate, Sonoma Coast, 2021 Chardonnay | California, USA

Origin: Sonoma, California, USA
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Price: $48.00
ABV: 13.4%

With its cool climate, Carneros produces wines of great depth and distinction. Situated upon a rolling hillside, where the San Francisco Bay meets the edges of Napa and Sonoma counties, Ram’s Gate Winery patiently awaits. Winemaker Joe Nielsen is parlaying the estate vineyard into a model of thoughtful precision farming and sustainability, while also elevating each wine in the portfolio to its highest vineyard expression.

The Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2021 is harvested from hand-selected vineyard sites in the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast and Carneros AVAs, including carefully chosen dry-farmed vineyards and some vines that are more than 40 years old. Seventy-five percent of the grapes were sourced from vineyards surrounding Sebastopol, renowned for the cooler, maritime influence it receives from the nearby Pacific Ocean, resulting in a wine with heightened natural acidity and vivaciousness.

This straw-yellow Chardonnay shows aromas of lemon zest, dried peach, honeysuckle and a touch of mineral. The medium-bodied palate offers abundant stone fruit, dried pineapple, oak spice and a satisfying acidity to lift the finish.

> For more information, visit the Ram’s Gate Winery official website.

4. Merryvale, Sonoma Coast, 2022 Chardonnay | California, USA

Origin: Sonoma, California
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Price: $42.99 BUY NOW!
ABV: 14.2%

Merryvale Vineyards is family-owned and operated. It was the first winery built in the valley following the Repeal of Prohibition. Since 1991, it has been owned by the Schlatter family, who have made significant investments in estate vineyards and have committed to old-world winemaking practices as well as sustainable farming.

The wine shows a straw-yellow color. Aromas of citrus, stone fruit, pear and baking spice surface in the nose. The palate reveals peaches, lemon zest, a hint of pineapple and vibrant acidity, all contributing to a lingering finish.

> For more information, visit Merryvale official website.

5. David Bruce, Santa Cruz Mountains, 2019 Chardonnay | California, USA

Origin: Santa Cruz Mountains, California
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Price: $49.00
ABV: 14.5%

David Bruce Winery is a historic and respected winery located in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California. Established in 1964 by Dr. David Bruce, a dermatologist with a passion for winemaking, the winery is well-known for its role in the revival of Pinot Noir in California and its dedication to producing high-quality, terroir-driven wines.

This dee-yellow wine boasts aromas of flower blossom, Meyer lemon, playful oak and a touch of mineral. The palate delivers citrus, fresh cookie dough, roasted nuts and zesty acidity, all evolving in a long, complex finish.

> For more information, visit David Bruce Winery official website.

READ MORE: The Best Pinot Noir Wines

6. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Karia, 2022 Chardonnay | California, USA

Origin: Stag’s Leap District, Napa Valley, California
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Price: $38.99 BUY NOW!
ABV: 14.5%

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is one of the most iconic wineries in Napa Valley, California, known for producing world-class wines. Founded in 1970 by Warren Winiarski, the winery quickly gained international fame when its 1973 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon won the red wine category at the 1976 “Judgment of Paris,” a blind tasting that shocked the wine world by elevating California wines to the level of top French Bordeaux and Chardonnay.

The name Karia is derived from the Greek word for graceful and it is the very character that is reflected in this wine.

This golden Chardonnay is marked by aromas of citrus, stone and tropical fruit, toasted almonds and flower petals. The wine has a silky texture with refreshing acidity, lots of fruit, some mineral notes and a long, complex finish.

> For more information, visit Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars official website.

READ MORE: The Best Cabernet Sauvignon Wines

7. Post & Beam, Carneros, 2023 Chardonnay | California, USA

Origin: Napa Valley, California
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Price: $41.99 BUY NOW!
ABV: 14.3%

Post & Beam Winery is a Napa Valley winery operated by the renowned Far Niente Wine Estates. The name “Post & Beam” is inspired by traditional craftsmanship and simplicity, reflecting the winery’s dedication to classic, timeless winemaking.

This straw-colored Chardonnay is perfumed with layers of baked apple, melon, stone fruit and exotic spices. The palate reveals lemon zest, tropical fruit, a touch of oak and mineral, all wrapped in vibrant acidity.

> For more information, visit Post & Beam official website.

8. Elouan, 2021 Chardonnay | Oregon

Origin: Oregon
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Price: $20.00
ABV: 14.2%

Elouan Winery is a wine label from Oregon, crafted under the stewardship of Joseph Wagner, a fifth-generation winemaker and founder of Copper Cane Wines & Provisions. Known for its focus on creating approachable and high-quality wines, Elouan draws from the diverse terroirs of Oregon’s top wine regions. “Elouan” means “good light” in Breton (from Brittany, France), reflecting the balance of Oregon’s climate, with its long sunny days and cool evenings, which are ideal for grape growing.

This light-yellow colored wine reveals lemon zest, pineapple, flower blossom and a touch of oak. The palate is loaded with orchard fruit accompanied by juicy acidity and culminating in a balanced, lingering finish.

> For more information, visit Elouan official website.

9. La Chablisienne, Château Grenouilles, Chablis Grand Cru 2019 | France

Origin: Chablis, France
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Price: $140.00 BUY NOW!
ABV: 13%

Located in the heart of Chablis, La Chablisienne is a cooperative winery established in 1923 and owned by a collection of 270 winegrowing families. La Chablisienne’s exceptional vineyard holdings have a storied history, rooted in a sense of community and innovation. Founded in 1923, La Chablisienne remains grower-owned, without the involvement of any financial institution. During World War II, the winery was run by women and flourished under their stewardship. Today, the cooperative’s vineyard holdings total 2,880 acres and they produce 25% of the wine made in Chablis. The wine label was redesigned in 2020 by Louis Vuitton calligrapher Nicolas Ouchenir.

A golden yellow color is displayed in the glass. The nose is subtle with hints of citrus, white flowers, apple and mineral. The palate is rich and balanced by lively acidity, with a discreet finish of fruit and spices. Enjoyable now, but there is no rush.

> For more information, visit La Chablisienne official website.

10. Ron Rubin, Chardonnay 2023 | California, USA

Origin: Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California, USA
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Price: $20.00
ABV: 13.7%

Ron Rubin chooses to make his Chardonnay from grapes grown in the Russian River Valley in Sonoma where the cool morning fog sweeps from the Pacific Ocean nearly every day. This unique climate produces diurnal swings (the difference between the highest and lowest temperature in one day) from 35 to 40 degrees F, allowing the delicate Chardonnay grapes to ripen longer on the vine. As a result, Russian River Valley Chardonnay typically sees an increase in flavor and complexity.

This Chardonnay has a straw yellow color and reveals a basket full of freshly picked apples, with the addition of pears and Asian spices and a touch of well-proportioned oak. The palate has a creamy texture with fruity flavors and a hint of butter and oak. Refreshing acidity stretches out the palate and the wine finishes with subtle minerality. The complexity of the palate is rounded out with butterscotch, toasted nuts and a hint of apple blossom

Food pairing: This fruit-forward Chardonnay can be enjoyed with hard cheeses, or chicken and mushrooms in a creamy butter sauce.

> For more information, visit the Ron Rubin Winery official website.

11. Hahn, Appellation Series, 2021 Chardonnay | California, USA

Origin: Arroyo Seco, California, U.S.A.
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Price: $20.00 BUY NOW!
ABV: 14.5%

Hahn Family Wines’ founders Nicky and Gaby Hahn first came to the Santa Lucia Highlands in the late ’70s, and the Swiss-born couple quickly recognized the region’s potential to produce exceptional wines. The winery owns and farms 650 acres of estate vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands. The family also owns an additional 750 acres of prime vineyards in Monterey County’s Arroyo Seco AVA.

The Hahns released their first wine from SLH in 1980 and today, now run by second-generation vintner Philip Hahn, they own about 10% of the total acreage planted in the appellation. Hahn’s estate vineyards offer a diverse selection of terroir for growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and other cool climate grape varietals.

This Hahn Chardonnay has a light gold color with aromas of tropical fruit, citrus peel and vanilla. The palate delivers vibrant flavors of pineapple, stone fruit, citrus and notes of honeysuckle and butter, followed by a nuanced toasty spice on the finish.

> For more information, visit Hahn Wines official website.

Arroyo Seco is one of the oldest AVAs in California, its status granted in the early 1980s, and also remains one of its smallest.

Fruity and easy to drink, Chardonnays can be paired with just about any dish involving eggs, fish or fowl. This popular white wine generally comes in two styles: showing either a steely, fruitlike and crisp character or barrel-fermented, rounder and buttery flavors.

12. Golan Heights Winery, Yarden Katzrin Chardonnay 2022 (OK Kosher) | Galilee, Israel

Origin: Galilee, Israel
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Price: $47.98 BUY NOW!
ABV: 14.5%

Since it was founded in 1983, Golan Heights Winery has played a significant role in developing and nurturing Israel’s current wine culture. The winery is considered Israel’s leading winery when it comes to wine quality, technological innovation, and new variety development. In the Golan Heights, everything begins with the right conditions—volcanic basaltic soil, suitable topography and cool high-altitude climate. This unique combination is what gives the Golan Heights its second name “wine country”.

This wine is a rich and vibrant expression of this classic varietal, offering enticing notes of lemon, pear, and tropical fruits, with layers of spice, floral hints, and a touch of brioche; full-bodied yet refreshingly bright. With the ability to age gracefully, it’s perfect for gatherings now or to enjoy for years to come. This wine is kosker (it is not mevushal).

Food pairings: Yarden Chardonnay goes wonderfully with roasted chicken with hazelnuts, pan-seared halibut fillets, smoked salmon, or fettuccine with wild mushroom sauce.

> For more information, visit the Golan Heights Winery official website.

READ MORE: Yarden Blanc de Blancs 2018

13. Famille Vincent, 2022 Bourgogne Blanc | France

Origin: Burgundy, France
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Price: $27.99 BUY NOW!
ABV: 12%

Famille Vincent Bourgogne Blanc is a tribute to Jean-Jacques Vincent who managed the family domaine of Château Fuissé for over past 40 years. It is a distinctive wine exclusively from the southern part of Burgundy near Mâcon and Pouilly-Fuissé. The Mâconnais area offers naturally rich soils with a high proportion of clay which leads to a wine rich in mineral character. Summer temperatures are generally higher in the Macônnais area than in northern Burgundy, affording the wines rich and ripe fruit character and soft acidity.

This Burgundy has a pale-yellow color and green reflections, with a nice brilliance. The nose is fresh and fruity with a discrete touch of vanilla and brioche scents. On the mouth, the wine is dense and rich with a long and elegant finish.

> For more information, visit Château de Fuissé official website.