As a wine lover passionate about mixology and bartending, I’ve personally tasted and tested the best white wine brands on the market.
I usually recommend the best white wines to my family and friends so that they can experience the same treat without traveling the world. And with all my recommendations, some brands received great feedback, which I’ll share today.
So, if you’re looking for the best white wines for your next event or to fill up your cellar, check out this round-up of the best picks below.
Top 15 White Wine Brands To Try
15. SIMI
Average Price: around $15/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 13.5% ABV
Nose: Grassy, citrusy
Palate: pear, peach notes
Star Rating: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Why We Like It: We like SIMI’s Sauvignon Blanc for its balanced blend of tastes. It exudes vibrant aromas and a fruity palate, perfectly complementing cheese, pasta, and seafood dishes.
We also suggest trying SIMI’s Chardonnay wines, which exude yellow apple, pear, and stone fruits.
14. Josh Cellars
Average Price: around $14.99/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 13.5% ABV
Nose: Lemon, kiwi, green apple
Palate: Bright, crisp lemon curd
Star Rating: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Why We Like It: Josh Cellars Sauvignon Blanc is a delightful glass of sunshine with its aromatic and bright profile. The crisp, clean finish makes it one of the best white wines, perfect for summertime sipping.
Our Sauvignon Blanc is a wine that everyone seems to like, kind of like my dad, Josh.” – Joseph Carr, Founder of Josh Cellars
But besides Sauvignon Blanc, Josh Cellar’s Chardonnay, Buttery Chardonnay, North Island Chardonnay, and Pinot Grigio are also must-tries. If you like Josh Cellar’s red wines, their whites are excellent, too!
13. Bread & Butter
Average Price: around $15.99/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 13% ABV
Nose: Rich vanilla, toasted oak
Palate: Smooth, creamy, buttery
Star Rating: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Why We Like It: Bread and Butter Sauvignon Blanc delivers a rich and indulgent experience with their smooth, creamy, and buttery taste. We like the enticing aromas of grapes, followed by delicate salinity on the palate.
This brand has many options, from Cellar and Napa collections to Reserve and Everyday wines. So, besides their excellent Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc, Bread and Butter red wine is a must-try, too. But what’s the top Sauvignon Blanc below $30?
12. Bota Box
Average Price: around $15.49/3L (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 12% ABV
Nose: white peach, citrus
Palate: Juicy, medium-bodied
Star Rating: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Why We Like It: Bota Box Pinot Grigio wine is a fresh and fruity delight. This bottle boasts bright peach and citrus notes with a refreshing finish.
This wine [1] bottle is a must-have for chilling and enjoying after a long day or paired with no-fuss dinner entrees. Also, if you have the chance, we suggest trying Bota Box’s Chenin Blanc and Viognier wine.
11. Kendall-Jackson
Average Price: around $15.99/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 13.5% ABV
Nose: Light-toasted oak
Palate: Baked apples, tropical fruits, citrus
Star Rating: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Why We Like It: We see why Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay grape variety is America’s trusted #1 (not the whole world, though) Chardonnay. Its quality, flavor distinction, and food-friendly nature are evident in this bottle.
Its vibrant fruit flavors and a touch of butter and vanilla make it perfect for any occasion. Actually, we also suggest trying other white wines from this brand, like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Viognier.
Check out our recommended fruit wines here.
10. Decoy
Average Price: around $18.99/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 14.1% ABV
Nose: Butter, honey
Palate: Brioche, pineapple
Star Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Why We Like It: Decoy impresses us with its rich, decadent, and full-bodied Chardonnay grape from Sonoma County, giving buttery brioche, honey, and ripe pineapple savors.
This is one of the exquisite white wines with quality at an approachable price.
9. Butter
Average Price: around $17.99/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 14.8% ABV
Nose: Rich stone fruits
Palate: Creamy, buttery
Star Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Why We Like It: Butter Chardonnay lives up to its name with its rich, bold, and luscious character. The creamy texture, combined with stone fruit and baked-lemon notes, leads to a lovely, long, vanilla finish.
It’s a delightful indulgence in a glass – full-bodied and dry. It’s one of the most recommended white wines under $20.
8. Black Box
Average Price: around $22.99/3L (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 14% ABV
Nose: Fresh apple, oaky hints
Palate: Smooth citrus, mango, pineapple
Star Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Why We Like It: Black Box offers some of the best white wines we’ve tried, like Sauvignon Blanc [2], Riesling, Pinot Grigio, and Chardonnay.
But the Chardonnay grape wine impresses us the most with its refreshing fruit notes and subtle oak touch. It has excellent tasting notes, depth, and structure, with natural acidity, making it an enjoyable choice. But how long does Black Box wine last?
7. Franzia
Average Price: around $20.99/5L (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 12.5% ABV
Nose: Stone fruit, vanilla, oak
Palate: Medium-bodied, semi-dry
Star Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Why We Like It: Franzia’s Chardonnay provides a pleasant balance of fruit and sweet notes. Its body and semi-sweet profile pairs well with chicken and pasta dishes, making it a versatile choice of wine.
Other white wines from the brand include Franzia’s Sauvignon Blanc, Chablis [3], Pinot Grigio/Colombard, and Moscato. They’re all good, too!
6. Ponzi Vineyards
Average Price: around $19/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 13.5% ABV
Nose: Honey, floral notes
Palate: crisp, lightly spicy
Star Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Why We Like It: Ponzi Vineyards’ Pinot Gris from the Willamette Valley delivers a delightful combo of pleasant aromas with a bright acidity and subtle spiciness.
This light-bodied, dry wine is underrated but worth savoring! If you’ve tried their Riesling wine, you’ll surely like this Pinot Gris grape variety.
5. Domaine du Salvard
Average Price: around $19.79/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 12% ABV
Nose: Citrus, green apple
Palate: Vibrant, zesty
Star Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Why We Like It: Domaine du Salvard captures the essence of Sauvignon Blanc, commonly grown in the Loire Valley.
We like its intense aroma, crisp acidity, and refreshing grapefruit and green apple notes. This is a perfect pairing alongside fresh salads and vinaigrette.
4. La Crema
Average Price: around $20.99/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 13.9% ABV
Nose: Meyer lemon, pear, white flowers
Palate: Crisp apple, tangerine, pineapple
Star Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Why We Like It: La Crema Chardonnay white wines delight with their pleasant tasting notes, creating a juicy, concentrated wine with a lingering finish.
We also enjoy La Crema Pinot Gris for its broad and balanced palate. If you want a perfect complement to your roast chicken, serve white wine La Crema and enjoy!
3. Tiefenbrunner
Average Price: around $17/750ml (Wine-Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 12.5% ABV
Nose: Citrus, nutty
Palate: Fresh, dry
Star Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Why We Like It: Tiefenbrunner’s Pinot Grigio provides a refreshing, well-balanced wine experience. We enjoy the citrus and nutty notes – the best wine for any occasion.
This bottle, made from 100% Pinot Grigio grape variety from Italian vineyards, and aged four months, boasts fruit purity and youthfulness. But do you know what’s the driest white wine?
2. Kim Crawford
Average Price: around $17.99/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 12.5% ABV
Nose: Grassy, citrus
Palate: Tropical, vibrant
Star Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Why We Like It: The Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc bottle from the New Zealand vineyards (Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough) is an explosion of flavor with intense grassy and citrus flavors complemented by ripe tropical fruit notes.
Served chilled, this bottle provides a lively yet smooth wine experience – one of the must-try white wines! We also tried their Riesling bottle, and we’re thrilled for its intense aroma and complexity.
1. Alpha Omega
Average Price: around $25.99/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 14.1% ABV
Nose: Tropical fruit, vanilla
Palate: Butter, oak
Star Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Why We Like It: Alpha Omega’s Chardonnay, from Napa Valley, is an excellent example of buttery goodness, explosive fruit flavors, and evident vanilla.
“White wines are like a breath of fresh air, a symphony of delicate flavors dancing on your palates, a moment of pure bliss in every sip.” – Liquor Laboratory
We like the balanced acidity and sweet notes of this white liquor, a perfect pair for cheese and fish. Other best options from the brand include wines made from Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling grapes.
Note: Average prices are based on Drizly, Wine-Searcher, and official product websites. The star rating is determined based on blind taste, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest rating. Each product was evaluated on its overall quality, flavor profile, complexity, smoothness, and overall enjoyment.
How We Chose & Ranked The White Wines
Quality & Consistency
We evaluated white wine brands based on quality and consistency. Brands with well-crafted, reliable, and enjoyable wines ranked higher.
Variety & Availability
We also considered the range of wine offerings and their accessibility. Wine brands with diverse options available and produced worldwide in various markets received good rankings.
Customer Reviews & Reputation
We analyzed consumer feedback and brand reputation. Higher-ranked brands had positive reviews, excellent customer satisfaction, and a strong reputation within the wine community.
Value for Money
Most importantly, we assessed the overall value provided by the most popular white wines. Brands offering the best value with excellent quality and giving us a worthwhile experience were ranked higher.
FAQs
What is the smoothest white wine to drink?
The smoothest white to drink varies by personal preference. But wines made from Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay (from Loire Valley), and Viognier grapes are known for their smoothness.
What is the king of white wines?
The king of white wines is considered Chardonnay, renowned for its versatility and ability to age gracefully. But Sauvignon Blanc and Grüner Veltliner wines are great whites, as well.
What is considered a rich white wine?
A rich white wine typically has full-bodied flavors and a creamy texture and is aged in oak barrels, such as oaked Chardonnay. It’s like the counterpart of Pinot Noir in Reds.
What is the best dry white wine?
The best dry white wine is subjective to personal taste, but Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio are popular choices.
What is the best white wine for dinner?
The best white wines for dinner depend on the meal, but a versatile choice is a crisp Chardonnay [4], a dry Riesling, or a rich Sauvignon Blanc.
What are the best white wines for beginners?
For beginners, the best white wines are those light and refreshing, like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Moscato.
What are some popular White Wine varieties?
Popular white wine varieties include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Grigio (Pinot Gris), Moscato, and Gewürztraminer, each offering unique flavor profiles and characteristics.
Which White Wine brands are considered the best?
Some top-rated white wine brands include Chateau Ste. Michelle, Kendall-Jackson, Kim Crawford, Santa Margherita, Cloudy Bay, Rombauer Vineyards, La Crema, Conundrum, and Cakebread Cellars, known for their quality and consistency.
What should I consider when choosing the best White Wine brand?
Consider factors such as your taste preferences, budget, occasion, and desired flavor profile (e.g., crisp and refreshing, fruity and aromatic, oaky and buttery) when selecting a white wine brand.
Do White Wine brands offer different styles and varieties?
Yes, white wine brands typically offer a diverse range of styles and varieties to suit different preferences. Options may include unoaked or oaked wines, dry or sweet wines, and single-varietal or blended wines.
Are there White Wine brands known for sustainable or organic practices?
Yes, some white wine brands prioritize sustainable, organic, or biodynamic farming practices, as well as environmentally friendly winemaking techniques. Look for certifications such as USDA Organic or SIP Certified on labels.
Do White Wine brands offer wines from specific regions?
Yes, many white wine brands specialize in wines from specific wine regions known for producing exceptional white wines. Examples include French brands focusing on Chablis or Sancerre, or New Zealand brands known for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
Are there White Wine brands that offer value for money?
Yes, several white wine brands offer excellent value for money, providing high-quality wines at affordable price points. Look for brands with a reputation for consistency and affordability, often available in larger quantities or box formats.
Key Takeaways
All these white wine brands have their own specialties, setting them apart. But one brand stands out, delivering overall quality, taste, value, and enjoyable experience.
While Kim Crawford and Tiefenbrunner proved to be excellent choices, Alpha Omega emerged as the clear winner.
We’re amazed by its unparalleled quality, expressive taste profile, established reputation, and variety of selections, which provide value for money and an excellent wine experience.
So, if you want to deviate from your usual red Pinot Noir bottle, Alpha Omega whites are some of the top choices.
References:
- https://www.newsweek.com/amplify/30-fascinating-facts-about-wine-that-you-never-knew
- https://www.independent.co.uk/wine/sauvignon-blanc-history-alternatives-b2357252.html
- https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/chablis-vineyards-fear-grows-that-destructive-frosts-may-become-norm-2022-04-03/
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/food/5-things-to-know-about-chardonnay-the-worlds-most-popular-white-wine/2019/07/26/eed6635c-ad55-11e9-a0c9-6d2d7818f3da_story.html
