Summer and white wine go together like peanut butter and jelly. It should be no surprise, then, that National White Wine Day is Aug. 4. Here are some great California wines to raise a glass in celebration.
Pine Ridge Vineyards, 2023 Chenin Blanc + Viognier White Blend
Bright on the nose and palate, this blend dazzles from the start with notes of yuzu, pear, and honeydew melon. On the palate, it opens further, kissing the tastebuds with stone fruit and honeysuckle. $16
Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay 2021
This Napa Valley Chardonnay is a feast for the senses. It pours a beautiful golden hue and delights with aromas of green apple, white peach, and orange blossom. To the taste, notes of zesty lemon and creamy crème brûlée join the party. $79.99
J Vineyards 2022 Estate Pinot Gris
While the Russian River Valley is best-known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, do not sleep on this absolute banger of a Pinot Gris, a rarity in the region. It bursts with green apple and white peach before a surprising kick of kiwi helps round out each sip. $36
A Paso Robles triumph, this reserve offering has a bouquet of jasmine and tropical fruit, and perhaps even a touch of caramel. It is exceptionally rounded on the finish with a lovely hit of acid, not to mention ever-so-slight notes of almond and vanilla. $52
Fort Ross Vineyard 2022 Chenin Blanc, Fort Ross-Seaview
While only the second-ever release of a Chenin Blanc from the award-winning maker, one would think the team has been doing it for decades based on the lovely aromatics of ginger, white melon and peach dancing from the bottle, not to mention the flavor notes of stone fruit, vanilla, and yellow apples to the taste. $44
Beringer Vineyards 2022 Private Reserve Chardonnay
If this Chardonnay was a human, it would be Marilyn Monroe. Full-bodied and seductive, choose it for the chillier summer nights for its citrus aromatics, creamy palate, and playful oak, vanilla, and ginger spice flavor profile. $50
Hamel Family Wines 2022 Estate Sauvignon Blanc
This estate California wine manages to balance minerality with depth, first offering Meyer lemon and white peach on the nose with the tiniest bit of cassis and stone before the subtle addition of ripening apple let themselves be known. It is refreshing and bold yet not overpowering to any of the senses. $60
Frank Family 2022 Carneros Chardonnay
An exquisite expression of the unique terroir of the Carneros region, enjoy every drop of this stunner and its epic notes of sea salt caramel, oaky spice, honeysuckle, apple blossom, and lemon, tempered by just enough acid to tickle the palate. $40
Paul Hobbs 2022 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
Hello, Asian pear. The floral fruit is a welcome guest on the nose of this 94-point James Suckling white. As it opens in the glass, there is almost a scent of gardenia that fills the air. And to the taste, expect tropical fruit as well as freshly made brioche and an interplay of cream and minerality. $70
Beaulieu Vineyard’s 2023 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
This California wine smells of happiness with its perky orange blossom, pineapple, and candied brioche on the nose. The silky bouquet is just the beginning. Upon tasting, prepare to be transported to the tropics with this refreshing, crisp palate pleaser. $40
Gary Farrell 2021 Chardonnay, Olivet Lane Vineyard
This Sonoma icon never disappoints. Revel in every drop of this lively vintage of Chardonnay, a triumph of creamy textures and flavor notes ranging from nectarine and lemongrass to pear and sweetened pie crust. $50
Despite its name, drinkers of this blend of Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc will be left with no doubt about the structure and drinkability of this limited-production symphony of lime, jasmine, pineapple, honeysuckle, and orange blossom. $30