I’ve spent most of my career in marketing, but for a brief—and incredibly fun—time, I worked in wine sales. I joined a small distributor that immediately caught my attention with its emphasis on education and imported wines. From Napa Valley Chardonnay to Tuscan Sangiovese, the wine book was loaded with spectacular options. My main goal with this career pivot? To dive deeper into the world of wine. It was the perfect fit.
Living in California, I’m lucky to have access to some of the best vineyards and wineries in the world—from Napa and Sonoma to the Central Coast. These wines often amaze me with their lush fruit flavors, beautiful balance, and bright acidity. In many areas, Chardonnay is truly shines. But my true passion lies with European wines—especially whites. There’s something about the crisp, mineral-driven wines of Northern Italy or the zesty, high-acid wines from Spain that pairs perfectly with my go-to meals, like fresh salads and seafood.
Discovering New Wine Favorites Beyond Chardonnay
If you’re tiring of chardonnay, you’re not alone—it’s a common sentiment! That’s why I’m sharing five fresh alternatives that just might become your new favorites. These wines are vibrant, food-friendly, and a a lot of fun to explore. Plus, I’ve included pairing suggestions to make your meal even more memorable. Most well-stocked wine shops will carry these lesser-known gems, and don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations. Each producer brings their own style, so even if the first one doesn’t quite hit, the next might be the perfect match.
Stepping outside your comfort zone isn’t just about discovering new flavors—it’s about immersing yourself in the stories of families who’ve been crafting wine in these stunning regions for generations. There’s a certain magic in learning the history behind the bottle, and it makes every sip that much more special. Check out my tips for throwing a wine tasting party, which would offer a great opportunity to explore these wines with friends.
Fiano di Avellino, Italy
Campania, Italy in the southern part of the country has five wine-producing provinces. The most well-known is Irpinia, home to one of my favorite wines, Fiano di Avellino. I buy this wine every time I go to our local wine shop. It’s often my wine of choice when going to a bbq or dinner party. I have yet to meet anyone who doesn’t like it!
This grape produces an elegant medium-bodied wine with good acidity, allowing it to age well and grow more complex over time. But don’t let that keep you from popping the cork, since this wine is very enjoyable when it’s young. This wine is actually similar to Chardonnay in style. Typical aromas and flavors include stone fruit, citrus, honey, jasmine, and hazelnut. Because of it’s well-balanced weight and acidity, it’s a great wine on it’s own or alongside a variety of savory foods, like chicken and salmon. ABV: 11.5-13.5%
Try: I Favati Pietramara Fiano di Avellino or Feudi di San Gregorio Fiano di Avellino
Albariño, Spain
If you find yourself outside on a sunny afternoon craving a sip of something other than a rose, look no further than Spanish Albariño. This refreshing wine from Spain’s Iberian Peninsula is a crowd pleaser and a hostess pleaser, as great quality Albariño’s can be easily found for under $20.
This wine is zingy. With it’s high acidity, lean profile and light body, it’s a great wine to serve with appetizers, or event at lunch. The style is similar to Sauvignon Blanc with bright grapefruit, lemon, citrusy notes, and sometimes stone fruit. Think simple Spanish tapas when deciding what to serve this wine with—grilled shrimp, fish tacos, asparagus, padrone peppers, manchego cheese and risotto. ABV: 11.5-13.5%
Try: Burgans Albarino Rias Baixas
Sancerre, France
Oh how I love Sancerre. It’s lean, full of minerality, lively and delicious! I credit Brian, the wine buyer at Citrin and Melisse Restaurant in Los Angeles, for my obsession. Sancerre is a highly-regarded appellation in France’s Loire Valley. Both red and white Sancerre wines are produced and both have obtained Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) status, which refers to standards set for wines in specific regions throughout France. Red Sancerre is made from Pinot Noir and white Sancerre is made from Sauvignon Blanc, which is what we’ll focus on here.
A number of different soil types, including clay, limestone pebbles and siliceous-clay can be thanked for the nuanced, powerful and aromatic wines coming out of the Loire region. The Loire River keeps temperatures moderate allowing grapes to ripen while maintaining a high level of acidity. Sancerre is light in body and high in acidity, with flavors of gooseberry, grapefruit, lemongrass and flint. This is your go-to salad wine. You can also serve it with goat cheese, green vegetables and oysters. ABV: 11.5-13.5%
Try: Eric Cottat Sancerre or Domaine de la Villaudiere Sancerre (or check out these recommendations)
Gewurztraminer, Alsace
Not sure what to serve with spicy eggplant? Look no further than Gewurztraminer. It is the perfect wine to pair with exotic foods with spices like ginger, cinnamon, turmeric and Sichuan pepper. This medium-full bodied, complex wine has a lot to offer and worth exploring. It’s most commonly found in Alsace in Eastern France, but other cool climates like Germany, Italy’s Alto Adige and New Zealand’s Marlborough region produce delicious options.
This is a very aromatic wine, with scents of tropical lychee. Other aromas include rose, ginger, honey, grapefruit and sometimes a hint of smokiness. It’s bold and delicious. It has lower acidity and higher alcohol than the other wines listed here, making it a good choice to serve with mild cow’s-milk cheese, roasted vegetables, or spicier flavors. It is made in dry, off-dry and sweet styles (including late-harvest and botrytized), so be sure to ask for help if you’re unclear by what you see on the label. ABV: 13.5-15%
Try: Trimbach Gewurztraminer
Falanghina, Italy
This is another one of my favorite Italian white wines. It is also from Southern Italy’s Campania region, but unlike Fiano di Avellino, this varietal offers flavors of lemon, citrus, honey, peach and almond, making it a beautiful pairing for the region’s local seafood (scallops, clams, prawns). The vineyards are found in breezy coastal areas with mineral-rich soil, lending to the flavor profile.
Winemakers use stainless steel to age the wine, maintaining the delicate and aromatic flavors. Falanghina is so refreshing, with tropical flavors and lovely minerality. The balance between the richness and acidity makes it very enjoyable with food or on its own. Beyond seafood, it pairs well with vegetables and pasta with a simple pesto sauce. It’s also a great choice for afternoon sipping. ABV: 11.5-13.5%
Exploring Beyond Chardonnay: A World of White Wine Awaits
While Chardonnay holds a special place in many wine collections, venturing into alternative white wines can introduce you to a spectrum of flavors and experiences. Exploring varietals like Fiano di Avellino, Albariño, Sancerre, Gewürztraminer, and Falanghina not only diversifies your palate but also deepens your appreciation for the rich histories and traditions behind each bottle. So, next time you’re selecting a wine, onsider reaching for one of these alternatives to discover something new and unforgettable.
For more ideas, check out 15 Oak-Aged White Wines That Aren’t Chardonnay.
