Chardonnay offers such a wide range of styles that some may see it as ambiguous. However, we view its versatility as one of the key factors behind its immense success in America, particularly in Napa Valley. Almost every tasting room serves at least one Chardonnay, and with so many unique interpretations, it’s easy for anyone who hasn’t yet fallen for this varietal to discover a version they love. Whether served chilled on a hot summer evening or paired with a seasonal dish, Chardonnay is a perfect companion for warmer weather. We’ll guide you through some of our favorites, starting with light and crisp versions and moving on to rich, full-bodied Chardonnays.

Alpha Omega

Alpha Omega is a boutique winery with a devoted following and limited production. Known for sourcing grapes from Napa’s historic vineyards, they produce the standout ERA, a blend of their finest red wines. Winemaker Jean Hoefliger and consultant Michel Rolland collaborate to create wines that balance finesse and complexity. Their 2013 Un-Oaked Chardonnay is a shining example—brilliantly yellow, reflecting light like diamonds, with flavors of Meyer lemon and crème brûlée. The wine’s minerality and soft acidity make it an ideal choice for warm sunny days and pair perfectly with summertime dishes like ceviche or grilled vegetables.

Barnett Vineyards

Fiona and Hal Barnett founded Barnett Vineyards out of a passion for high-quality, low-production wines. Known for their exceptional Cabernets from their Spring Mountain estate, they also craft one of our favorite Chardonnays, the 2013 Savoy Vineyard Chardonnay from Anderson Valley. While this vineyard is located outside Napa, its cooler coastal climate brings out the best in this wine. Aged for 11 months in oak (only 20% new), this Chardonnay strikes a beautiful balance between subtle oak influence and delicate floral aromas. Partial malolactic fermentation enhances its texture while preserving the purity of the vineyard’s expression, making it an elegant choice for any occasion.

Frank Family

Rich Frank, a Hollywood icon, made waves in the wine world when he purchased the historic Larkmead Winery in 1992, creating a winery known for its focus on quality over quantity. While their Cabernet program is highly acclaimed, their 2013 Chardonnay is another standout. With more oak and malolactic fermentation than the previous Chardonnays, this wine delivers the creamy, buttery style that many Chardonnay lovers adore. Vanilla and a rich, creamy mid-palate are beautifully balanced with stone fruit and bright citrus zest, finishing with crisp green apple notes. It’s a perfect choice for those who appreciate a classic, full-bodied California Chardonnay.

Whether you prefer a Chardonnay reminiscent of a crisp Chablis or lean toward the traditional, buttery California style, we can craft the perfect Napa Valley experience for you. We partner with a variety of top wineries to curate intimate, personalized tastings that highlight the best of what Napa has to offer.