Not sure where to start with white wine? Sip back and relax, I've got you covered.
The secret to discovering your go-to white wine is not memorizing fancy terminology or swirling like a pro. It’s simply about starting somewhere approachable and exploring from there. Whether you’re after something dry and crisp or sweet and fragrant, there’s a white wine waiting to win you over.
Let’s swirl through some of the most beloved whites and see which one speaks your sipping language.
Riesling – The Zesty Chameleon
Riesling is one of the most misunderstood yet most adored grapes in the wine world. It can be bone dry or lusciously sweet but no matter where it lands on the scale, it usually bursts with citrus, stone fruit, and a distinct minerality. And when it comes to food? Few wines are more versatile.
Riesling’s true roots lie in Germany and Alsace, France, regions that elevate this grape to legendary status. Some even call it the greatest white grape of them all. Bold claim? Maybe. But take a sip, and you’ll get the hype.
Food Pairings:
Semi-sweet Riesling is chef’s kiss with spicy Indian or Asian dishes, duck, bacon, pork, sweet and sour flavors, shrimp, and crab.
Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris – The Dinner Party Hero
Can’t decide what wine to bring to a gathering? Pinot Grigio (Italy) or its French cousin Pinot Gris is your ultimate crowd-pleaser. These wines are easy-drinking, fragrant, and refreshingly crisp, with floral and citrus notes that make them near impossible to dislike.
Food Pairings:
Great with roast chicken, creamy pasta, light fish dishes, and soft cheeses like mozzarella, gruyere, brie, and even shaved parmesan.
Basically, this wine is your best friend when you don’t know what to pair... but want to look like you do.
Sauvignon Blanc – The Zingy Personality
Originating in Bordeaux but now a global favorite (hello, New Zealand!), Sauvignon Blanc is lively, aromatic, and always full of character. Expect green apple, gooseberry, lime, and herbal notes that make it feel fresh, zippy, and alive.
New Zealand Sauv Blanc is especially beginner-friendly. It’s like a spritz of citrus sunshine in a glass.
Food Pairings:
Perfect with herby chicken dishes, fish with dill sauce, feta cheese, hot dogs, and even tofu stir-fry. Versatile and vivacious.
Moscato d’Asti – The Sweetheart
Sweet tooth? Meet your new favorite. Moscato d’Asti, made from Muscat Blanc grapes in northern Italy, is lightly sparkling, low in alcohol, and full of orange blossom, peach, and honeysuckle goodness. It’s dessert in a glass... but with a little sparkle.
So light, so fragrant, so easy to love. This isn’t just a wine; it’s a treat.
Food Pairings:
Pairs beautifully with antipasti, mild cheeses, fruit tarts, and yes, ice cream desserts. Think peach sorbet or lemon gelato and thank us later.
Chardonnay – The Timeless Classic
Chardonnay is the grape that does it all—grown around the world and beloved for its versatility. From the creamy, oaky styles of California to the steely, mineral-rich Chardonnays of Chablis in Burgundy, there’s truly a version for every palate.
Want a crisp, flinty style that’s dry and elegant? Head straight to Chablis. It tastes like licking a wet rock but trust me, that’s a good thing.
Food Pairings:
Oysters are the ultimate match for Chablis, thanks to the limestone-rich soils of the region (which are literally ancient seashells from the Jurassic era!). But it also pairs beautifully with white fish, scallops, and anything buttery or briny.
White wine is not one-size-fits-all, and that’s the beauty of it. Start with what sounds appealing, explore the pairings, and don’t be afraid to try something unexpected. Whether you prefer a zippy Sauvignon Blanc, a sweet Moscato, or a mineral-driven Chardonnay, there’s a whole world of white waiting for you.
So go ahead. Wine away!
''At the end of the day, you really can’t make a wrong choice.
As long as you pay attention to what it is that you don’t like about a wine
each bottle will get you closer to what you do like.
Take it one glass at a time!''