Burgundy may be the birthplace and spiritual home of Chardonnay, but today, this adaptable grape has long outgrown its roots, establishing itself as one of the true global citizens of the wine world. Unlike varieties with more regional allegiance, Chardonnay thrives almost everywhere—from sun-soaked hillsides in California to the cool coasts of New Zealand, and from the Andes to the Cape Winelands of South Africa.
This success is no accident. Chardonnay's wide range of expression makes it a winemaker’s playground. Its relatively neutral character means it can be crafted into countless styles—lean and mineral like Chablis, plush and oaky like classic Napa, or even funky and reductive like many modern natural expressions. From steel tanks to new oak barrels, from malolactic softness to vibrant acidity, Chardonnay takes on its winemaker’s vision like few other grapes can.
Consumers love it, too. Despite years of backlash from sommeliers and critics calling for the next "it" grape—be it Riesling, Sherry, or even Picpoul—Chardonnay has remained one of the most searched-for and beloved varieties among drinkers. Wine-Searcher’s data shows that public interest in Chardonnay is not only steady but global.
To illustrate this widespread love, Wine-Searcher recently compiled a list of the most searched-for non-Burgundy Chardonnays. Burgundy was intentionally excluded due to its overwhelming dominance—it accounts for 88 out of the top 100 searched Chardonnays globally, necessitating a separate list entirely.
The World's Most Wanted Chardonnays on Wine-Searcher:
| Wine Name | Score | Ave Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chateau Montelena, Napa Valley | 91 | $76 | |
| Kongsgaard The Judge, Napa Valley | 96 | $946 | |
| Kongsgaard, Napa Valley | 93 | $168 | |
| Aubert Wines Lauren Vineyard, Sonoma Coast | 96 | $253 | |
| Gaja Gaia & Rey, Langhe | 93 | $303 | |
| Leeuwin Estate Art Series, Margaret River | 94 | $98 | |
| Far Niente Winery Estate, Napa Valley | 91 | $69 | |
| Giaconda Estate Vineyard, Beechworth | 95 | $271 | |
| Marcassin Estate, Sonoma Coast | 95 | $723 | |
| Kumeu River Mate's Vineyard, Kumeu | 93 |
$69 |
These wines represent four countries on four continents, showcasing the grape’s far-reaching popularity. Unsurprisingly, California dominates with six of the ten entries, but Australia, New Zealand, and Italy each contribute standout examples.
Yet, interestingly, the list hasn't changed much over time. Nine of these wines also appeared in the previous iteration of this ranking, with only Giaconda replacing Sonoma’s Kistler this year. This indicates that while drinkers are open to Chardonnay from beyond Burgundy, they're mostly loyal to specific producers rather than to emerging regions.
In terms of pricing, nine out of ten of these Chardonnays have appreciated in value, a notable feat in a global wine market where inflation, overproduction, and shifting consumer habits have applied pressure on pricing. The exception, Kongsgaard’s “The Judge,” dipped slightly but still commands near the USD 1000 threshold, which may represent the upper limit of what the market will bear for non-Burgundy Chardonnay.
Ultimately, Chardonnay continues to prove its enduring appeal. Whether lush or lean, buttery or bright, still or sparkling, its adaptability makes it an evergreen favorite. And as the data shows, while Burgundy may set the benchmark, the world is more than ready to raise a glass to Chardonnay—anywhere, anytime.
Source: Wine-Searcher