As the Northern Hemisphere edges closer to summer, it’s time to pop the cork on something crisp, zesty, and immensely refreshing. Enter Sauvignon Blanc—our pick for summer 2025’s go-to white.
Known for its easy charm, aromatic punch, and impressive food-pairing versatility, Sauvignon Blanc remains a favorite for wine lovers seeking quality without breaking the bank.
While the grape shines in many regions—from the smoky sophistication of France’s Loire Valley to the opulent blends of Bordeaux—it’s the more accessible styles that dominate this year’s best value list. Think lean, green, and wildly expressive. But don’t expect the usual suspects only. This year’s list is full of surprises, proving that high quality doesn’t always come with a high price.
To ensure practical relevance, we’ve focused on Sauvignon Blancs that are widely available across the US and evaluated by a trusted pool of critics. Wines were selected by Wine-Searcher based on both their aggregated critic score and their Global Average Retail Price (GARP) in USD. The result? A list of ten wines that marry exceptional quality with impressive value—some organic, some biodynamic, all top-tier.
1. 2022 Churton Sauvignon Blanc – Marlborough, New Zealand
Critic Score: 94 | Price: USD 19
Organically and biodynamically farmed, this standout from Marlborough delivers herbal tension, ripe citrus, and mineral elegance. A leading example of how value meets integrity in winemaking.
2. 2021 Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc – Marlborough, New Zealand
Critic Score: 93 | Price: USD 24
Crafted by Kevin Judd, the founding winemaker of Cloudy Bay, Greywacke continues the legacy of iconic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Fresh, textural, and nuanced.
3. 2023 Laberinto Sauvignon Blanc – Maule Valley, Chile
Critic Score: 94 | Price: USD 24
From volcanic soils and labyrinth-shaped vineyards, Laberinto creates a Sauvignon Blanc with layered acidity, citrus purity, and remarkable tension.
4. 2021 Wohlmuth Edelschuh Sauvignon Blanc – Südsteiermark, Austria
Critic Score: 95 | Price: USD 49
From some of the steepest vineyards in Europe, this hand-harvested wine boasts alpine freshness, subtle smokiness, and gripping structure.
5. 2021 Weingut Neumeister Ried Moarfeitl Sauvignon Blanc – Südoststeiermark, Austria
Critic Score: 94 | Price: USD 49
Elegant, mineral-driven, and expressive, this Austrian gem reveals the complex soul of Sauvignon Blanc when thoughtfully handled.
6. 2022 Wohlmuth Steinriegel Sauvignon Blanc – Austria
Critic Score: 95 | Price: USD 25
Another impressive Austrian contender, the Steinriegel offering bursts with cool-climate vibrancy and precise stone fruit notes.
7. 2022 Laberinto Sauvignon Blanc – Maule Valley, Chile
Critic Score: 94 | Price: USD 25
A second vintage from Laberinto confirms its consistency in quality. Zippy, herbal, and distinct—this is serious value in a bottle.
8. 2022 Clos Henri Otira Glacial Stones – Marlborough, New Zealand
Critic Score: 93 | Price: USD 27
Biodynamically produced by the sons of famed Sancerre winemaker Henri Bourgeois, this wine channels a French sensibility into a New World expression.
9. 2022 Passionate Wine Montesco Agua de Roca – Uco Valley, Argentina
Critic Score: 94 | Price: USD 27
From Matias Michelini, this is a terroir-driven, characterful Sauvignon Blanc that defies expectations. Clean, mineral, and exhilarating.
10. 2020 Clos Henri Clay – Marlborough, New Zealand
Critic Score: 96 | Price: USD 51
A celebration of two decades of winemaking, this premium Savvy B is textural, refined, and elegantly aged—proof that even high-end Sauvignon Blanc can deliver stunning value.
Redefining Value in Sauvignon Blanc
Some readers might question a list where several wines sit around the USD 50 mark. But here, value isn’t just about price—it’s about what you get for the price. Every wine on this list scores over 90 points, making them rare finds in the category of premium yet affordable. These are not your average picnic Sauvignons—they are structured, nuanced, and made with care.
Whether you're grilling seafood on the patio, enjoying a salad in the sun, or simply craving a mid-week refresher, these bottles offer something special. So, this summer, pour yourself a glass of savvy brilliance without splurging—cheers to Sauvignon Blanc at its best.
Source: Wine-Searcher