If you’re looking for a light, refreshing wine for summer days at the beach or alfresco meals on the back porch, you can’t go wrong with a good bottle of sweet or dry sauvignon blanc. One of the world’s most popular wines, this vintage is characterized by a crisp and acidic grassy taste that gives way to fruit flavors ranging from guava to citrus, stone fruit, and kiwi.

The grass-green sauvignon grape variety was initially grown in the cool climate and clay soils of France’s Bordeaux and Loire Valley but is now harvested in wine regions worldwide, including Australia, Greece, Chile, and California. Almost every wine-producing region in the world grows its own varietal, using it to create stand-alone wine or mix with other grapes to produce cuvées or dessert wines. 

The ever-popular sauvignon blanc is drier than most other white wines like rieslings and chardonnays, making it a great choice to pair with almost any meal. Sauvignon blanc truly shines when served as an apéritif with goat (chèvre) cheese or with a dish of herb-laced chicken, fish, or seafood. It’s best enjoyed when served chilled, between 50–55°F for optimal flavor. And with a low to moderate level of alcohol by volume (ABV), between 12.5% and 14%, it makes a welcome addition to any casual get-together.  

Does a glass of crisp, clean sauvignon blanc sound good right about now? Pull up a deck chair and raise a glass to our list of the best sauvignon blanc brands available for delivery to your door. 

1. Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc 750 ml

Whitehaven New Zealand sauvignon blanc captures the bright citrus aromas of grapefruit and lemongrass in this crisp, refreshing white wine. Superbly structured and balanced, it displays layers of fresh-snipped greens and warm pear nectar blended with tropical fruit notes.

$18.99

2. Prophecy Sauvignon Blanc 750 ml

Prophecy sauvignon blanc brings a dazzling blend of lychee, grapefruit, and lime, with lighter notes of white tea and a barely-there minerality. Featuring authentic New Zealand grapes and a 12% ABV, this crisp white is just right for a stir fry or sushi dinner.

$11.99

3. Chateau Ste Michelle Sauvignon Blanc 750ml

Chateau Ste Michelle is Washington state’s oldest and most acclaimed winery. You can taste their expertise in every sip of this elegant wine. It’s delicious on its own, or you can enjoy its delicate flavors of crisp citrus and cut grass with a light meal of chicken, fish, or seafood.

$11.99

4. Dark Horse Sauvignon Blanc 750 ml

Dark Horse Sauvignon Blanc is a bright, citrusy California white that captures New Zealand’s signature sauvignon blanc style. Enjoy this 13% ABV wine’s melon and grapefruit notes with a light herby dinner, like lemon basil tilapia and spring vegetables.

$9.99

5. La Crema Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc 750 ml

Sourced from select vineyards in one of California’s premier growing regions, La Crema’s Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc is a juicy and crisp white wine with tropical fruit notes. Boutique winemaking techniques craft a light-bodied white wine with a beautiful texture, volume, and vibrant acidity. La Crema’s sauvignon blanc is the perfect aperitif or pairing for light meals alfresco.

$19.99

6. Excelsior Sauvignon Blanc 750 ml

Hand-harvested grapes and near-perfect growing conditions have produced Excelsior’s superior sauvignon blanc. Yellow-green in color, this wine has a complex nose that combines passionfruit, grapefruit, and ripe fig aromas. Its zesty acidity and fruity flavor make it the perfect wine pairing for a delicious meal of lemon roasted chicken with green olives and capers.

$10.99

7. Duckhorn Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 750ml

Lovely Semillon-driven silkiness, crisp acidity, and citrus flavors draw this wine to a lingering finish with notes of Meyer lemon, candied pineapple, lime, and summer melon. Perfect for hot summer days on the patio, this sauv blanc wine has a refreshing acidity that perfectly marries with a simple meal of shellfish and goat’s cheese.

$32.99

8. Veramonte Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 750ml

Coming from the beautiful Casablanca Valley in Chile, Veramonte has produced a brightly flavored sauvignon blanc with loads of lush citrus fruit aromas and tropical notes. It lands on the palate with fresh, mouth-coating acidity and gives a balanced and elegant finish. Enjoy a glass with an elegant Caprese salad or refreshing ceviche.

$13.99

9. Sun Goddess Sauvignon Blanc 750 ml

Sun Goddess wine is produced with love and passion from sun-kissed vineyards in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy. The Sauvignon Blanc is straw-yellow with lively greenish tinges. It’s intensely aromatic, with tropical and spicy notes of passionfruit, banana, and melon. Exceptionally structured, this wine strikes a delicate balance between an intense acidity and a velvety smoothness with a long finish. 

$28.99

10. The Beach House Sauvignon Blanc 750 ml

This stunning, fresh, and delicious white wine from South Africa perfectly compliments sitting out in the sun, on the porch, or even better, on the beach. As a light and refreshing palate teaser, Beach House is packed with sunny flavors of tropical passionfruit and pineapple. Its lively lemon and lime surge makes it a delicious accompaniment to cracked crab, seafood salad, or vegetarian dishes.

$10.99

11. Unshackled Sauvignon Blanc 750 ml

Unshackled Sauvignon Blanc White Wine, created by the innovative winemakers of The Prisoner Wine Company, spotlights the vibrancy of fruit. As a California white, this wine is the perfect choice for a wine and cheese party. Pair this white wine with fresh oysters, asparagus, lobster, or a light salad. With Unshackled Sauvignon Blanc, freedom is a state of mind.

$23.99

12. Roth Estate Sauvignon Blanc 750ml

A delicious offering from the Sonoma Valley, this sauvignon blanc has a delicate light straw color and plenty of honeysuckle and melon fruit notes to complement the delectable undertones of caramelized citrus and green apple. This Bordeaux style of sauvignon is a medium-bodied wine that’s at once floral and effusively fruity and the ideal accompaniment to a picnic of bread, cheese, and berries.

$26.99

FAQ

What is a really good sauvignon blanc?

Choosing a good wine might feel a little overwhelming. Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting a sauvignon blanc.

Place of origin. If you like a fruity and tart sauvignon blanc, choose a wine from the Loire Valley in France. If you’re looking for a more balanced vintage that goes heavy on citrus notes, a bottle from the Marlborough region of New Zealand is an excellent choice. Other great vintages originate from the Casablanca Valley in Chile, South Africa’s Western Cape, and California’s Sonoma Valley. 

Aroma. When first poured, a quality sauvignon blanc will have a pleasant but intense scent, ranging from fresh-mowed grass to asparagus. The aroma will change to sweeter, fruity notes of passionfruit, mango, or grapefruit as the wine decants and breathes.

Taste. Sauvignon blanc goes through part or all of the fermentation process in stainless steel vats. This process gives the wine a light, acidic body. It’s a dry wine that incorporates the flavors of gooseberry, honeydew, grapefruit, white peach, and passionfruit. If you seek a sweeter taste, Sauternes and Barsac are excellent brands of sweet sauvignon blanc wine.

But don’t take our word for it. Take a sip of sauvignon blanc for yourself. Is it refreshing? Something you want to drink again? If your answer is yes, you’ve found your ideal sauvignon blanc.

What is a good sauvignon blanc for cooking?

The most important rule about using wine in cooking, whether white or red wine, is to cook using the same wines you like to drink. Julia Child most famously said:

“If you do not have a good wine to use, it is far better to omit it, for a poor one can spoil a simple dish and utterly debase a noble one.”

So, the best sauvignon blanc to cook with is the wine you enjoy drinking.

However, you’re not going to crack open a new bottle every time you want to add a little wine to a dish. This is where leftover wine comes in. Sauvignon blanc stays fresh for 2 to 4 days after the bottle has been opened and stored in a cool dark place. Beyond that time, the wine begins to oxidize. While it’s no longer ideal for drinking, it’s the perfect addition to stews and sauces or any dish that needs a bit of an acidic kick. Thanks, Julia.

What is a good inexpensive sauvignon blanc?

If you’re new to sauvignon blanc and don’t want to shell out hundreds of dollars for a  Pouilly-Fumé or a Sancerre, you can explore the vintage with some of the best cheap sauvignon blanc available.

Best under $10. Dark Horse Sauvignon Blanc is a California wine that delivers the best characteristics of New Zealand’s signature style.

Best under $20. La Crema Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc delivers boutique winemaking at its best.

Best under $30. Sun Goddess Sauvignon Blanc is a powerfully unique vintage crafted in Italy.

Best under $50. Duckhorn Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc offers a crisp, refreshing vintage with just a hint of lemon and lime.

Wine doesn’t have to be expensive to be tasty and refreshing. Find one that appeals to you and your pocketbook. Cheers!