Beyond Chardonnay: 9 Must-Try White Wines Under $20 That Will Wow Your Palate

Why You Should Explore White Wines Beyond Chardonnay

For years, red wine has been celebrated for its heart-healthy benefits—packed with antioxidants, cholesterol-lowering properties, and clot-inhibiting compounds. But what about white wines? If you’ve been stuck in a Chardonnay rut, it’s time to break free. The Anything But Chardonnay movement isn’t about rejecting this classic; it’s about celebrating the incredible diversity of white wines available today. From crisp, unoaked styles to rich, barrel-aged expressions, Chardonnay has evolved. Yet, there’s a whole world of white wines waiting to be discovered—each offering unique flavors, aromas, and food pairings.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the world of whites, these nine standout varietals—all rated 90+ points and under $20—are worth your attention. Hailing from regions like Australia, Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Spain’s Rias Baixas, Tuscany, and Northern Portugal, these wines are perfect for expanding your palate without breaking the bank. Why not host a tasting party and let your friends vote on their favorites?

9 Exceptional White Wines to Try Instead of Chardonnay

1. Viognier: The Aromatic Showstopper

Originating from France’s Rhône Valley, Viognier (pronounced VEE-ohn-yay) is a white wine that’s gaining serious traction in the U.S., particularly in California and Virginia. This grape is a sensory delight, bursting with aromas of orange blossoms, apricots, and honeysuckle. On the palate, it’s rich and luscious, yet balanced with a crisp acidity that makes it incredibly food-friendly.

Perfect Pairings: Seafood, grilled chicken, winter squash soup, or even Easter ham. For a top-rated pick, try Zaca Mesa Viognier from California’s Central Coast, which earned a Wine Enthusiast rating of 91 points. It might just become your new go-to white.

2. Vermentino: The Zesty Italian Gem

If you love the vibrancy of Pinot Gris but crave the crispness of Grüner Veltliner, Vermentino is your wine. Hailing from Italy’s Sardinia and Tuscany, this white has also found a home in South Australia and the U.S. Expect bright, zesty flavors of lemon, white peach, acacia flowers, and ripe melon. It’s a refreshing, easy-drinking wine that’s perfect for warm weather.

Perfect Pairings: Seafood antipasto, veal scaloppini, ceviche, or vegetable quiches. For a standout bottle, try the 2012 Solosole Vermentino from Tuscany, rated 92 points by Vinous.

3. Vinho Verde: Portugal’s Refreshing Young Wine

Vinho Verde (VEE-nyoh VEHR-deh), or “green wine,” is a light, crisp white from Northern Portugal. Despite its name, it’s not green in color—it’s simply meant to be enjoyed young, ideally within a year of bottling. This wine is a steal, offering bright, citrusy notes of lime, white rose, and pink grapefruit. It’s the ultimate summer sipper.

Perfect Pairings: Mango and shrimp wraps, steamed clams, or fresh salads. The 2012 Aveleda Vinho Verde (from a winery founded in 1671!) is a fantastic choice, rated 92 points by Wine & Spirits. Consider it your new “house wine” for casual gatherings.

4. Grüner Veltliner: Austria’s Food-Friendly Favorite

Grüner Veltliner (often called “GV” for short) is Austria’s signature white wine, but it’s now gaining popularity in Australia, New Zealand, and the U.S. This wine is a master of versatility, offering light fruit flavors with a distinctive white pepper and honeyed peach aroma. Some Grüner Veltliners even have a weighty, almost Chardonnay-like body.

Perfect Pairings: Almost anything—it’s that food-friendly! Try it with grilled fish, roasted chicken, or spicy Asian dishes. For a top-rated bottle, the 2012 Zocker California Grüner Veltliner earned 90 points from Wine Enthusiast.

5. Gewürztraminer: The Exotic, Floral Delight

Gewürztraminer (guh-VURTS-trah-mee-ner) is one of the most aromatic white wines in the world. With roots in Alsace, France, and Germany, it’s now produced in wine regions across the globe. This wine is a sensory experience, with notes of lychee, roses, and passion fruit. It can be dry or slightly off-dry (semi-sweet), making it a crowd-pleaser.

Perfect Pairings: Asian cuisine, spicy chicken wings, or smoked dishes. The Pacific Rim 2010 Gewürztraminer from Washington State is a fantastic pick, rated 91 points by Wine Enthusiast and priced at just $11.99. Its artistic label and approachable style make it a fun choice for any occasion.

6. Pinot Gris: Oregon’s Star White Wine

While Pinot Grigio (the Italian version) is widely known, Pinot Gris from Oregon’s Willamette Valley offers a more complex, flavorful experience. This wine is floral and fruity, with notes of white peach, lemon-lime, and a hint of spice. It’s a step up from the often bland Pinot Grigios you might find in grocery stores.

Perfect Pairings: Grilled seafood, roasted poultry, or creamy pasta dishes. The King Estate Pinot Gris from Oregon is a standout, rated 90 points by Wine Enthusiast.

7. Albariño: Spain’s Coastal Treasure

Albariño (al-bah-REE-nyoh) is the star white wine of Spain’s Rías Baixas region in Galicia. This unoaked wine is fresh, elegant, and brimming with aromas of ripe peach, sea breeze, apple, and white flowers. On the palate, it’s crisp and mineral-driven, with flavors of lemon and green apple.

Perfect Pairings: Seafood (especially shellfish), tapas, salads, or rice dishes. The Marqués de Cáceres Albariño from Spain is a top-rated choice, earning 91 points from Wine Enthusiast.

8. Moscato: The Sweet, Sparkling Sensation

Moscato has taken the U.S. by storm, becoming the third most popular white wine in the country. Traditionally from Asti, Italy, this wine is now produced worldwide. Moscato is often made in a frizzante (lightly sparkling) style, with a sweet, low-alcohol profile that’s easy to love. It’s the perfect wine for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness without being overpowering.

Perfect Pairings: Dim sum, white chocolate, raspberry desserts, or cheesecake. For a premium pick, try Saracco Moscato d’Asti 2012, rated 90 points by Robert Parker.

9. Torrontés: Argentina’s Hidden Gem

Torrontés (toh-ron-TES) is Argentina’s signature white wine, and it’s a steal. This dry, aromatic wine is a cross between Sauvignon Blanc and Gewürztraminer, offering floral notes and a crisp, refreshing finish. It’s a fantastic value, with high-quality bottles available for as little as $10.99.

Perfect Pairings: Grilled red meat, Spanish omelets, pizza, or grilled tomatoes with goat cheese. The Domingo Molina Hermanos Torrontés 2012 is a standout, rated 92 points by Robert Parker.

Why These Wines Are Worth Exploring

Chardonnay will always have a place in our hearts (and glasses), but the world of white wine is vast and full of surprises. These nine alternatives offer a range of flavors, aromas, and textures that can elevate your wine experience. Whether you’re hosting a tasting party or simply looking to try something new, these wines are a fantastic starting point.

And remember: while professional wine ratings (from sources like Wine Spectator, Robert Parker, or Wine Enthusiast) can be a helpful guide, the best wine is the one you enjoy. So pour a glass, take a sip, and let your palate be the judge.

Note: Wine ratings mentioned are based on a 100-point scale. Each publication has its own criteria, and if a rating is a range, the highest score is quoted. For more on wine ratings, refer to authoritative sources like Wine Spectator.