Wine
Top Chardonnays Under $50: How to Choose the Best Bottles for Your Palate
July 30, 2025
Regarded as one of the most beloved white wine varieties in the world, Chardonnay is produced in a myriad of styles to suit every palate. Though with so many options available, finding a high-quality Chardonnay that doesn't break the bank can often seem like a daunting feat—which is where our expert team comes in. Our sommeliers have scoured the globe to bring the best bottles to this curated list of top Chardonnays under $50.
“Chardonnay, at any price point, can be a bit of a mystery to consumers,” says Lindsay Koblitz, Sommelier at Sommsation. Koblitz notes that while the grape is very well known, it’s also one that’s vinified in a variety of different styles. “This makes it tough to know if you're getting a big, buttery, oaky Chardonnay, or a lighter, crisper unoaked version of the grape,” she says. However, we’ve got a few key tips for knowing what you might get before ever popping the cork—as well as a number of go-to recommendations to boot.
Each of the wines below showcases the best of what this versatile grape offers, from the rich and buttery to the crisp and mineral-driven. Whether you're looking for a bottle to enjoy on a special occasion or simply want to explore the world of affordable luxury, these Chardonnays are sure to impress—and who knows, you may just find your new favorite bottle along the way.
What to Consider When Choosing Chardonnay
Region
Chardonnay is grown in many different regions around the world, each with its unique style. California Chardonnays tend to be richer and more full-bodied, while French Chardonnays are often leaner and more mineral-driven. Consider exploring different regions to find the style that suits your taste preferences.
Koblitz states that learning a thing or two about the regions where Chardonnay is grown can go a long way. “For example, Chardonnay from Oregon, Northern Italy, or parts of Burgundy like Chablis are more well known for Chardonnay that is crisp, citrus fruit driven, and less overt oakiness, while places like California, Australia, and Washington still tend to use more new oak,” she says.
However, above all, Koblitz notes that Chardonnay styles can vary wildly from producer to producer, even in the same region, so it's also helpful to know a winery's 'house style.’ Her suggestion? Simply reading up on a description or tech sheet about the wine can provide insight as to what you may find in the bottle. “If words like 'brioche, toasty, creme brulee, or buttery' are used, chances are high that a moderate to high amount of new oak was used in the winemaking,” she says. Conversely, if words like 'lemon rind, mineral-driven, or crisp', Koblitz notes that it’s likely that there was little to no new oak used.
Oak vs. Unoaked
Chardonnay is often aged in oak barrels, which can offer flavors of vanilla, butter, and spice; on the other hand, the wine can be made in a crisp, unoaked style that showcases the grape's pure fruit flavors. “Unoaked Chardonnay is leaner, crisper, generally with better acid, and can be very mineral-driven,” explains Koblitz, citing frequent aromas and flavors of lemon, lime, green apple, stone fruit, white flowers, and chalk in these expressions.
On the other hand, Koblitz notes that oaked Chardonnay is fuller-bodied and richer, with flavors of pineapple, apricot, citrus, mango, banana, vanilla, creme brulee, brioche, or spice. “Picking one over the other largely depends on your preferences,” she says. Stating that if pairing with food, unoaked bottlings will be better with lighter seafoods (shellfish or sushi, white fish), poultry or vegetables, whereas oakier Chardonnays will come to life with heartier seafood, pastas with cream sauce, roast chicken, or pork tenderloin.
Vintage
The vintage, or year the grapes were harvested, can significantly impact the quality and style of the wine. In general, cooler vintages produce leaner, more acid-driven Chardonnays, while warmer vintages result in riper, more full-bodied wines. Do some research on the vintage before making your purchase to ensure you're getting a wine that aligns with your preferences.ice make it fun to play with on the table.
Food Pairing
Chardonnay is a versatile wine that pairs well with a wide range of foods, from seafood and poultry to creamy pastas and rich, buttery dishes. When selecting a Chardonnay to pair with food, consider the weight and flavor profile of the dish and choose a wine that will complement those characteristics.
By keeping these factors in mind and exploring the top Chardonnays under $50, you'll be well on your way to discovering your new favorite wine. With so many high-quality options available at this price point, there's never been a better time to explore the world of Chardonnay. So grab a bottle, gather some friends, and raise a glass to affordable luxury.
