10 Best White Wines You Need to Try

Australia’s warm, sunlit days naturally call for refreshing, vibrant white wines, the kind that brighten any moment and elevate even the simplest dinner. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day, hosting a brunch, or planning a casual tasting night, there’s never a good time to pop open a white wine bottle, a perfect opportunity to explore this wine type from classic favourites to new and underrated gems.

White wines are among the most versatile styles out there; they pair effortlessly with a wide range of dishes and suit almost any occasion. From rich and complex drops to crisp, fruity, or delicately sweet expressions, there’s a white wine to satisfy every palate, even those who usually reach for reds.

Australia is globally known for producing the best white wine in the world. So, if you’re looking to refresh your wine cellar or discover something new, here are the top 10 white wines in Australia worth exploring for flavour, balance, and easy enjoyment.

Why White Wines are the Classic Choice?

Some of you might be wondering, why white wines? Well, you asked, and we’ve got the answers! Sure, Australia has built its reputation around the world with the best red wines, especially the Barossa Valley Shiraz, but let’s not forget, white wines are edging out red wine in total consumption, and that's not just in Australia but the whole worldwide. With those crisp and refreshing flavours and low-key, no effort drinking character, a good white wine is exactly what you need to try, if you haven’t one yet.

Here’s why white wines deserve a place at your table...

• Perfect for Warm Weather: White wines are served chilled, making them the best and say crucial choice to sip on warmer days. Their refreshing taste profile cools you down while adding sophistication to any backyard gathering or poolside celebration.

• Versatility with Food: From seafood platters to roasted turkey, white wines complement a wide range of  dishes. They will pair best with a light seafood kind of feast since their acidity enhances lighter courses while cutting through richer foods.

• Broad Range of Flavours: White wines are more than just "light and boring," no matter what many people think. With features ranging from citrus, tropical fruits, florals, and honey notes, they give an amazing variety of tastes, from bone-dry and mineral to lusciously sweet.

• Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: White wines are a classic choice and generally have a broader appeal among those who may not be regular wine drinkers. Their pleasant nature and lower tannin level make them less intimidating and more welcoming in varied gatherings.

• Celebration-Ready: There's something special about pouring a glass of chilled white wine. Whether it's a crisp Sauvignon Blanc for pre-dinner aperitifs or a sparkling kind like Moscato for toasts, white wines elevate the celebratory moments of the season.
  

10 Most Popular White Wine Varieties to Enjoy

1. Chardonnay

Oh, Chardonnay, the superstar that needs no introduction! This crowd-pleaser is like that friend who can dress up or dress down and still look fabulous. From zesty, unoaked styles bursting with green apple and citrus to those luscious, buttery numbers wrapped in oak, there's a Chardonnay for every kind of wine lover. Especially the Australian whites from  Margaret River and Adelaide Hills? Totally a Chef's kiss!

Recommended: Buy Chardonnay Wine

Why Chardonnay?

• Incredible versatility from crisp, unoaked styles to rich, buttery expressions.

• Fuller body and complexity can stand up to rich meals.

• Mostly celebrated and an all-time favourite, making it an easy yet sophisticated choice.

Festive Food Pairing: Pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken, creamy pasta dishes, grilled prawns with garlic butter, and soft cheeses on your Christmas platter.

Here’s our top recommendation for Chardonnay

2. Sauvignon Blanc

Think of Sauvignon Blanc as sunshine in a glass, bright, zesty, and bursting with life! This radiant beauty brings the party with its grassy, herbaceous vibes and zingy acidity. While New Zealand gets all the glory, don't sleep on Aussie Sauv Blancs from Adelaide Hills and Margaret River. Expect a tropical bouquet of passionfruit, lime, and all the summery flavours.

Why Sauvignon Blanc?

• Vibrant acidity and zesty character make it the ultimate refresher.

• Flavourful and lively profile perfect as pre-dinner aperitifs

• From dry to fruity sweeter styles, a wide range of flavour profiles

Festive Food Pairing: Perfect pair with fresh oysters, Asian-inspired dishes, goat cheese salads, herb-crusted fish, and light appetizers.

Here’s our top recommendation for Sauvignon Blanc

3. Pinot Grigio

Pinot Grigio (or Pinot Gris in its richer form) offers light, refreshing flavours with notes of pear, apple, and white flowers. Italian-style Pinot Grigio tends to be lighter and more mineral, while Alsace-inspired versions are richer with more complex depth and spicy notes.

Why Pinot Grigio?

• Easy-drinking, approachable nature makes it a universal choice.

• Light, neutral profile won't overpower the delicate flavours of rich meals.

• Crisp and refreshing without being too bold, perfect for casual sipping.

Festive Food Pairing: Complements well with light pasta dishes, grilled vegetables, white fish, chicken salad, and mild cheeses.

Here’s our top recommendation for Pinot Grigio

4. Riesling

Riesling is experiencing a well-deserved renaissance. This aromatic variety ranges from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, with flavours of lime, green apple, jasmine, and signature mineral notes. Australian Rieslings, especially from Clare Valley and Eden Valley, are world-famous with excellent ageing potential.

Why Riesling?

• Ranges from bone-dry to sweet, offering something for everyone.

• High acidity delivers instant refreshment while giving the unique aromas.

• Incredible ageing potential at a great value.

Festive Food Pairing: Dry Rieslings pair best with spicy Asian dishes, pork dishes, and duck. Sweeter ones go well with fruit-based desserts, Christmas pudding, and mince pies.

Here’s our top recommendation for Riesling

5. Semillon

Semillon is Australia's underrated gem, particularly from the Hunter Valley, where it produces remarkable age-worthy wines. Fresh Semillon white wine is light and lemony, while aged versions develop rich, honeyed complexity with toast and lanolin notes.

Why Semillon?

• Offering exceptional value and unique character found nowhere else.

• Ages beautifully, delivering both youthful, zesty styles and complex flavours.

• Lower alcohol content in younger styles makes it perfect for casual drinking.

Festive Food Pairing: Pairs beautifully with seafood, particularly prawns and crab, roasted chicken, creamy vegetable dishes, and dishes with herbed butter sauces.

Here’s our top recommendation for Semillon

6. Moscato

Moscato brings sweetness and celebration to any gathering with its low alcohol, gentle fizz, and aromatic scents of orange blossom, peach, and honey. It's light, fun, and approachable, making it perfect for guests who love desserts and need a perfect wine to pair with.

Why Moscato?

• Lower alcohol content means full enjoyment with fewer worries.

• Gentle sweetness and fizz pleases those who find dry wines too intense.

• Fun, celebratory character with aromatic floral notes adds joy to any occasion.

Festive Food Pairing: Pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, light desserts, pavlova, fruit tarts, and spiced gingerbread cookies.

Here’s our top recommendation for Moscato

7. Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is a wonderfully versatile grape that can be used for creating anything from sweet and honeyed wines to dry and mineral wines. Regardless of its level of sweetness, its flavours of quince, honey, ginger, and camomile are balanced by its refreshing acidity.

Why Chenin Blanc?

• Incredibly versatile from dry to sweet styles.

• The exceptional quality-to-price ratio makes it perfect for everyday enjoyment.

• Natural acidity provides structure and freshness.

Festive Food Pairing: Works well with pork dishes, roasted chicken, curries, Thai food, and dishes with fruit-based sauces.

Here’s our top recommendation for Chenin Blanc

8. Viognier

Another underrated treasure, Viognier is the exotic, aromatic option for your festive lineup. This variety produces full-bodied wines with lush aromas of apricot, peach, honeysuckle, and jasmine, along with a rich, almost creamy texture that gives it impressive depth and character.

Why Viognier?

• Delicious and lush aromas of apricot and honeysuckle make it a statement wine.

• Fuller body bridges the gap between lighter whites and reds, tailoring to different preferences.

• Rich texture and aromatic complexity impress wine enthusiasts.

Festive Food Pairing: Pairs excellently with richer fish dishes like salmon, lobster with butter, aromatic Asian cuisine, mildly spiced dishes, and soft, creamy cheeses.

Here’s our top recommendation for Viognier

9. Fiano

Fiano’s one of those Southern Italian whites that doesn’t crave attention. Not many people know about it yet, but wine lovers are catching on. This grape’s been around forever and makes wines that sit somewhere between medium and full-bodied. The first thing you notice? Aromas of honey and almond, with a little stone fruit in the mix. There’s a fresh, herbal edge and some white flowers too. What really stands out, though, is this waxy texture and a kind of mineral backbone that gives Fiano real depth. The finish lingers beautifully.

Why Fiano?

• It’s got these honey and nut notes that make every sip interesting.

• There’s real texture and a mineral kick, perfect for anyone who likes to explore.

• Plus, Fiano ages surprisingly well, so it’s a good bottle for your collection.

Food Pairing: Pairs beautifully with grilled seafood, roasted chicken with herbs, mushroom risotto, Mediterranean dishes with olive oil and garlic, and aged pecorino.

Here’s our top recommendation for Fiano

What you’ll taste: Bright straw with green sparkles, this wine opens with pear, citrus blossom, and wild herbs. The palate is crisp and lively, showing lemon, stone fruit, and a hint of almond, all driven by vibrant acidity into a long, textured finish.

10. Verdelho

This grape started out in Portugal but has found a new home in Australia, and honestly, it’s thriving. Verdelho is all about energy, think vibrant, medium-bodied whites packed with citrus, pineapple, and mango. There’s a zesty acidity that keeps things fresh and lively. Its bright, playful character makes it an instant crowd-pleaser.

Why Verdelho?

• You get tropical fruit and that crisp, food-loving acidity. It’s refreshing and simple.

• It’s got enough body to feel substantial but doesn’t get heavy.

• Whether you’re a casual sipper or total wine geek, Verdelho keeps things interesting without being complicated.

Food Pairing: Pairs wonderfully with fresh oysters, ceviche, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, grilled prawns with lime, light pasta dishes, and fresh goat cheese or feta.

Here’s our top recommendation for Verdelho

What you’ll taste: This Verdelho jumps out with lifted musk and musk-stick aromas, backed by stone fruit and ripe melon. The palate is rich and full-bodied, packed with generous fruit and balanced by soft acidity, delivering great texture and mouthfeel throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What temperature should white wine be served at?

White wines are best when served chilled like between 7-13°C. Lighter ones like Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc should be chilled to at least 7-10°, while fuller-bodied wines such as Chardonnay and Viognier can be served at room temperature or slightly chilled (10-13°C), which appreciates its complexity.

2. How long can I keep an open bottle of white wine?

If you are going to buy wine online or from the local shop, ensure it's sealed properly. When sealed properly, opened white wine can be stored in the refrigerator for three to five days. Keep it upright and use the original cork or a wine stopper. Higher acidity wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling, have a longer shelf life than fuller-bodied ones.

3. Do white wines need to breathe like red wines?

White wines typically require less breathing than red wines. On the other hand, 15 to 30 minutes of breathing can help open up the complex flavours and aromas of fuller-bodied, oaked white wines, such as mature Chardonnay or Viognier.

4. Can white wine be aged?

Of course! Many white wines, such as Riesling, Semillon, and premium Chardonnay, can age well for up to 20 years, developing nuanced honeyed, nutty, and toasted flavours with time. However, most white wines are best enjoyed young.

5. What's the difference between oaked and unoaked white wine?

Oaked wines have a richer, creamier texture with flavours of vanilla, butter, toast, and spice because they are matured in oak barrels. More lively, crispier, and more fruit-forward, unoaked wines reveal brighter acidity and true varietal character.

This festive season, deep dive into diversity and the refreshment that white wines bring to your celebrations. Whether you're hosting a grand Christmas lunch, enjoying a quiet evening on the balcony, or toasting with friends, there's a white wine variety perfectly suited to the moment. From the crisp elegance of Sauvignon Blanc to the aromatic depth of Viognier, each variety offers unique characteristics that can elevate your festive experience. Don't hesitate to explore beyond your usual favourites and buy white wine online right here; the beauty of the season lies in discovery and sharing these wonderful wines with the people you love.

Cheers to a memorable festive season filled with sunshine, love, and exceptional white wines!

Additional Read:

• 10 best red wines in Australia
• Red wine vs white wine