Chardonnay Day 2026: Why We Still Love This Classic
A Reason to Pour a Glass
International Chardonnay Day is May 22, 2026, and it’s a perfect excuse to revisit one of the world’s most loved, and sometimes misunderstood, grape varieties.
Celebrated each year on the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend, Chardonnay Day brings together wine lovers around the world to raise a glass to a varietal that can be as crisp and refreshing as it is rich and layered. Few wines are as versatile, or as capable of reflecting where they’re grown.
From Burgundy to Sonoma County
Chardonnay traces its origins to Burgundy, France, where it has been grown for centuries and continues to define some of the world’s most iconic white wines. Over time, it found its way across the globe, becoming one of the most widely planted grape varieties thanks to its adaptability and range.
Here in Sonoma County, Chardonnay has deep roots. First planted locally in the 1950s and expanded by growers like the Dutton family in the 1960s, it has become the region’s most widely planted grape, thriving in the cool, coastal-influenced climate of the Russian River Valley and Green Valley.
Fog, ocean influence, and varied soils create ideal conditions for Chardonnay that is vibrant, balanced, and expressive of place.
Learn more about why Dutton Ranch is Ideal for Chardonnay here.
One Grape, Endless Styles
Part of Chardonnay’s appeal is its range.
In cooler sites, it leans fresh and focused, with notes of green apple, citrus, and minerality
In warmer areas, it becomes more textural and generous, showing peach, melon, and tropical fruit
Winemaking choices, from stainless steel to oak aging, add another layer, shaping everything from crisp and linear to rich and creamy
At its best, Chardonnay isn’t about one style. It’s about balance.
Read more about what the Daily Herald had to say about our chardonnay here.
Why Chardonnay Works at the Table
Chardonnay’s versatility doesn’t stop in the glass. It’s one of the most food-friendly wines you can open.
Its combination of acidity and texture allows it to pair across a wide range of dishes:
Seafood, from grilled shrimp to buttery lobster
Roasted chicken and simple, seasonal preparations
Cream-based pastas and risottos
Fresh vegetables and herb-driven dishes
It’s a wine that adapts to the meal, rather than competing with it.
Check out why Robb Report highlighted our Dutton Ranch Chardonnay as a top white here.
What We’re Pouring
If you’re looking for inspiration, here are a few recipes that pair beautifully with Chardonnay:
Grilled Zucchini, Corn & Orzo Salad
Butternut Squash Risotto with Crispy Prosciutto
Raise a Glass
Chardonnay Day is a reminder that great wine doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be shared.
However you celebrate, whether it’s a casual dinner, a weekend gathering, or a quiet glass at the end of the day, we hope you’ll open a bottle of Dutton-Goldfield Chardonnay and enjoy the moment.
Prepared by:Rachel Thralls, Certified Sommelier
