10 Best White Wines for Fall and Winter 2024
Who says you can only drink white wine in the spring and summer?
As the seasons change and temperatures drop, many of us instinctively reach for a bold red wine to complement the cozy vibes of fall and winter. But white wines can be just as fitting during the colder months, offering a refreshing contrast to hearty dishes and rich flavors.
Whether you’re curled up by the fire or preparing a festive meal, the right white wine can enhance your experience. From full-bodied Chardonnays to zesty Albariños, here are some of the best white wines to enjoy during fall and winter—perfect for pairing with seasonal comfort foods or sipping solo.
By the way, all of these options would also be perfect for your holiday wine lists!
10 Best White Wines for Fall and Winter 2024
Whether you’re into fuller-bodied white wine styles, or you enjoy lighter, more refreshing wines, I’ve listed something here for everyone.
Below, you’ll also find my specific bottle recommendations for each wine variety, plus some food pairings to get you through, because I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely eating and cooking a lot more during this time of year.
If you’re a white-wine-lover looking to up your game for the colder months, look no further - I’ve got the perfect recommendations for you.
Here are 10 white wines to ensure you have a cozy fall and winter.
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1. cava
Bubbles are a must at any holiday celebration, but I also love to have them on hand to just pop open whenever I feel like it. It’s the happiest time of year...isn’t that enough reason to celebrate?
Sparkling wines pair wonderfully with heavier, fattier dishes like cream-sauced pastas, a variety of cheeses, and anything fried.
You may have heard this tip from me before, but I truly can’t emphasize it enough: if you’re looking for high-quality sparkling wine that won’t break the bank, you have to try cava from Spain. It’s made using the same method as champagne, but it doesn’t come with the hefty price tag. This méthode champenoise provides the wine with all of those wonderful nutty, yeasty, toasted brioche aromas and flavors that are perfect for the “-ber” months.
Here are some cavas to try this season:
2. Viognier
Viognier (pronounced “vee-own-yay”) is most famous in Southern France, where it’s known for producing some of the best white wines of the Northern Rhône.
Today, Viognier can be found in many wine regions throughout the world, including California, Oregon, Australia, and beyond.
This white wine is usually full-bodied and creamy, and it can have oaky flavors like vanilla or cedar. The grape itself provides a perfumed nose with floral notes, along with stone fruits and citrus on the palate. If you like Chardonnay, you’ll love Viognier.
With a touch of white pepper spice on the finish, Viognier will warm you from the inside out on its own, but it’s also versatile when it comes to food pairing. Try pairing Viognier with cozy dishes like herby roasted chicken or turkey, Tuscan-inspired soups, or cheese fondue.
Here are some delicious Viogniers to warm you up this year:
3. Roussanne
Also native to France’s Rhône Valley, Roussanne is a grape that’s often with blended Marsanne, Grenache Blanc, or Viognier.
Roussanne is known for its rich, complex flavors and remarkable aging potential. Its elegant balance of ripe fruit, herbal notes, and signature hint of nuttiness make it a perfect choice for those looking to explore something beyond the usual Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
While delicious on its own, Roussanne is incredible alongside fuller, buttery dishes like creamy sauces, lobster, or fried chicken.
Check out these Roussanne wines:
4. Albariño
Up until now, we’ve discussed a handful medium-to-full bodied white wines, but I wanted to including a more refreshing style that’s also versatile when it comes to fall and winter wine pairings.
Albariño, a vibrant white wine hailing from the coastal regions of Spain and Portugal, has quickly gained popularity for its fresh, zesty character. Often described as the perfect summer sipper, Albariño also shines year-round, especially when paired with seafood or light, flavorful dishes. Its bright acidity, citrusy notes, and subtle minerality make it a delightful choice for those who crave a refreshing yet complex wine.
Dive into these Albariños at your next wine night:
5. Chardonnay
I’m sure many of you have tasted Chardonnay at this point, but did you know there is actually quite a variety of styles produced from this grape?
The French grape on its own produces crisply acidic, light-bodied wines, like those of Chablis. However, many Chardonnays are aged in oak and undergo a process called malolactic fermentation, which imparts a buttery quality and fuller mouthfeel onto the wine.
If you’re not a fan of this style, you can stick to un-oaked Chardonnays, like those of Chablis, but I find a well-balanced oaked Chardonnay is an ideal white wine for fall or winter.
Pair Chardonnay with buttermilk marinated chicken, seasonal roasted veggies like squash or root vegetables, or creamy carrot or sweet potato soup.
Here are my recommendations for oaked Chardonnays that are well-balanced:
6. Pinot Blanc
A genetic mutation of Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc is a white wine grape found mainly in Germany and Italy, where it’s known as Pinot Bianco. The wine has peachy aromas, along with some nuttiness, minerality, and a medium-to-full body.
Like Chardonnay, it often comes in an oaked style, providing warming aromas and flavors to carry you through the colder months.
Its soft, round mouthfeel makes it an easy sipper on its own, or as a companion to seafood, mild cheeses, turkey or chicken dishes, and white sauces.
Here are some Pinot Blanc bottles to explore:
7. Chenin Blanc
Originating in France’s Loire Valley, this versatile grape has made its mark globally, particularly in South Africa. Chenin Blanc is known for its vibrant acidity, layered with flavors of orchard fruits, honey, and sometimes a touch of spice. Whether you're seeking a refreshing wine or a rich, age-worthy bottle for a special occasion, Chenin Blanc has something to offer for every palate, making it a must-try for any wine enthusiast this fall or winter.
Try pairing Chenin Blanc with poultry dishes, shellfish, or baked brie.
Here are some delicious Chenin Blanc wines to savor this holiday season and beyond:
8. Fino Sherry
If you need a wine to keep you warm through winter, look no further than a fortified wine, like sherry. Fortified wine has alcohol added to it sometime during the fermentation process, resulting in an average alcohol level of 16-18%, with an incredibly complex nuttiness and dried fruit quality. It’s like a warm hug from the inside out, but it’s not for the weak, given its higher alcohol content and extreme saltiness.
Sherry is from Spain’s region of Jerez, and the “fino” nomenclature indicates the driest style of this wine. It’s one of the easiest wines to pair with food, especially as an aperitif with salted nuts, olives, Iberico ham, and manchego cheese, or with a seafood feast.
Here are some Fino Sherries to try:
9. Fiano
Fiano, a beloved white grape from southern Italy, is one of the country’s best-kept wine secrets. Known for its rich texture and complex flavors, Fiano brings together the warmth of the Mediterranean with bright, vibrant acidity.
This grape thrives in the Campania region, producing wines with delicate floral aromas, hints of stone fruit, and a touch of honeyed nuttiness. Whether paired with seafood, pasta, or simply enjoyed on its own, Fiano offers a perfect balance of freshness and depth, making it a go-to choice for those looking to explore the more sophisticated side of Italian white wines this fall and winter season.
Here are some fantastic Fianos to try:
10. Vermentino
Another hidden gem of the Mediterranean, Vermentino is grown primarily along the sun-soaked coasts of Sardinia, Corsica, Tuscany, and California. It’s prized for its vibrant, zesty character and crisp minerality, making it ideal for pairing alongside creamy or fatty foods, like soft cheeses, creamy soups, or casseroles.
Sip on these Vermentinos this fall and winter and transport yourself through the glass to a warmer destination:
I hope this list helps satisfy your white wine cravings during the colder months this year. If you give any of these bottles a try, let me know what you think in the comments.
If you’re hosting this holiday season, check out my Thanksgiving Wine Guide, which includes 5 tips to help you find the best wines to pair with your Thanksgiving meal.
And if you’re looking for a great gift or unique experience to share with family and friends this holiday season, book a virtual or in-person wine tasting with me, or purchase a wine tasting gift card.
Ready to further your wine education? Enroll in a WSET class today and use code LexiStephens for a discount.