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Top 15 Best Sauvignon Blanc Wines for Any Budget
Published: May 3, 2025
At YourWineStore.com, we believe that a great bottle of Sauvignon Blanc should be refreshing, expressive, and easy to love—whether you're a seasoned wine lover or just starting to explore. Known for its zesty citrus, mouthwatering acidity, and bright herbal notes, Sauvignon Blanc is a go-to wine for everything from sunny patios to seafood dinners.
With so many fantastic options out there—from grassy New Zealand styles to richer, barrel-aged California bottles—we know it can be tough to pick the perfect one. That’s why we’ve put together this curated list of our top ten favorite Sauvignon Blancs across a range of price points. Whether you're looking for an affordable everyday sipper or a splurge-worthy standout, this guide will help you find the best Sauvignon Blanc that fits your taste and budget.
Sauvignon Blanc Quick Facts
• Origin: Sauvignon Blanc originated in the Loire Valley of France and is now widely grown in regions like New Zealand, California, and Chile.
• Flavor Profile: Typically features bright notes of lime, green apple, passionfruit, gooseberry, and fresh herbs.
• Body and Texture: Usually light to medium-bodied with a crisp, refreshing texture.
• Acidity: Known for its high acidity, which gives it a clean, zippy finish.
• Aging Potential: Most Sauvignon Blancs are best enjoyed young, though some oak-aged versions can develop additional complexity over a few years.
• Pairing Versatility: Excellent with goat cheese, fresh salads, seafood, and dishes with green herbs like basil or cilantro.
• Popular Regions: Standout regions include Marlborough (New Zealand), Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé (France), Sonoma and Napa Valley (California), and the Casablanca Valley (Chile).
Our List of the 10 Best Sauvignon Blancs for Every Price Point
We’ve narrowed down ten of our favorites—each one offering standout character, great value, and serious sip-ability. From budget-friendly picks to premium bottles worth the splurge, this list has a little something for everyone. Let’s dive in!
Best Sauvignon Blanc Under $20
Don’t let the price fool you—these wallet-friendly Sauvignon Blancs are fresh, vibrant, and full of character. They’re perfect for casual sipping, weekday dinners, or stocking up for sunny afternoons with friends.
1. Crowded House | Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
What It Tastes Like: Bright citrus, lime zest, and tropical guava meet a flinty, mineral finish.
Food Pairings: Try it with shrimp skewers, ceviche, or a Thai noodle salad.
Why We Chose It For The List: A hidden gem from Marlborough, this Sauvignon Blanc overdelivers on freshness and zing. It’s crafted by winemaker Peter Jackson (no, not that one), and his light touch lets the fruit shine through. This is classic New Zealand Sauv Blanc at its best—zippy, aromatic, and crowd-pleasing. It punches well above its price tag and always feels like a mini escape to Marlborough in every glass.
2. Kendall-Jackson | Vintner’s Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
What It Tastes Like: Notes of grapefruit, pear, melon, and a soft kiss of citrus blossom.
Food Pairings: Pairs well with grilled chicken, veggie stir-fry, or fresh goat cheese.
Why We Chose It For The List:
This is Kendall-Jackson doing what they do best—balancing fruit-forward flavor with incredible drinkability. It’s smooth, reliable, and super food-friendly. The touch of coastal fruit and subtle floral notes give it a freshness that works for everything from brunch to a backyard dinner. It’s a go-to bottle when you want something delicious and dependable.
3. Kendall-Jackson | Low Calorie Sauvignon Blanc
What It Tastes Like: Crisp lemon-lime, melon, and subtle tropical fruit, with a light and refreshing body.
Food Pairings: Enjoy with sushi rolls, arugula salads, or grilled white fish.
Why We Chose It For The List: Watching your sugar or calorie intake? This low-calorie option doesn’t sacrifice flavor. It’s clean, citrusy, and refreshingly light—perfect for anyone who wants a breezy pour without the guilt. Unlike many “light” wines, this still delivers depth and crisp structure, making it a smart and satisfying choice. A great bottle to keep chilled for midweek dinners or post-work unwinding.
4. Murphy-Goode | North Coast Sauvignon Blanc
What It Tastes Like: Juicy tangerine, grapefruit, and green apple with a burst of acidity.
Food Pairings: Think grilled shrimp, sushi, or a citrusy kale salad.
Why We Chose It For The List:
This North Coast bottle is all about good vibes and great taste. It’s bright and refreshing, with a zesty kick that makes it feel way more premium than its price tag. It also captures that laid-back California sunshine in every sip—easy to drink but never boring. It’s the kind of Sauvignon Blanc that surprises you with how much you enjoy it every single time.
5. Carmel Road | California Sauvignon Blanc
What It Tastes Like: A crisp blend of lime, white peach, and a hint of sea breeze minerality.
Food Pairings: Try it with fish tacos, grilled corn, or a caprese salad.
Why We Chose It For The List: From Monterey’s cool-climate vineyards, this bottle brings balance, brightness, and a coastal lift. It’s summer in a glass—simple, clean, and seriously refreshing.
Why We Chose It For The List:
From Monterey’s cool-climate vineyards, this bottle brings balance, brightness, and a coastal lift. It’s summer in a glass—simple, clean, and seriously refreshing. There’s a saline edge that gives it a crisp, beachy vibe, and the ripe citrus makes it totally crushable. If you love vibrant white wines with a sense of place, this is a top-tier pick under $20.
6. Catalina Sounds | Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
What It Tastes Like: Passionfruit, lime, and juicy citrus backed by herbal and mineral notes.
Food Pairings: Perfect with oysters, goat cheese crostini, or lemon-herb chicken.
Why We Chose It For The List: A bit more structured than your typical Marlborough SB, Catalina Sounds layers ripe fruit with a touch of elegance. It’s expressive, clean, and a great value for fans of New Zealand whites. The depth of flavor here is impressive for the price—there’s richness, minerality, and just enough tension to keep things lively. It’s a more serious take on a fun varietal, and we’re here for it.
Best Sauvignon Blanc Under $30
Step up your sipping experience with these crowd-pleasing bottles that offer a perfect balance of quality and value—layered, expressive, and still easy on your wallet.
7. Matanzas Creek | Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc
What It Tastes Like: Aromas of lemon zest, white peach, and jasmine lead to flavors of citrus, melon, and a hint of wet stone.
Food Pairings: Enjoy with grilled shrimp skewers, herbed goat cheese, sushi rolls, or spring vegetable risotto.
Why We Chose It for the List: Matanzas Creek consistently delivers elegance in a bottle, and this Sauvignon Blanc is no exception. With fruit sourced from cool-climate vineyards, it offers beautiful tension between brightness and texture. Winemaker Marcia Torres Forno brings a precise, vineyard-driven approach that shows off the Sonoma terroir with every sip—this is a Sauvignon Blanc that feels like sunshine and coastal air in a glass.
8. La Crema | Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc
What It Tastes Like: Lively notes of grapefruit, lime zest, and pineapple with refreshing acidity and a clean, dry finish.
Food Pairings: Pair with Thai chicken salad, fish tacos, grilled artichokes, or a citrus-marinated halibut.
Why We Chose It for the List: Known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, La Crema also shines with this vibrant Sauvignon Blanc. It's a zippy, fruit-forward wine that still feels refined, thanks to the winery’s signature coastal elegance. It’s a great pick for those who want an easy-drinking bottle that’s polished enough to impress guests or elevate a weeknight dinner.
9. Passerelles | Touraine Oisly Sauvignon Blanc
What It Tastes Like: Classic Loire notes of gooseberry, lime, flint, and green herbs, with a crisp, mineral-driven finish.
Food Pairings: Great with chèvre, raw oysters, herb-roasted chicken, and asparagus quiche.
Why We Chose It for the List: If you love Old World Sauvignon Blanc, this is the bottle to reach for. From the tiny subregion of Oisly in the Loire Valley, this wine captures everything that makes French Sauvignon so iconic—it's lean, elegant, and layered with minerality. It’s a sommelier’s secret weapon and a fantastic value for under $30.
10. Freemark Abbey | Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
What It Tastes Like: Aromas of lemon blossom, kiwi, and white grapefruit give way to flavors of citrus, pear, and a whisper of vanilla.
Food Pairings: Complements lemon-butter scallops, grilled chicken with herbs, burrata with basil, or a citrus and avocado salad.
Why We Chose It for the List: Freemark Abbey brings a touch of Napa prestige to this bright, expressive Sauvignon Blanc. With over a century of winemaking heritage, the winery balances fresh fruit with a subtle touch of texture and polish. It’s a California classic with just enough sophistication to feel special—but still totally approachable.
Best Sauvignon Blanc Under $50
For those looking to treat themselves without breaking the bank, these selections bring vineyard pedigree, complexity, and winemaking finesse to the table—each bottle is a standout worth savoring.
11. Kendall-Jackson | Jackson Estate Kelsey Hills Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc
What It Tastes Like: Vibrant citrus, passionfruit, and lemongrass, with juicy acidity and a silky, rounded texture.
Food Pairings: Ideal with grilled lobster tails, seared scallops, roasted fennel, or creamy lemon pasta.
Why We Chose It for the List: This vineyard-specific release from Kendall-Jackson showcases the kind of precision and terroir expression you rarely find at this price point. The Kelsey Hills Vineyard, located in the high-elevation reaches of Lake County, gives the wine its racy minerality and lifted aromatics. It's a serious Sauvignon Blanc that punches well above its weight.
12. Matanzas Creek | Knights Valley Sauvignon Blanc
What It Tastes Like: Layers of Meyer lemon, pear, and subtle tropical fruit, balanced by gentle oak spice and a creamy mid-palate.
Food Pairings: Serve with grilled swordfish, lemon-rosemary chicken, or aged Manchego cheese.
Why We Chose It for the List: This rare vintage release from Matanzas Creek shows how beautifully Sauvignon Blanc can evolve. With a few years of bottle age, the wine gains depth and richness while keeping its citrusy freshness. It’s a sophisticated choice for those who want to explore a more textural, nuanced side of the grape—and it's still a total steal under $50.
13. Capture | Pine Mountain Sauvignon Blanc
What It Tastes Like: Notes of grapefruit, pear, melon, and a soft kiss of citrus blossom.
Food Pairings: Pairs well with grilled chicken, veggie stir-fry, or fresh goat cheese.
Why We Chose It For The List:
This is Kendall-Jackson doing what they do best—balancing fruit-forward flavor with incredible drinkability. It’s smooth, reliable, and super food-friendly. The touch of coastal fruit and subtle floral notes give it a freshness that works for everything from brunch to a backyard dinner. It’s a go-to bottle when you want something delicious and dependable.
Best Sauvignon Blanc Under $100
For the collectors, enthusiasts, and dinner party showstoppers—these Sauvignon Blancs deliver elegance, complexity, and longevity from some of California’s most distinctive vineyard sites.
14. Stonestreet Estate Vineyards | Terrace Ridge Sauvignon Blanc
What It Tastes Like: Layers of ripe grapefruit, guava, beeswax, and flinty minerality with a structured, creamy mouthfeel.
Food Pairings: Perfect with halibut in lemon beurre blanc, roasted chicken with tarragon, or aged Comté.
Why We Chose It for the List: Sourced from high-elevation estate vineyards on the Mayacamas Mountains, this Sauvignon Blanc is serious, textural, and cellar-worthy. The 2017 vintage shows the benefit of both site and bottle age, with added depth and complexity. If you’re seeking a white wine with gravitas and grace, this is it.
15. Zeitlos | Sauvignon Blanc
What It Tastes Like: Bright citrus peel, white peach, jasmine, and river stone, all carried on sleek, mouthwatering acidity.
Food Pairings: Pairs beautifully with crab salad, Thai green curry, or a spring pea risotto.
Why We Chose It for the List: Zeitlos brings a modern, minimalist lens to California winemaking, and their Sauvignon Blanc reflects that purity of intent. It’s all about precision and finesse, sourced from meticulously farmed vineyards and made in small quantities. This is an elegant, polished expression that proves Sauvignon Blanc can be every bit as refined as top-tier Chardonnay.
Start Sipping the Best Sauvignon Blanc
From vibrant Marlborough picks to elegant California estate wines, this guide proves there’s a perfect Sauvignon Blanc for every taste—and every budget. Whether you're a fan of zippy citrus or something with a bit more depth and texture, these bottles were handpicked to show off the best the varietal has to offer.
Looking to stock up? All of the wines featured here are available at YourWineStore.com—your trusted online wine store. It’s the easiest way to buy wine online from winemakers you love (and discover a few new favorites along the way).
So whether you’re planning a dinner party, building out your cellar, or just craving a crisp glass on a sunny afternoon, we’ve got the bottle that belongs in your glass.
FAQs
What does Sauvignon Blanc taste like?
Sauvignon Blanc is known for its bright acidity and fresh flavors, typically featuring notes of lime, green apple, passionfruit, and sometimes fresh-cut grass or bell pepper.
Is Sauvignon Blanc sweet or dry?
Most Sauvignon Blancs are dry, though some styles (especially from New Zealand or certain dessert wines like Sauternes) may have a touch of sweetness or a richer fruit profile.
What foods pair well with Sauvignon Blanc?
It’s a go-to for anything fresh and zesty—think goat cheese, seafood, salads, and green veggies. It also plays well with dishes featuring citrus, herbs, or light vinaigrettes.
Should Sauvignon Blanc be chilled?
Absolutely. Serve it well-chilled, around 45–50°F (7–10°C), to highlight its crispness and aromatic intensity.
How long does Sauvignon Blanc last once opened?
Once opened, it stays fresh in the fridge for about 2–3 days. After that, it starts to lose its vibrancy and aromatics.
What’s the difference between Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand and California?
New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs are often punchier and more tropical, while California styles tend to be rounder, sometimes with a bit more texture or oak influence.
Is Sauvignon Blanc good for aging?
Generally, no—it’s best enjoyed young and fresh. But premium bottles from top producers (like some featured on YourWineStore) can age beautifully for 5–10 years.
What are some other good wines to try?
Check out our other best wine at any price point series below: