As summer sunshine finally graces the British Isles, the time has come to unwind in the garden, pack for a picnic, or fire up the barbecue with a perfectly chilled glass of white wine in hand. To help you navigate the vast world of viniculture, award-winning TV presenter and wine expert Aidy Smith has conducted a rigorous taste test, compiling the definitive list of the finest white wines to enjoy during the warmer months.
How We Found the Best White Wines
Our testing process was designed to ensure every bottle was evaluated under optimal conditions. Each wine was chilled thoroughly before being opened and poured into universal tasting glasses. The tasters then allowed the wines to warm slightly to between 7-10°C, giving them a chance to aerate and open up. Every selection was tasted, swirled, and assessed three times to guarantee a comprehensive and fair review.
The Ultimate Summer White Wine Selection
From supermarket bargains that outperform their price to luxurious bottles for a special occasion, here is the curated selection of the best white wines for summer 2024.
Top Overall Pick & Standout Choices
Crowned the best white wine overall is the Tempus Two Copper Wilde Chardonnay from New South Wales, Australia. Priced at £11.85, this Burgundian-style chardonnay boasts a seductive golden hue and a luscious, creamy richness filled with stone fruits and complex notes, thanks to its French oak ageing.
For those watching their pennies, the best budget white wine is The Ned Sauvignon Blanc (£8.50). Hailing from Marlborough, New Zealand, it offers a crisp, light profile with zero bitterness and beautiful notes of gooseberry, kiwi, and lime.
The best white wine for picnics goes to Freixenet Pinot Grigio (£8.50). This Northern Italian wine is a sip of sunshine, with crisp orchard fruits, zesty citrus, and a delicate, dry finish that is both soothing and elegant.
If you're hosting a dinner party, impress your guests with the Kozlović Istria Malvazija 2022 (£16.89). This Croatian wine is delightfully floral and aromatic, with a peachy richness and a touch of saltiness that cries out for food.
Luxury & Special Occasion Wines
For those seeking intensity, the Capensis Chardonnay from South Africa's Western Cape (£76) is a benchmark-setting wine. It layers pure citrus and rich minerality with creamy tropical notes and an electric zesty lemon finish.
The title for best white wine for indulgence is awarded to Tuscany's Ornellaia Bianco (£232). This 100% chardonnay is texturally rich and labyrinthian in its complexity, with notes of apricot, hazelnut, and aromatic jasmine.
An exceptional supermarket bargain is the Villa Maria Private Bin Riesling (£9). This New Zealand riesling delivers an explosion of ripe apple, grapefruit, and zingy sherbet lemon, with a sticky honey note that binds it all together.
When pairing with creamy dishes, look no further than Rioja's Capellania Blanco Reserva (£77). This rich, prestigious white made from 100% viura grapes beautifully bridges oak-driven complexity with clean, acidic freshness.
Expert's Final Verdict
While every wine on this list is a standout, the overall winner is the Tempus Two Copper Wilde Chardonnay. Its succulent balance of ripe tropical fruits, fresh citrus, and a creamy vanilla backbone, combined with a reasonable price point, makes it an irresistible choice. It's a wine that can be enjoyed immediately but also has the character to evolve beautifully in the glass over an evening.
