8 Chardonnay Fun Facts that Might Surprise You

You love Chardonnay, I love Chardonnay, we all love Chardonnay. It’s America’s favorite wine, by far. There’s something about Chard’s rich, creamy-smooth mouthfeel, unctuous flavors and honey-sweet fruit that hits the spot. Did you know that there are plenty of fun Chardonnay trivia tidbits to explore? Let’s chill with a glass of wine as we learn eight Chardonnay fun facts!

1. A Chardonnay by any other name …

What little Chardonnay there was in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s was usually labeled “Pinot Chardonnay” because people erroneously thought it was related to Pinot Noir. This misconception highlights the historical confusion surrounding varietals during a time when wine education was far less common. As Chardonnay gained popularity, its unique character began to shine through, leading to a more accurate understanding of this beloved grape. 

2. From obscure to ubiquitous

In the 1940’s, there wasn’t very much Chardonnay planted in California. A 1941 census showed less than 100 acres statewide. Today, Chardonnay vineyards are planted on more than 100,000 acres. This remarkable growth reflects not only the grape’s adaptability to diverse climates but also the rising consumer demand for high-quality white wines, which has inspired a new generation of winemakers to experiment with Chardonnay.

3. Chardonnay, by order of the Queen!

Chardonnay achieved its reputation for greatness in the Burgundy region of France over 1200 years ago.

Around 800 A.D. the wife of the Emperor Charlemagne, disgusted by the red wine that stained her husband’s white beard, ordered that white grapes be planted in their Burgundy vineyard, which is now called Corton-Charlemagne.

Things are the same all over: Charlemange’s wife hated red wine stains.

4. New World v. Old World

The famous “Judgment of Paris” tasting of 1976—which made California wine an international superstar—included the 1969 Chardonnay vintage of our sister winery, Freemark Abbey. This landmark event not only shifted perceptions of New World wines but also ignited a passion for quality winemaking in California, encouraging wineries to invest in vineyards and techniques that could compete on a global stage.

5. Pop Quiz:

Which California county grows the most Chardonnay?
a. Sonoma
b. Napa
c. Monterey

(Scroll to the bottom for the answer.)

6. Cool customer

Chardonnay does best in cool, coastal regions, from Monterey up through the Russian River Valley, and all the way up to Willamette Valley in Oregon. Which (not coincidentally) is just where our La Crema grapes are grown.

The below video shows the daily fog effect, which covers the vineyards in a cool, cloudy blanket:

7. No.1 by a long shot

Today, Chardonnay is the best-selling wine in America, red or white. Americans consume over 840,000 bottles per year. This widespread affection speaks to Chardonnay’s versatility, as it pairs beautifully with a variety of foods—from creamy pastas to grilled fish—making it a go-to choice for many occasions.

8. Don’t dis Chablis

While you may think of box wine when you hear Chablis, it’s actually one of the world’s premier white wine regions. This district in the Burgundy of France creates crisp, mostly unoaked wines made from Chardonnay grapes. Therefore, the only true Chablis is that which comes from France. The region’s unique Kimmeridgian soil imparts a distinctive minerality to the wine, setting it apart from other Chardonnays and showcasing the beauty of terroir.

Bonus Chardonnay Fun Facts: 

9. The influence of oak

While many Chardonnays are celebrated for their crisp, fruity profiles, oak aging can transform this varietal into something sumptuous and complex. The use of oak barrels adds layers of vanilla, toast, and spice, creating a richer mouthfeel that pairs perfectly with buttery dishes like lobster or creamy risottos. However, the choice to age in oak or stainless steel can define the wine’s character, allowing for endless exploration within the same grape.

10. Chardonnay around the world

Chardonnay is grown in nearly every wine-producing country, from the sun-soaked vineyards of Australia to the cool climes of New Zealand. In California, Monterey and Sonoma stand out for their exceptional Chardonnay offerings. La Crema’s Monterey Chardonnay showcases the region’s cool coastal influence, resulting in a bright and crisp wine with vibrant citrus and stone fruit flavors. On the other hand, the Sonoma Coast Chardonnay reflects the diverse microclimates of Sonoma, offering a range of styles from lush and vibrant to mineral-driven. This variety within California highlights Chardonnay’s adaptability, making it a truly international favorite that appeals to a wide array of palates and preferences.

Pop quiz answer: (c). Monterey County has nearly 17,000 acres of Chardonnay.

Do you have any other Chardonnay fun facts? Discuss them in our comments area!