Australian white wine, while a relatively recent player on the global wine scene (especially when compared to the long history of European whites), has quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional quality and vibrant flavours. It has become a favourite among wine lovers worldwide.
Some of the most popular Australian white wine varietals include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Semillon, but there are also numerous lesser-known varieties and blends that are celebrated for their outstanding taste and complexity, making them some of the best white wines on the market today.
To help you explore the wide range of options available, we’re sharing our top picks for Australian white wines to try right now. Plus, if you want to learn more about Aussie white wine varietals and regions (so you can dazzle your friends with your wine knowledge at your next gathering), we've got that covered too!
In This Article
Our Top 10 Australian White Wines
Claymore Joshua Tree Riesling 2024 (RRP $24 - our price $20)
Claymore is one of Clare Valley’s best known producers, starting in 1997 and flourishing ever since. This Claymore Joshua Tree Riesling is one of the best we’ve tasted. Offering vibrant citrus and green apple flavours, underpinned by a signature minerality, the wine’s crisp acidity makes it refreshing and zesty, with a clean, dry finish. This Riesling pairs beautifully with fresh seafood, salads, or light appetizers, reflecting the cool-climate terroir of Clare Valley.
Dandelion Wonderland of the Eden Valley Riesling 2023 (RRP $60 - our price $50)
From the cool Eden Valley, the Dandelion Wonderland Riesling presents bright aromas of lemon zest, lime, and jasmine, with a mineral-driven palate. The wine is crisp and refreshing, with the signature acidity that gives it a clean, lively finish that lingers, making it a perfect choice for those who love a zippy, refreshing white.
Whether you're enjoying it on its own or pairing it with fresh seafood, salads, or Asian-inspired dishes, the Dandelion Wonderland of the Eden Valley Riesling is incredibly versatile and easy-drinking. It’s a fantastic option for those who appreciate a Riesling with that perfect balance of fruit, freshness, and finesse.
Riposte 'The Stiletto' Pinot Gris 2024 ($24)
The Riposte The Stiletto Pinot Gris 2024 from the Adelaide Hills is a delightful and refined expression of this varietal, showcasing the region’s ability to craft wines of both elegance and complexity. This Pinot Gris is made with the utmost care, with expressive fruit from select vineyard parcels in the cool climate.
Vibrant and crisp, the wine offers bright flavours of fresh pear, green apple, and citrus, with subtle floral notes and a touch of spice. The well-balanced acidity gives it a refreshing, lively character, while the fine texture and minerality add depth and structure to the wine, making it both enjoyable now and with potential for further development in the bottle.
Whether you're a Pinot Gris aficionado or someone new to the style, this wine is a must-try for those seeking a wine that combines finesse with great drinkability.
Deep Woods Ivory Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (RRP $18 - our price $17)
The Deep Woods Ivory Semillon Sauvignon Blanc from Margaret River is a vibrant and expressive blend. This wine brings together the vibrant, zesty character of Sauvignon Blanc with the more subtle, textured complexity of Semillon, creating a perfect balance of fruit, freshness, and finesse.
On the nose, you'll find bright aromas of citrus, passionfruit, with the Semillon adding a touch of honeyed richness and herbal notes. The palate is crisp and lively, with flavours of fresh lime, and a dash of tropical fruit, all underpinned by a smooth, slightly creamy texture from the Semillon. The wine finishes with a clean, refreshing acidity that makes it incredibly easy to drink.
Ideal for a summer day or paired with seafood, fresh salads, or light pasta dishes, the Deep Woods Ivory Semillon Sauvignon Blanc is a crowd-pleasing wine that offers great value, quality, and versatility. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or alongside food, this is a bright, refreshing white that’s perfect for any occasion.
Kilikanoon Meyman's Riesling 2021 (RRP $35 - our price $26)
The Kilikanoon Meyman’s Riesling is a stunning expression of Clare Valley’s iconic terroir, capturing the vibrancy that this renowned region is famous for. Crafted from selected fruit, this Riesling showcases the exceptional quality of the Clare Valley’s cool climate, known for producing some of the world’s best Rieslings.
Bright and aromatic, the Meyman’s Riesling bursts with fresh citrus notes of lime, lemon zest, and green apple, complemented by a delicate minerality and hints of jasmine. The wine's crisp acidity provides a refreshing lift, while its precision and balance create a beautifully structured palate.
This wine is an absolute must-try for Riesling enthusiasts, offering a perfect blend of freshness, depth, and complexity.
Miss Zilm Pinot Gris 2022 (RRP $28 - our price $26)
The Miss Zilm Pinot Gris is a beautifully crafted wine that showcases the elegance and subtlety of this popular varietal. Sourced from premium vineyards, this Pinot Gris offers a perfect balance of fresh fruit character and delicate texture, making it a standout choice for those who appreciate a refined and expressive white wine.
On the nose, the Miss Zilm Pinot Gris reveals aromas of ripe pear, white peach, and hints of citrus, with a touch of floral complexity, supported by a refreshing acidity that adds brightness and length. The wine's silky mouthfeel and smooth finish make it incredibly easy to drink, whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of dishes.
Whether you're hosting a casual gathering or enjoying a quiet moment, this Pinot Gris offers a delightful experience that highlights the best of its varietal character.
Petaluma Cane Cut Riesling 2018 ($28)
The Petaluma Cane Cut Riesling is a sweet treat that packs a real punch, and it's perfect if you're looking for a dessert wine that’s both rich and refreshing. Made from hand-picked Riesling grapes that are left to ripen on the vine longer, this wine has all the concentrated sweetness you want, but with a nice kick of crisp acidity to balance it out.
You’ll pick up lovely aromas of honey, orange blossom, and ripe fruit. On the palate, it's smooth and full-bodied, offering flavours of sweet citrus, honeycomb, and a little touch of toastiness. The refreshing acidity keeps it from feeling overly sweet, giving it a clean, satisfying finish.
It’s a fantastic wine to pair with desserts like lemon tarts, crème brûlée, or even some rich blue cheese. Perfect for special occasions or just when you want to treat yourself!
Jeanneret Watervale Riesling 2023 (RRP $40 - our price $35)
From the first sip, it’s clear that the Jeanneret Watervale Riesling from Clare Valley is all about freshness and vibrancy, with a purity that highlights the best of the Watervale sub-region's unique terroir.
It is a fresh and aromatic wine with vibrant lime, green apple, and floral notes. Its bright acidity gives it a crisp, clean profile, while the dry finish ensures it’s an excellent companion for fresh seafood, particularly oysters or grilled fish, showcasing the purity of Clare Valley Riesling.
Perfect for enjoying on its own or pairing with light dishes like fresh seafood, Asian-inspired flavours, or a simple goat cheese salad, the Watervale Riesling is a versatile and delicious wine that will appeal to Riesling lovers and newcomers alike. Whether you drink it now or tuck it away to age, this wine promises great value and a true taste of Clare Valley’s finest.
Lone Palm Vineyards Old Vine Eden Valley Riesling 2023 (RRP $45 - our price $39)
From Eden Valley, the Lone Palm Vineyards Old Vine Riesling is a wine of elegance and complexity. Sourced from the Eden Valley’s old vines, this wine offers incredible concentration and complexity, with a purity that comes from the long-established vineyards and the region’s cool climate.
With aromas of citrus, white flowers, and minerality, it delivers a bright, crisp palate with excellent acidity and a long finish. The old vines contribute depth and structure, making it an ideal partner for grilled prawns, fresh seafood, or mature cheeses, sure to impress anyone who appreciates a wine with both freshness and complexity.
The Riposte The Foil Sauvignon Blanc is a fresh, vibrant expression of this classic varietal. This Sauvignon Blanc delivers all the bright, zesty flavours that make it a crowd-pleaser, with a little extra complexity that sets it apart.
On the nose, you’re greeted with crisp aromas of passionfruit, and fresh citrus. The palate is clean and lively, bursting with flavours of lime, green apple, and a touch of tropical fruit, all wrapped in a refreshing acidity that gives the wine its signature crispness. The wine finishes with a touch of minerality, adding depth and length to the clean, refreshing finish.
Perfect for enjoying on its own or paired with seafood, salads, or goat cheese, the Riposte The Foil Sauvignon Blanc is a versatile and easy-drinking white that delivers great value and quality. Whether you’re looking for something to enjoy on a sunny afternoon or serve at a casual gathering, this Sauvignon Blanc is a fantastic choice for any occasion.
Australian White Wine Varietals
Australia is home to over 160 grape varieties, making it one of the most diverse wine-growing regions in the world. While we won’t cover every white wine grape, some of the most commonly grown varietals include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Semillon, and Pinot Gris.
In addition to these well-known varieties, Australian producers are also experimenting with lesser-known grape types, with fantastic results.
Some of the more unique white wine varietals that are gaining traction in Australia include Viognier, Fiano, Grüner Veltliner, Muscadelle, and Albariño, though this is far from an exhaustive list. These lesser-known varieties are contributing to the growing diversity and complexity of Australia’s white wine scene.
Australia is also renowned for its skill with blending. Wines like SBS (Sauvignon Blanc Semillon) or Chardonnay/Pinot Noir blends are incredibly popular and offer a dynamic combination of flavours that single-varietal wines can’t always achieve. These creative blends provide a fresh take on classic styles, showcasing the versatility and innovation that Australia’s wine regions are known for.
Australian White Wine Regions
As proud South Aussies, we could happily share all the reasons why our wine regions are among the best in the country. South Australia is home to some of the most celebrated white wine regions in Australia, including the Adelaide Hills, which excels at cool-climate Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, and the Clare Valley, renowned for its crisp Riesling. Not to mention the Eden Valley, where exceptional Semillon is grown, and the Fleurieu Peninsula, which produces a range of outstanding white wines, from Chardonnay to Grüner Veltliner.
But the incredible white wines of Australia stretch far beyond our borders. Western Australia’s Margaret River is well known for its Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon blends, producing some of the finest examples of this style. In Victoria, the Yarra Valley stands out for its cool-climate whites, particularly Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, while New South Wales’s Hunter Valley is celebrated for its age-worthy Semillon.
Explore our full list of wine regions to discover more about what makes each of these regions so unique and why they’re producing some of the best white wines in the world.
Best Recipes to Pair With Your Aussie White Wine
Not sure which Australian wine to pair with your dinner? We make recommendations for every wine we stock – head over to our white wines selection, and check out the food pairing suggestions under the wine specs section of each wine.
To help with some top-line ideas, though, here are our favourite recipe ideas to pair with Australia’s best white wine varietals.