Chacewater Sauvignon Blanc

Chacewater Sauvignon Blanc is a 750ml organic white wine from Lake County, California, made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Sourced entirely from Windrem Vineyards and produced with certified organic grapes, this bottling has earned consistent recognition from Wine Enthusiast, scoring 88 points across multiple vintages, while the 2019 vintage received 91 points at the Los Angeles Wine Competition.

Quick Facts: Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc  |  Origin: Lake County, California  |  Style: Dry White Wine  |  Winery: Chacewater Winery & Olive Mill  |  Organic: CCOF Certified

Production & Heritage

Chacewater Winery & Olive Mill is owned by Paul and Kelley Manuel, who named the estate after their ancestral roots in Cornwall, England. The winery's origin story is tied to a devastating wildfire that cleared the family's land, inspiring a transition from construction into viticulture and olive oil production — a dual operation that remains central to the property's identity. All grapes for this Sauvignon Blanc come from Windrem Vineyards in Lake County, certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), and the wine is produced without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers in the vineyard.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with bright grapefruit and green apple before unfolding into layers of fresh-cut herbs — thyme, parsley — alongside green papaya, kiwi, and a distinctive hint of jalapeño. Several minutes of air time rewards patience with deeper citrus and tropical complexity.

Taste: On entry, the palate delivers white nectarine and Meyer lemon with a zesty, mineral-driven core. Mid-palate, ripe melon and Pink Lady apple emerge, wrapped in dried herbs and a smooth, medium-bodied texture. The acidity is steely and crisp, giving the wine structure without sharpness.

Finish: The finish is clean and moderately long, closing with mouthwatering acidity and a lingering note of apricot richness. Subtle mineral and herbal echoes persist well after the last sip.

How to Drink Chacewater Sauvignon Blanc

Serve chilled to around 45–50°F to let the herbal and citrus aromatics fully express themselves; this wine drinks well on its own without any fuss. Spritz: The bright acidity and herbal notes make it an ideal base for a white wine spritzer with sparkling water and a sprig of fresh thyme. Hugo Cocktail: Swap in this Sauvignon Blanc for its elderflower-friendly citrus profile alongside mint and prosecco. White Sangria: The tropical fruit and melon character pairs naturally with sliced kiwi, green apple, and a splash of elderflower liqueur.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners featuring grilled fish, salads, or herb-forward dishes
• Gifting to wine drinkers who prioritize organic and sustainably produced wines
• Warm-weather patio sipping where crisp, aromatic whites shine
• Introducing someone to Lake County wines beyond the more familiar Napa and Sonoma regions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Chacewater Sauvignon Blanc taste like? It is a crisp, medium-bodied white wine dominated by grapefruit, Meyer lemon, green apple, and fresh herbs, with mouthwatering acidity and a subtle apricot-rich finish. The overall profile is clean, zesty, and mineral-driven.

How does Chacewater Sauvignon Blanc compare to Bonterra Sauvignon Blanc? Both are California organic Sauvignon Blancs, but Chacewater sources exclusively from Lake County's Windrem Vineyards, which tends to yield a more herbal, mineral-driven expression. Bonterra draws from Mendocino County and generally leans toward rounder tropical fruit; Chacewater's steely acidity and earthy undertones give it a distinct sense of place.

Is Chacewater Sauvignon Blanc good for sipping on its own? Yes — its balanced acidity, aromatic complexity, and clean finish make it a satisfying wine to drink neat, especially when served well chilled. It does not require food to be enjoyable.

Where is Chacewater Sauvignon Blanc made? It is produced by Chacewater Winery & Olive Mill in Lake County, California, using 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes from the estate's Windrem Vineyards, which are certified organic by CCOF.

What foods pair well with Chacewater Sauvignon Blanc? Grilled white fish or shrimp benefit from the wine's bright acidity; goat cheese salads echo its herbal, tangy character; herb-crusted chicken mirrors the thyme and parsley aromatics; ceviche complements the citrus and jalapeño notes; and light pasta dishes with pesto or lemon cream sauce match its medium body and mineral finish.

What sizes does Chacewater Sauvignon Blanc come in? The standard bottling is available in the 750ml format.

Is Chacewater Sauvignon Blanc worth the price? Chacewater positions as a value-driven organic Sauvignon Blanc, sitting comfortably within the affordable everyday tier while delivering quality that has earned consistent 88-point scores from Wine Enthusiast — strong performance for wines at this price level.

Why Chacewater Sauvignon Blanc?

Lake County remains one of California's most underappreciated wine regions, and Chacewater's single-vineyard Sauvignon Blanc is a compelling argument for paying attention. Full CCOF organic certification across the winery, vineyards, and olive groves sets this producer apart from brands that merely use the word "sustainable" without third-party verification. The wine's consistent critical performance — 88 points from Wine Enthusiast across multiple vintages and 91 points at the 2019 Los Angeles Wine Competition — reflects reliable quality rather than a one-off success. For drinkers seeking a genuinely organic California Sauvignon Blanc with verifiable provenance and real sense of place, this is a bottle that delivers without pretense.