Badger Mountain Organic Chardonnay

Badger Mountain Organic Chardonnay is a 100% certified organic, unoaked Chardonnay from Columbia Valley, Washington at 12.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle. Produced by Washington State's first certified organic winery — earning that distinction in 1990 — this no-sulfites-added white wine highlights pure, unmanipulated Chardonnay fruit through stainless steel fermentation.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12.5%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington  |  Style: Unoaked, No Sulfites Added  |  Winery: Badger Mountain Vineyard, Kennewick, WA

Production & Heritage

Badger Mountain Vineyard, located in Kennewick, Washington, became the first certified organic wine grape vineyard in Washington State in 1990. The Chardonnay is fermented entirely in stainless steel tanks, bypassing any oak influence to preserve the grape's natural aromatics and bright acidity. The NSA (No Sulfites Added) designation means no sulfur dioxide is introduced at any stage, resulting in a wine that reflects the organic vineyard and minimal-intervention winemaking philosophy. This approach distinguishes it from the majority of Columbia Valley Chardonnays, which typically see at least partial oak aging and conventional sulfite additions.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe pear and honeydew melon, followed by layers of pineapple, banana, and a subtle mineral undertone. A faint honeysuckle thread ties the aromatics together.

Taste: On entry, the wine is bright and lively with crisp green apple acidity. The mid-palate broadens into juicy Asian pear and apricot, with grapefruit and citrus zest adding complexity. A touch of vanilla and modest spice emerge, and the wine drinks slightly sweeter than expected while maintaining good acid balance.

Finish: Medium in length with a clean, tangy close. Lingering notes of melon and citrus zest fade into a pleasant mineral edge.

How to Drink Badger Mountain Chardonnay

Serve well chilled at 45–50°F to highlight the wine's natural crispness and fruit expression. Its bright, unoaked character makes it extremely versatile.

• White Wine Spritzer: The clean acidity and melon-pear profile hold up well with a splash of soda and a citrus twist.
• Classic Wine Sangria: Its ripe tropical fruit notes integrate naturally with fresh-cut fruit and a citrus liqueur.
• Kir: A small measure of crème de cassis plays beautifully against the wine's bright apple-pear backbone.

Best For

• Gifting to someone who prioritizes organic and clean-ingredient wines
• Weeknight dinners where a refreshing, food-friendly white is needed
• Introducing a health-conscious friend to quality organic wine
• Summer patio drinking when a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay fits the moment

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Badger Mountain Chardonnay taste like? It delivers bright green apple and Asian pear flavors layered with honeydew melon, apricot, and citrus zest, finishing clean with moderate acidity and a touch of mineral character.

How does Badger Mountain Chardonnay compare to Frey Vineyards Organic Chardonnay? Both are certified organic with no sulfites added, but Badger Mountain sources from Columbia Valley, Washington while Frey draws from Mendocino County, California. Badger Mountain tends toward crisper apple-pear brightness from its cooler-climate fruit, whereas Frey's Mendocino Chardonnay often leans into rounder, softer tropical notes.

Is Badger Mountain Chardonnay good for beginners? Yes — its unoaked, fruit-forward style with balanced acidity makes it approachable and easy to enjoy without any prior wine knowledge, and the 12.5% ABV keeps it lighter than many Chardonnays.

Where is Badger Mountain Chardonnay made? It is produced at Badger Mountain Vineyard in Kennewick, Washington, using certified organic grapes grown in the Columbia Valley AVA of eastern Washington State.

What foods pair well with Badger Mountain Chardonnay? Grilled shrimp benefits from the wine's citrus acidity; goat cheese salads complement its melon and pear fruit; roasted chicken mirrors the wine's gentle body; Thai green papaya salad matches its bright, tangy profile; and fresh oysters echo its clean mineral finish.

What sizes does Badger Mountain Chardonnay come in? It is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Badger Mountain Chardonnay worth the price? It positions as an entry-level organic Chardonnay, and for a certified organic, no-sulfites-added wine from an established Columbia Valley vineyard, it represents strong value in its category.

Why Badger Mountain Chardonnay?

Few American wineries can claim Badger Mountain's pioneering organic credentials — Washington State's first certified organic vineyard, farming this way since 1990. The combination of certified organic grapes and no added sulfites appeals to a growing segment of drinkers seeking transparency in what they consume, without sacrificing flavor. Stainless steel fermentation keeps the Chardonnay honest, letting Columbia Valley terroir and clean fruit speak for themselves. For anyone seeking an unoaked, organic white wine with genuine varietal character and a meaningful story behind the label, this bottling consistently delivers.