Columbia Crest Two Vines Chardonnay

Columbia Crest Two Vines Chardonnay is a fruit-forward, stainless-steel-fermented white wine from Washington State's Columbia Valley at 13.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle. The 2021 vintage earned a Bronze medal at the Sommelier Wine Awards, where judges praised its balance, freshness, and good length.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington State  |  Varietal: 100% Chardonnay  |  Winery: Columbia Crest

Production & Heritage

Columbia Crest was founded in 1982 as the first winery established in Washington's Horse Heaven Hills AVA, and has since become one of the state's most recognized producers. For the Two Vines Chardonnay, grapes are fed directly to press, then the juice is cold-settled for two days before undergoing a 14- to 20-day fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks — no oak aging is involved, preserving the wine's bright fruit character. The "Two Vines" name refers to a specific trellising method that positions grape clusters for optimum sun exposure, and the winemaking philosophy centers on minimal intervention to let Columbia Valley fruit speak for itself.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Green apple and ripe pear lead the nose, followed by hints of sweet lemon, honeycomb, and a subtle coconut-spice thread. There is an overall freshness that keeps the aromatics light and inviting.

Taste: The entry is crisp with concentrated apple and melon flavors that transition into ripe pear and candied pineapple at the mid-palate. A zippy acidity cuts through a gently creamy texture, keeping the wine balanced rather than heavy. Touches of citrus brighten each sip without dominating the fruit.

Finish: Medium in length with a clean, refreshing sign-off of juicy pear and lingering lemon zest. The acidity carries through to the close, leaving the palate fresh and ready for another taste.

How to Drink Two Vines Chardonnay

Serve chilled to around 45–50°F to highlight its bright acidity and fruit aromatics; this is a Chardonnay built for straightforward enjoyment rather than decanting or extended breathing. A classic White Wine Spritzer works well here, as the wine's crispness holds up against soda water and a citrus twist. It also performs in a Chardonnay Sangria with sliced peaches, green apples, and a splash of elderflower liqueur, where its melon and pear flavors integrate naturally with fresh fruit. For something simple, try it in a Wine Cooler with a measure of peach nectar and crushed ice — the wine's natural acidity keeps the drink from becoming overly sweet.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners when you want a reliable, no-fuss white wine
• Outdoor gatherings and warm-weather entertaining
• Introducing someone new to Washington State Chardonnay
• Stocking a house wine that pairs easily with a range of lighter dishes

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Two Vines Chardonnay taste like? It is a clean, fruit-driven Chardonnay dominated by green apple, ripe pear, and melon, with crisp acidity and a gently creamy mid-palate rather than heavy oak or butter flavors.

How does Two Vines Chardonnay compare to Columbia Crest Grand Estates Chardonnay? Grand Estates is the next tier up from Columbia Crest and has received 87 points from Wine Enthusiast, with more complexity from additional winemaking techniques. Two Vines is a lighter, more straightforward expression fermented entirely in stainless steel, designed for everyday drinking rather than contemplation.

Is Two Vines Chardonnay good for beginners? Its approachable fruit flavors, moderate 13.5% ABV, and absence of heavy oak make it an accessible entry point for anyone exploring Chardonnay or Washington State wines in general.

Where is Two Vines Chardonnay made? It is produced by Columbia Crest, which was founded in 1982 in Washington State's Horse Heaven Hills AVA, using Chardonnay grapes sourced from the broader Columbia Valley appellation.

What foods pair well with Two Vines Chardonnay? Grilled chicken or turkey burgers complement the wine's apple-pear fruit without overwhelming it. Light pasta dishes with a lemon-butter sauce mirror its citrus acidity. Fresh green salads with goat cheese match its crispness, while mild seafood such as shrimp or tilapia lets the fruit flavors take center stage. A simple fruit tart with stone fruit echoes the wine's melon and pear notes.

What sizes does Two Vines Chardonnay come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, which is widely available across retail channels.

Is Two Vines Chardonnay worth the price? Two Vines sits in Columbia Crest's entry-level tier, positioned as an everyday drinking wine that consistently delivers clean fruit and balanced acidity at a budget-friendly price point within Washington State Chardonnay.

Why Two Vines Chardonnay?

What separates this wine from the crowded field of value Chardonnays is its origin in Washington's Columbia Valley — a region with warm days and cool nights that naturally balance sugar development with acid retention. Columbia Crest's decision to ferment entirely in stainless steel, with minimal intervention and a two-day cold-settling period, produces a Chardonnay that tastes of fruit rather than winemaking. The proprietary two-vine trellising system optimizes sun exposure at the vineyard level, giving the grapes a head start before they ever reach the winery. For a Bronze medal winner at the Sommelier Wine Awards praised by judges from The Dorchester and the Joël Robuchon Group, this remains one of the most quietly dependable Chardonnays in its price class.