Fruit & Flower Chardonnay

Fruit & Flower Chardonnay is a fruit-forward, 100% Chardonnay from Columbia Valley, Washington State, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a 750ml format. Produced by the Elicit Wine Project — an innovation label under Ste. Michelle Wine Estates — this wine pairs expressive floral aromatics with bright, orchard-fruit character and stands out for its availability in both standard bottles and portable 250ml cans.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington State  |  Varietal: 100% Chardonnay  |  Producer: Elicit Wine Project (Ste. Michelle Wine Estates)

Production & Heritage

Fruit & Flower Chardonnay is sourced from Columbia Valley, one of Washington State's largest and most diverse AVAs, known for warm days, cool nights, and well-drained soils that allow Chardonnay grapes to develop concentrated fruit while retaining balancing acidity. The wine was developed by the Elicit Wine Project, an experimental arm of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates — one of the Pacific Northwest's most established wine companies. Launched around 2020, the Fruit & Flower range was designed with a modern, lifestyle-oriented approach, reflected in its vivid botanical packaging and its dual-format availability in 750ml glass bottles and two-packs of 250ml cans.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe pear and fresh apple, followed by delicate citrus blossom and a subtle floral lift. The overall impression is bright and inviting without any heavy oak influence.

Taste: On the palate, juicy pear and apple fruit arrive first, transitioning into distinctive bergamot and citrus blossom notes at mid-palate. Moderate acidity provides a lively, juicy framework that keeps the wine feeling fresh rather than heavy.

Finish: The finish is clean and moderately lingering, with echoes of citrus peel and soft floral tones. It trails off with a refreshing crispness that invites another sip.

How to Drink Fruit & Flower Chardonnay

This Chardonnay is well-suited to drinking slightly chilled, around 50–55°F, where its fruit and floral notes are most expressive. It also works nicely in lighter wine-based drinks. A White Wine Spritzer plays up its citrus-blossom freshness with a splash of soda water. A Hugo Spritz — with elderflower liqueur, prosecco, and mint — complements its existing floral character. A Wine Sangria built with sliced pear, apple, and a touch of bergamot zest makes the most of its core fruit profile.

Best For

• Casual weeknight dinners when a refreshing, uncomplicated white is ideal
• Outdoor gatherings, picnics, and rooftop events — especially in the 250ml can format
• Gifting to friends who prefer fruit-forward, approachable wines over oaky Chardonnays
• Brunch settings alongside lighter fare and seasonal salads

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Fruit & Flower Chardonnay taste like? It delivers ripe pear and apple fruit with distinctive citrus blossom and bergamot notes, held together by moderate, juicy acidity. The style is fruit-forward and floral rather than oaky or buttery.

How does Fruit & Flower Chardonnay compare to Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Chardonnay? Both wines are sourced from Columbia Valley under the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates umbrella, but Fruit & Flower leans into a brighter, more overtly floral and fruit-driven profile. Chateau Ste. Michelle's Columbia Valley Chardonnay typically incorporates more barrel influence and a rounder, creamier texture.

Is Fruit & Flower Chardonnay good for beginners? Yes — its approachable, fruit-forward character and moderate acidity make it a friendly entry point for anyone exploring Chardonnay beyond heavily oaked styles. The flavor profile is straightforward and easy to enjoy without requiring deep wine knowledge.

Where is Fruit & Flower Chardonnay made? It is produced from 100% Chardonnay grapes grown in Columbia Valley, a large American Viticultural Area in eastern Washington State known for its warm, dry climate and long growing season.

What foods pair well with Fruit & Flower Chardonnay? Grilled chicken or turkey, where the wine's acidity cuts through richness; fresh green salads with pear and goat cheese, which echo the wine's fruit character; light seafood dishes like shrimp scampi or pan-seared halibut; soft, mild cheeses such as brie or fresh mozzarella; and herb-roasted vegetables, particularly zucchini and summer squash.

What sizes does Fruit & Flower Chardonnay come in? Fruit & Flower Chardonnay is available in standard 750ml bottles as well as two-packs of 250ml cans, making it one of the more versatile options for both home and on-the-go consumption.

Is Fruit & Flower Chardonnay worth the price? It positions as an accessible, everyday-tier Chardonnay that delivers reliable fruit-forward flavor and modern convenience through its can format. For drinkers seeking a bright, unoaked style of Columbia Valley Chardonnay without a premium price tag, it represents solid value in its segment.

Why Fruit & Flower Chardonnay?

In a market crowded with oaky, butter-heavy Chardonnays, this Columbia Valley bottling charts a deliberately different course — leaning into citrus blossom, bergamot, and ripe orchard fruit with no heavy barrel influence to weigh it down. Backed by the resources and vineyard access of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, the fruit quality is consistent and the winemaking reliable. The dual-format availability in 750ml bottles and 250ml cans adds genuine versatility, making it equally at home on a dinner table or in a cooler at a park. For anyone looking for a Chardonnay that prioritizes freshness and floral complexity over richness, Fruit & Flower fills that niche well.