McBride Sisters Collection Chardonnay

Not all sustainability claims are created equal. In the wine world, the terms "natural," "sustainable," "regenerative," and "organic" are used so interchangeably that they've lost some of their meaning.

Here's the key distinction: certified organic grape farming is the only viticultural practice that is federally regulated and third-party audited.

To grow grapes that carry a CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) certification, the gold standard for California viticulture, a vineyard must:

• Eliminate all synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides
• Use only approved mechanical farming methods
• Submit to rigorous third-party audits, every year, on every block
• Maintain consistent practices across the full growing cycle

For McBride Sisters Collection, that certification comes from our partnership with family farmers in Paso Robles, California, who have farmed 1,400 acres using certified organic farming practices since the early 1990s, long before organically farmed grapes were a category conversation.

The Farm Behind the Bottle: Organically Farmed in Paso Robles

The grapes in the new McBride Sisters Collection Chardonnay are grown in a south-facing block at elevation in the Estrella District of Paso Robles. The vineyard is ideally situated for a coastal-influenced growing style, steep, sun-drenched, and perfectly suited to producing a full-flavored Chardonnay with an optimal growing season.

What makes this site exceptional is its climate. The vineyard benefits from warm days and cool nights, and those daily temperature shifts, known as diurnal variation, allow the vines to grow steadily throughout the season. The result is grapes that develop the highest quality flavors fully and evenly, with the natural complexity and brightness you taste in every glass.

The farming practices here have improved the soil health so significantly over three decades that yeast nutrients, which are typically added during fermentation, are no longer needed. The grapes do the work on their own. That's what genuine, long-term commitment to organically farmed grapes looks like.

What to Expect in the Glass

Pale sunny yellow in color. On the nose: lemon zest, citrus blossom, green apple, and peach, with hints of wet rock that add complexity. The crisp palate shows tart nectarine, bright citrus, juicy clementine, and light tropical fruits. On the finish, the wine is fresh with bright acidity and lingering fruit flavors.

At 9% ABV and under 100 calories per serving, this is a wine built for genuine, mindful enjoyment, without sacrificing any of the flavor, character, or balance you expect from McBride Sisters Collection.

The most significant shift from the previous Chardonnay: no malolactic fermentation. Our previous version had a subtle toasty, custardy note that came from that process. The new wine skips it entirely, keeping the fruit bright, clean, and coastal from start to finish.

The Label: A Coastline You Can Actually Visit

The new packaging is the most significant visual update McBride Sisters Collection has made in over a decade. And the image on the label isn't a design choice. It's the story.

The coastal photography was captured by drone at Garrapata Beach, along California's Central Coast and part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Robin McBride grew up in Monterey, deeply connected to the Pacific Ocean. As a child, she wanted to become a marine biologist. The ocean has always been at the center of who she is and how she sees the world.

Her connection to the coast, to the land, and to thoughtful stewardship of both is exactly why sourcing from farmers who share those values felt like the only natural next step.

A Commitment That Goes Beyond This Bottle

McBride Sisters Collection has always believed that wine should be accessible, socially conscious, and culturally aware. The move to sourcing certified organic grapes is the natural extension of that belief. A values-based decision that has been years in the making.

This Chardonnay is the first in a full portfolio transition. All McBride Sisters Collection California wines will move to grapes grown using certified organic farming practices. Our New Zealand wines continue to carry their Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand certification.

Why does it say "made with certified organic grapes" instead of "organic wine"?

In the U.S., a wine labeled "organic" must meet specific USDA standards that cover not just how the grapes are grown but also the full production process, including sulfite levels. "Made with certified organic grapes" means the grapes themselves were grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or herbicides and are CCOF certified. It's a meaningful, regulated claim about farming practices specifically.

How is this Chardonnay different from the previous McBride Sisters Collection Chardonnay?

The new Chardonnay is made with certified organic grapes, has a lower ABV (9% vs. 13.5%), is under 100 calories per serving, and skips malolactic fermentation entirely, resulting in a brighter, crisper, more fruit-forward profile. The previous version had a subtle toasty, custardy character; the new wine is cleaner and more coastal in style.

What's the difference between wines made with certified organic grapes and natural wine?

"Natural wine" has no regulated definition; it's a style descriptor, not a certification. "Made with certified organic grapes" is regulated by the USDA and verified by a third-party certifier like CCOF. If you're looking for a verified claim about how your grapes were grown, look for the certification.

Does using organically farmed grapes affect how the wine tastes?

Yes, and the data backs it up. Organic farming improves soil health over time, which produces grapes with more defined, expressive flavor. In the vineyard, the soil health has improved so significantly over 30 years that yeast nutrients are no longer needed during fermentation. The grapes arrive with everything they need. In the glass, the result is a cleaner, brighter, more fruit-forward Chardonnay with noticeably higher acidity and a longer, fresher finish.

Why is this Chardonnay lower in alcohol?

At 9% ABV, this Chardonnay contains roughly 30% less alcohol than a standard 13% wine, and that's something worth appreciating on its own terms. Lower alcohol means fewer calories, a gentler experience, and a wine that fits naturally into a mindful approach to drinking. It's a lighter pour without a lighter flavor.

The vineyard where these grapes are grown plays a meaningful role in this. Situated at elevation with a coastal-influenced climate, it benefits from warm days and cool nights. Those diurnal temperature shifts allow the vines to develop steadily throughout the growing season, producing grapes that are full of flavor without accumulating the excess sugar that drives higher alcohol in warmer growing sites. The result is a Chardonnay that is rich and expressive, and naturally lighter on the palate.

Where can I buy organic Chardonnay near me? 

The McBride Sisters Collection Chardonnay is available exclusively through our Wine Club through August 2026, and opens to all customers mid-August 2026.  Looking to find it on a shelf near you? Use our store locator to find McBride Sisters Collection wines at retailers across the country, including Whole Foods, Total Wine & More, and Kroger.  Shop directly at mcbridesisters.com.

Want to be among the first to taste it and get it delivered directly to your door? Join the McBride Sisters Wine Club. Members receive hand-curated selections, early access to new releases, and the knowledge that they're supporting the first U.S. Black-owned winery to launch wines made with certified organic grapes.