Chardonnay Day: Celebrating the World’s Favorite White Wine

Chardonnay Day is an annual celebration dedicated to one of the most popular white wine varieties globally. It’s a day for wine enthusiasts to appreciate and enjoy the diverse styles and flavors of Chardonnay wines from around the world.

Quick Facts

  • When is it?: The Thursday before Memorial Day in the US
  • Tagged as: International Chardonnay Day
  • What’s the hashtag?: #ChardonnayDay or #ChardDay
  • When was it founded?: 2010
  • Who founded it?: Rick Bakas, a wine and social media expert

History of Chardonnay Day

Chardonnay Day was established in 2010 as an online event to boost community engagement and sales in the wine industry following the economic downturn. The date was strategically chosen to align with National Wine Day celebrations and the festive spirit of the approaching summer season in the United States.

Timeline

  • 2010: Rick Bakas establishes Chardonnay Day as an online event
  • 2011-2015: The celebration gains traction on social media platforms
  • 2016-2020: Chardonnay Day becomes a global phenomenon
  • 2021-Present: The event continues to grow, with wineries and enthusiasts worldwide participating

Chardonnay Day Dates

YearMonth and DateDay
2025May 22Thursday
2026May 21Thursday
2027May 20Thursday
2028May 25Thursday
2029May 24Thursday
2030May 23Thursday

Observed: Chardonnay Day Celebrations

Chardonnay Day is celebrated by wine enthusiasts, wineries, and restaurants worldwide. Many organize special tasting events, food pairings, and educational sessions focused on Chardonnay. Social media plays a significant role in the celebrations, with people sharing their Chardonnay experiences using dedicated hashtags.

Wine lovers often host their own tasting parties, comparing Chardonnays from different regions and styles. Some visit local wineries or attend wine festivals featuring Chardonnay producers. Restaurants may offer special Chardonnay-themed menus or wine flights to mark the occasion.

The day also serves as an opportunity to educate people about the versatility of Chardonnay, from crisp, unoaked versions to rich, creamy, oak-aged varieties. It highlights how Chardonnay can reflect the unique characteristics of different wine-growing regions around the world.

Fun Facts About Chardonnay

  • Chardonnay is the world’s second most widely planted white grape variety
  • It originated in the Burgundy region of France
  • Chardonnay can be used to make still, sparkling, and sweet wines
  • The grape is named after a village called Chardonnay in the Mâcon region of Burgundy
  • Chardonnay is the best-selling wine in America, with over 840,000 bottles consumed per year

Quiz

  1. In which country did Chardonnay originate?
  2. What type of wine is Chardonnay?
  3. When is Chardonnay Day celebrated?
  4. Who founded Chardonnay Day?
  5. What’s the most common hashtag used for Chardonnay Day?

(Answers: 1. France, 2. White wine, 3. Thursday before Memorial Day, 4. Rick Bakas, 5. #ChardonnayDay)

FAQs

Q: What foods pair well with Chardonnay?
A: Chardonnay pairs well with seafood, poultry, creamy pasta dishes, and mild cheeses.

Q: How should Chardonnay be served?
A: Chardonnay is best served chilled, typically between 50-55°F (10-13°C).

Q: What are the main flavor profiles of Chardonnay?
A: Chardonnay can range from crisp and mineral to rich and buttery, depending on the production method and region.

Q: Is Chardonnay always oaked?
A: No, Chardonnay can be produced in both oaked and unoaked styles.

Q: How long can Chardonnay be aged?
A: While many Chardonnays are best consumed young, high-quality versions can age for 5-10 years or more.

Importance of Chardonnay Day

Chardonnay Day plays a crucial role in promoting and celebrating one of the world’s most popular white wine varieties. It provides an opportunity for wine enthusiasts to explore the diverse styles and expressions of Chardonnay from different regions around the globe.

The day helps to educate consumers about the versatility of Chardonnay, showcasing how it can range from crisp and mineral-driven to rich and buttery. This knowledge enhances appreciation for the grape and encourages people to try different styles they might not have considered before.

Furthermore, Chardonnay Day supports the wine industry by driving sales and engagement. It creates a platform for wineries, restaurants, and wine shops to showcase their Chardonnay offerings and connect with customers through special events and promotions.

Related

  • International Sauvignon Blanc Day
  • World Malbec Day
  • International Cabernet Day
  • Global Drink Wine Day
  • National Wine Day