Sauvignon Blanc is a variety defined by its energy. Whether grown in coastal California or the windswept vineyards of New Zealand, the grape thrives when acidity, aromatics, and texture move in harmony. In blind judging, Sauvignon Blancs that rise to the top balance vibrancy with restraint, delivering vivid flavor without losing clarity or finesse.

This year’s Best Sauvignon Blanc finalists from the 2025 San Francisco International Wine Competition highlight three distinct expressions of the grape, each shaped by its place of origin and winemaking philosophy, and each delivering a compelling vision of what Sauvignon Blanc can be.

Founded with a focus on vineyard-driven wines, Whitehaven emphasizes purity, sustainable farming, and site expression, drawing fruit from select Marlborough subregions known for their intensity and natural acidity.

The 2024 Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc showcases the house style that has earned the winery international acclaim: highly aromatic and bright with layered citrus and tropical notes balanced by crisp structure and a clean, refreshing finish. Whitehaven’s 2024 Sauvignon Blanc is a confident, polished expression of the terroir. The wine captures the region’s signature aromatic lift while maintaining texture, offering immediate appeal alongside the structure needed to keep each sip fresh and engaging.

Elizabeth Spencer Winery has long been known for producing wines that reflect California vineyard character with elegance and balance. Sourcing from premium sites across the North Coast, the winery focuses on approachable, food-friendly wines that still deliver depth and varietal integrity.

The 2024 North Coast Sauvignon Blanc highlights cooler-climate influences, leaning into bright citrus, subtle herbal notes, and a clean mineral edge, crafted to emphasize freshness while maintaining a rounded, polished mouthfeel. Elizabeth Spencer’s Sauvignon Blanc offers a distinctly Californian take on the varietal — fresh and aromatic, yet softened by gentle texture and balance. The 2024 vintage brings clarity and lift, making it equally suited for sipping on its own or pairing at the table.

Stoneleigh Winery is particularly known for its “sun-grown” vineyard sites, which contribute to ripe aromatics while preserving the grape’s natural vibrancy. The 2025 Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc reflects this signature style, offering expressive fruit, lifted aromatics, and a sleek palate that stays true to Marlborough’s global reputation for Sauvignon Blanc excellence. Stoneleigh’s 2025 Sauvignon Blanc is bold, delivering vibrant aromatics and bright flavor without sacrificing balance.

Congratulations to Whitehaven for earning Best Sauvignon Blanc, and to Elizabeth Spencer and Stoneleigh for advancing to the final round with standout wines that exemplify freshness, character, and balance.