Cakebread Chardonnay is one of those bottles that needs no introduction. It is a benchmark Napa Valley white, poured in fine restaurants across the country and loved for its balance and easy sophistication. If you are looking for it in Asheville, Metro Wines carries and can source this classic for you.
A Napa Valley Icon: The Story of Cakebread Cellars
Cakebread Cellars began in 1973, when Jack and Dolores Cakebread made a single Napa Valley Chardonnay and launched what would become one of the region's most respected wineries. That first wine was the Chardonnay, and it remains the heart of the estate more than fifty years later.
Today Cakebread is a storied name in Napa, known for a house style built on craft without pretense. The wines are polished and dependable, which is exactly why they have earned such a loyal following among restaurants and wine lovers alike.
Over five decades, the family has grown the estate while keeping that founding focus on balance and quality. The Chardonnay remains the wine most people discover first, often spotting it on a restaurant list before seeking it out for their own table.
About Cakebread Chardonnay
The flagship Napa Valley Chardonnay draws much of its fruit from the cool Carneros district, where morning fog and bay breezes help the grapes keep their freshness. It is made entirely from Chardonnay and finished with a measured hand in the cellar.
Rather than the heavy, oaky style some Napa Chardonnays are known for, Cakebread takes a balanced approach. A portion sees French oak and only partial malolactic fermentation, which adds texture and depth while letting the fruit and acidity stay bright.
What Does It Taste Like?
Expect a golden-hued white with a silken, creamy texture and refreshing acidity that keeps it lively. Aromas and flavors run toward ripe apple, pear, white peach, and melon, with a thread of citrus and a lift of honeysuckle.
Underneath the fruit, subtle oak brings gentle notes of vanilla, baking spice, and lightly toasted brioche. A touch of minerality carries through to a long, clean finish, making this a Chardonnay that feels both generous and poised.
What to Pair It With
This is a genuinely food-friendly wine, which is part of why it shows up on so many restaurant lists. It shines alongside roasted chicken, seafood, and creamy pastas.
It is also lovely with grilled vegetables and soft cheeses. Whether you are planning a special dinner or simply a relaxed evening, Cakebread Chardonnay adapts with ease.
How to Serve It
To get the most from this Chardonnay, serve it chilled but not ice cold, somewhere around 50 to 55 degrees. Too cold and you will mute its lovely aromatics, while a touch warmer lets the apple, pear, and subtle oak notes open up.
A standard white wine glass with a slightly wider bowl helps gather those aromas. There is no need to decant, though the wine often shows even more character after a few minutes in the glass.
More Than One Cakebread to Love
While the Napa Valley Chardonnay is the estate's signature, Cakebread makes a whole family of wines worth exploring. The lineup includes a crisp Sauvignon Blanc along with several well-regarded reds, from Merlot to a benchmark Cabernet Sauvignon.
If you enjoy the Chardonnay and want to go further, just ask. We can help you discover other Cakebread bottles or point you toward similar wines from Napa and beyond that match what you love.
A Reliable Choice for Gatherings and Gifts
Part of what makes Cakebread Chardonnay so beloved is its dependability. It is polished enough for a special celebration yet approachable enough for a weeknight dinner, which makes it a wine you can reach for with confidence.
That versatility also makes it a thoughtful gift, especially during the holidays. A recognizable, well-regarded bottle like this is always welcome at a host's table or under the tree for the wine lover in your life.
Because it is so widely admired, it is also a safe bet when you are buying for someone whose taste you do not know well. If you would like, we are always happy to recommend a gift pairing or put together a small selection for a special occasion.
Find Cakebread Chardonnay at Metro Wines
At Metro Wines, we like to say "we got that," and a sought-after classic like Cakebread is a perfect example. We carry and source this Chardonnay, so if you are after a particular vintage, reach out and we will let you know what is currently available or track it down for you.
When you visit, there is always a sommelier on duty to talk through the wine and suggest similar bottles you might enjoy. You can browse a portion of our selection through our online store, and if you would like a hand choosing, our guide to what to ask your sommelier is a friendly starting point.
Prefer to have it delivered? Our Wine Please service makes it easy. Just text "wine please" to 828-575-9525, or learn more on our Wine Please page.
Pair It at Quench! Wine Bistro
A polished Chardonnay like this deserves an equally thoughtful meal, and our sister restaurant delivers exactly that. Quench! Wine Bistro in Reynolds Village pairs Chef Sam's farm-to-table menu with a well-chosen wine list, and a balanced Napa white is right at home there.
With free parking and a warm, unhurried atmosphere, Quench! Wine Bistro is an easy favorite for North Asheville and Weaverville neighbors. It also hosts wine tastings every Wednesday from 4 to 6pm, a relaxed way to discover something new.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cakebread Chardonnay
Where can I buy Cakebread Chardonnay in Asheville?
Metro Wines, at 169 Charlotte Street, carries and can source Cakebread Chardonnay for customers in Asheville. Contact us to confirm the current vintage and availability.
What does Cakebread Chardonnay taste like?
It is a balanced Napa Valley Chardonnay with flavors of ripe apple, pear, white peach, and citrus, framed by subtle oak, gentle vanilla, and a creamy texture. Bright acidity keeps it fresh and food-friendly.
Is Cakebread Chardonnay oaky?
Not heavily. Cakebread uses a restrained oak approach with only partial malolactic fermentation, which adds depth and texture without overpowering the fruit.
What food pairs with Cakebread Chardonnay?
It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, seafood, creamy pastas, grilled vegetables, and soft cheeses. Its balance of fruit and acidity makes it versatile at the table.
Come Find Your Bottle
Cakebread Chardonnay has earned its reputation as a Napa classic, and you can enjoy it right here in Asheville. Stop by Metro Wines at 169 Charlotte Street, where a friendly sommelier can help you find it or source it for you.
Have a question about availability, or want to arrange a delivery? Contact us anytime and we will be glad to help.