Il Fornaio Chardonnay 2009 Offers Affordable Delight

A $7 glass of Chardonnay at the Italian restaurant chain's Beverly Hills location proves a pleasant surprise.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Wine writer Randy Fuller reviews the house label Chardonnay offered at Il Fornaio, an Italian restaurant chain, finding the $7 glass to be a steal, especially at the Beverly Hills location. The Chardonnay, sourced from Mendocino, offers a crisp green apple flavor profile and just the right amount of acidity, making it a pleasant pairing for the writer's simple insalata al balsamico.

Why it matters

In the high-end Beverly Hills dining scene, a $7 glass of quality Chardonnay is a rarity, making Il Fornaio's offering a pleasant surprise for wine enthusiasts looking for an affordable yet enjoyable pairing option.

The details

The Il Fornaio Cellars Chardonnay is listed on the menu as a Sonoma wine, but the label indicates the grapes are sourced from Mendocino. The wine is pale in color with a fruity nose and a soft, full mouthfeel, but it avoids the overly oaked, buttery profile of many California Chardonnays, instead showcasing a crisp green apple flavor profile.

  • The wine tasting took place on a Friday.

The players

Randy Fuller

A wine writer who reviewed the Il Fornaio Chardonnay 2009.

Il Fornaio

An Italian restaurant chain that offers the house label Chardonnay reviewed in the article.

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What they’re saying

“Even with no wine and no salad, the olive bread placed on the table would have been worth my while.”

— Randy Fuller, Wine Writer (nowandzin.com)

The takeaway

This review highlights that even in high-end dining destinations, it is possible to find affordable yet quality wine options that can provide an enjoyable pairing experience for consumers.