A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Chardonnay
Learn how to pronounce Chardonnay correctly with this simple guide, focusing on the French-influenced stress on the final syllable.
chardonnay
shar-duh-NAY
/ˈʃɑːrdəˌneɪ/ · char · don · nay
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It refers to one of the most popular white wine grapes in the world, ranging from crisp and unoaked to buttery and rich.
Where the word comes from
The word comes from the French village of Chardonnay in the Saône-et-Loire department, where the grape variety originated. It is likely derived from the Latin carduus, meaning thistle.
Common ways people get it wrong
- CHAR-duh-nay English speakers often default to stressing the first syllable; shift that emphasis to the end to sound more natural.
- shar-DOHN-ee Avoid turning the final syllable into an 'ee' sound; it is a long 'a' as in 'day'.
Frequently asked
Is the T in Chardonnay silent?
Yes, the T is silent because the word is of French origin. You should pronounce it as 'shar-duh-NAY' without any hard consonant sound in the middle.
Why do people say Chardonnay differently?
Differences usually arise from how much a speaker leans into the French accent versus a standard Americanized pronunciation. Sticking to the three-syllable 'shar-duh-NAY' is the safest bet in any setting.
Should I capitalize Chardonnay?
Yes, it is standard practice to capitalize the word when referring to the specific grape variety or the wine made from it. It is treated as a proper noun derived from the place name.
