Champagne is an instant celebration, during his sojourn in the valley. Tasting and tours are by ap-the distinction of a mention by author Robert Louis Stevenson pointment only; this is one of the most fun tastings, held in the transforming even the most ordinary event into something caves. Their wine is aged up to ten years, contributing to its magical. It starts with the sound of the cork popping, the tin- superior quality and taste. kling sound as the flute is filled, the sensation of bubbles tick- ling your throat, and finally the taste of ambrosia – heaven in a glass! Who doesn’t love a little bubbly now and then? It is our good fortune to have so many exceptional California cham- pagne producers in our own backyard. Play tourist and enjoy a Additional Sparkling Tastings in Sonoma: day of all things sparkling at one of these favorite places. Domaine Carneros (4): Visit the French chateau, home to Ta- Domaine Chandon (1): Spend an afternoon at this winery’s ittinger’s California sparkling wine empire. Enjoy table service park-like setting complete with art gallery, tasting room, pro- on their expansive patio with vineyard views, sip a flight, glass, duction facilities and Michelin-starred restaurant, étoile. Wine or bottle, and select from artisan cheese or caviar pairings. The flights are served in the Tasting Lounge or on the outdoor ter- Brut Rosé is a favorite, but their signature sparkling wine, Le race. The lovely Reserve Pinot Noir Rosé is a favorite. Groups Rêve, is what dreams are made of. should make reservations for the Terrace Bottle Package, com- plete with reserved table and host, to ensure a perfect tasting Gloria Ferrer (5): Enjoy a tasting on the outdoor terrace with experience. views of the Carneros vineyards. Their Royal Cuvée is fit for kings, literally, served to the King and Queen of Spain during Mumm Napa (2): This winery is located on the Silverado Trail. their California visit. This Spanish-owned winery has been pro- nestled among vineyards. Enjoy a seated tasting indoors or ducing outstanding California sparkling wine for over twenty- outdoors, all with vineyard views. Take an informative tour and five years. peruse the Fine Art Gallery featuring an Ansel Adams exhibit. Taste Santana, a collaboration with the musician, Brut Prestige J Vineyards offers a VIP seated wine and food pairing in the and DVX, a personal favorite, aged at least five years and made Bubble Room on weekends. Advance reservations are required; from their best grapes. allow approximately two hours. It is one of their most popular tastings. Frank Family: A relative newcomer to the valley, they produce delicious sparkling wine in the traditional method. Their five Iron Horse Vineyards (6) is perched on a hilltop overlooking sparkling wines are all exceptional, but Rouge made from Pinot the Green Valley in Western Sonoma County. They offer an Noir grapes is a stand-out. informal tasting from over ten sparkling wines. Their Wedding Cuvée is always a favorite for those planning Schramsberg (3): The oldest wine caves in Napa Valley, and nuptials and their Brut Rosé is exceptional. 8 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
NVLife Jan-Feb 2013
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