Looking to start your Napa Valley wine tasting day with some bubbles? You’ve got the right idea! There’s several sparkling wine houses throughout Napa and personally, I think it’s the best way to start off a wine tasting weekend. Keep reading to find out where to taste sparkling wine in Napa Valley.
And just remember, it’s sparkling wine, not Champagne, as Champagne can only be made in Champagne, France. Many of them are made in the same way, the traditional method aka methode Champenoise, but just can’t bear the name, so here in California we call it sparkling wine. Or bubbles. Bubbles work too. 😉
Let’s work our way up from the beginning of the Napa Valley, starting in Carneros and ending in Calistoga. You’ve got some options on which Napa Valley sparkling wine house you choose based on where you’re staying or tasting that day – as a reminder, the Napa Valley is very expansive, so keep that in mind when planning out your tastings.
The Best Napa Valley Sparkling Wine Houses
Domaine Carneros
A Napa Valley sparkling wine classic. An iconic picturesque chateau that sits up on top of a hill in the Carneros District, right off the main highway 12. I remember when I first drove past this and thought, I must taste there – and I think many others have that same thought. You won’t be disappointed! While it is a very busy and highly touristy spot – the bubbles are delicious, the view gorgeous and the feeling you get while sitting there, special. There’s several pairing options as well if you fancy adding some caviar to the mix.
JCB Tasting Salon
Head on up to downtown Yountville where you’ll find bubbles at the JCB Tasting Salon. Get ready for a non conventional wine country experience as you’ll be sipping lovely bubbles surrounded by rhinestones, leopard print and maybe even some whips and chains. A fun, spicy stop, especially if you’re on a girls wine tasting trip.
Chandon
Right across the way from downtown Yountville is the classic Chandon. You’ve most likely seen Chandon in stores or had it somewhere as it’s one of the largest domestic sparkling wine producers. If you’re looking for a by-the-bottle or glass option, I recommend stopping here. Definitely a bit more commercial and touristy but love the option for bottle service!
Mumm Napa
Another classic Napa Valley sparkling wine house is Mumm Napa. The bubble flights here are always fun – go for the elevated tasting. You also can’t beat the view, it’s gorgeous. Plus, they have a free art gallery featuring original Ansel Adams prints, so don’t forget to check that out before you leave.
Frank Family
Not typically thought of as a sparkling house, but hear me out. They have both incredible still, and sparkling wines. They are one of the few producers in the valley that make a sparkling Cuvee Rouge that’s worth drinking – grab one for the holidays! The Frank Family sparkling wines can only be found directly from them, as they aren’t sold in stores, so be sure to take home a few bottles. The Lady Edythe Reserve Brut is a splurge but so so good.
Schramsberg
If you’re looking to experience an immersive and educational sparkling wine tasting, Schramsberg must be on your list. This Napa Valley sparkling wine house is the most northerly in the valley, set up in the small town of Calistoga. Don’t let the drive deter you – this is such a memorable tasting experience. Their tasting includes a tour into their caves, which are some of the oldest hand dug caves in the Napa Valley. Whoa! It’s unlike any other cave in Napa as it’s unfinished and allows for moss and other natural things to grow – you can even still see some of the pick marks from the original digging. The entire entrance is lined with thousands of sparkling wine bottles, aging on the lees, waiting to be corked. The sparkling wines here are phenomenal – my favorite is probably the Blanc de Blanc and of course, the J Schram (a splurge!).
The next time you’re on a wine tasting trip in Napa, keep these best sparkling wine houses in Napa Valley in mind during your planning. The best Napa Valley wine tasting day starts with bubbles, don’t you agree?!
