Guide to Napa and Sonoma Sparkling Wine

Napa Valley and Sonoma are both renowned for their high-quality wines, including sparkling wines. While Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon are the top three grapes grown and produced in the area, The best sparkling wine can be subjective and dependent on personal preferences. Here is our Guide to Napa and Sonoma Sparkling Wine to help you discover our favorite sparkling wines from both Napa and Sonoma.

“A single glass of champagne imparts a feeling of exhilaration. The nerves are braced; the imagination is stirred; the wits become more nimble.” — Winston Churchill

Domaine Carneros

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Domaine Carneros:

• Known for it’s elegant Château and commitment to traditional methods, Domaine Carneros produces exceptional sparkling wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay-based. This is one of the first notable wineries you’ll see as you drive on Sonoma Hwy, it’s sure to draw your eye.

1. Schramsberg Vineyards:

   • Schramsberg is one of Napa Valley’s oldest and most historic sparkling wine producers. They are known for their handcrafted, méthode champenoise sparkling wines, and their vintage selections are highly regarded. They’ll give you a tour of their magnificent wine cave, followed by a tasting of their delicious and classic sparkling wine.

2. Mumm Napa:

   • Mumm Napa is the Napa Valley branch of the well-known Champagne house, G.H. Mumm. They produce a variety of sparkling wines, including traditional method sparkling wines and rosés. For this tasting you’ll have the option of enjoying their garden patio or their modern tasting room, both overlooking the picturesque vineyards where they grow their vines.

3. Domaine Chandon:

   • As part of the Moët & Chandon family, Domaine Chandon focuses on sparkling wine production. They offer a range of sparkling wines, including some made with traditional Champagne grape varieties. This winery also offers amazing food pairing experiences and a la carte Manu items to add to the tasting. Tasting’s can take place on their patio or in their modern tasting room.

“Gentlemen, in the little moment that remains to us between the crisis and the catastrophe, we may as well drink a glass of champagne.”

Paul Claudel

Sonoma Sparkling Wine

With it’s cool weather climate at the intersection of the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay, Sonoma produces some of the worlds best sparkling wines. To give you a taste, we’ve written about The Best 5 Sparkling Wine Tastings in Sonoma. Here are a few of our favorites.

1. Iron Horse Vineyards:
   Located in the Russian River Valley, Iron Horse Vineyards is acclaimed for its sparkling wines. They offer a diverse range, including vintage and estate selections. Iron Horse also offers some of the best views of Sonoma Valley while providing welcoming and fun environment for everyone. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the vineyard, this outdoor tasting experience is not to be missed.

2. J Vineyards & Winery:
   J Vineyards & Winery is known for its sparkling wines, particularly those made in the traditional méthode champenoise. They produce a variety of sparkling wine styles which you can enjoy from inside their tasting room or on their garden patio.

3. Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards:
   Gloria Ferrer is recognized for its sparkling and estate varietal wines, with a focus on méthode champenoise production. Their winery offers beautiful views and a welcoming atmosphere. To elevate your tasting experience, Gloria Ferrer offers a variety of food painting options from caviar to a seated lunch experience.

4. Breathless Wines:
   Located right by downtown Healdsburg, Breathless Wines is a female owned and operated winery. The tasting room offers large outdoor space, food truck and event on weekends, saber classes, and more.

Roederer Estate

Anderson Valley Sparkling Wine

1. Roederer Estate:

   • Roederer Estate is located just north of Sonoma, in Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, and their sparkling wines are so worth it that we had to include them as an honorable mention. They are known for their high-quality sparkling wines, including the popular Roederer Estate Brut.

2. Scharffenberger Cellars:

   • Scharffenberger Cellars is another fantastic sparkling wine house located in Anderson Valley. A Terroir forward winery, their focus is putting the beauty of Mendocino in every bottle.

Interested in visiting Anderson Valley? We have the Complete Guide to Anderson Valley featuring the best hotels, wineries, and restaurants to visit.

When exploring sparkling wines in Napa and Sonoma, consider visiting the wineries for tastings to find the style that suits your taste preferences. Keep in mind that availability and offerings may change, so it’s a good idea to check with the wineries directly or with local wine shops for the most up-to-date information.

Larson Family Winery welcomes families and offers a relaxed and casual environment. The winery has a picnic area with games like cornhole and horseshoes, as well as a petting zoo with friendly animals.

Private Wine Tour

If you’ve enjoyed reading our Guide to Napa and Sonoma Sparkling Wine you know we’ll be able to plan the perfect wine country itinerary. North Bay Wine Tours specializes in custom wine tour itinerary based on your preferences, style and budget. We can build the perfect day full of sparkling wine for any client and are happy to help you get planning!