Domaine Carneros

Domaine Carneros has a certain je ne sais quoi that charms all who visit. And it's no wonder. French Champagne house Taittinger is behind this sparkling gem.

You'll feel like royalty as you step up the extravagant staircase that leads to this grand Louis-XV-style château. It's a replica of Taittinger's 18th-century estate in France.

Perched on a hill, this elegant French château offers stunning panoramic views of its vineyards. Take your camera along. You'll want to capture memories to take home. Seriously, your friends will be envious when they see pictures of you living the good life at this beautiful estate (even if it is for a couple hours or so). 

Domaine Carneros Wines and Vineyards

Domaine Carneros owns four vineyards in the Los Carneros AVA. Cool bay breezes and lingering mists in this southern region of Napa Valley are ideal for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Why? Grapes grown here ripen slowly, giving them perfect acidic balance.

This is the only winemaker in the world to use Carneros grapes exclusively for producing sparkling wine méthode traditionnelle, a labor-intensive process of blending, fermenting and aging, used by all the Champagne houses in France.

Here are a couple reviews of the Domaine Carneros Brut Cuvée This classic sparkling wine blends the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. For around $38, you're getting quite a value for this well-rounded wine.

93 Points, Wine Spectator: Domaine Carneros 2018 "A vivacious sparkler that's elegant and polished, offering Asian pear and lemon flavors that take on hints of fresh ginger, blanched almond and brioche flavors that glide on the long, vibrant finish. Drink now."

93 Points Wine Enthusiast: Domaine Carneros 2016 "After three years in bottle, this sparkling combines 50% chardonnay with 40% pinot noir and a touch of pinot gris ... flavors highlight a smooth, structured palate of ample length and rounded weight."

Although this acclaimed winery is best known for sparkling wines, you'll also find excellent Pinot Noir farmed from the estate.

Winery Terrace Photo Jun Seita, cc-by-2.0

Wine Tours and Tastings

If you're a wine club member, I highly recommend the Art of Sparkling Wine tour. It's offered three times a week. You'll discover just what goes into making that bottle of bubbly, plus what makes this sparkling wine superior. Your tour finishes with a seated tasting in the elegant château.

More tasting options include:

• Bubbles & Bites, a sparkling wine pairing with a Southeast Asia menu;
• Art of Sabrage, a memorable and celebratory sparkling wine and charcuterie tasting;  
• Your Ultimate Carneros, a luxurious experience of the winery's premium sparkling wines paired with tantalizing bites;
• And more tasting experiences! Check the website for current offerings and to book your reservation.

Domaine Carneros winery offers table service in the salon and on the terrace. You can relax here and enjoy wines by the glass, flight or bottle. Try the caviar, charcuterie, or artisan cheese plates to nibble with your wines.

If the weather permits, get a table on the terrace for stunning views of the estate vineyards. I believe there is no better way to enjoy a glass of wine than to savor it along with the gorgeous vistas where the grapes are grown.

When and Where

1240 Duhig Road, Napa, California * 707-257-0101 * www.domainecarneros.com

Open daily 10am - 5:30pm. Reservations are required for any tasting or tour.

Go early in the day, and during the week, if you can, to sidestep the crowds. Weekends, especially, get busy here at this popular winery.

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