Domaine Carneros is a winery located in the Carneros region of Napa Valley, California. It was founded in 1987 by Champagne Taittinger, a prestigious French champagne house, with the goal of producing high-quality sparkling wine in the traditional Champagne method.
The winery’s vineyards are located on the rolling hills of the Carneros region, which is known for its cool climate and chalky soil, both of which are conducive to growing top-quality sparkling wine grapes. The vineyards are planted with a variety of grape varieties, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, which are the three primary grapes used in Champagne.
In the winemaking process, the grapes are hand-picked and carefully sorted before being gently pressed to extract the juice. The juice is then fermented in small batches, using a combination of traditional and modern techniques. After fermentation, the wine is aged on its lees (dead yeast cells) for a period of time, which adds complexity and depth to the wine.
Once the wine has reached its desired level of maturity, it is bottled and undergoes a second fermentation process, known as “méthode champenoise,” in which the wine is aged in the bottle for several more months or even years. This process creates the bubbles and sparkling character that are characteristic of sparkling wine.
Domaine Carneros produces a range of sparkling wines, including its signature Brut, a classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier; a Rosé Brut, made with a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir; and a Brut Le Rêve, a more rare and limited-edition wine made from 100% Pinot Noir.
In addition to its sparkling wines, Domaine Carneros also produces a variety of still wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Merlot.
Throughout its history, Domaine Carneros has received numerous accolades and awards for its wines, including numerous 90+ point scores from wine critics and a spot on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines list. It is considered one of the premier wineries in the Carneros region and a leader in the production of sparkling wine in California.
Visitors to Domaine Carneros can tour the winery and vineyards, taste a selection of wines in the tasting room, and enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, which features dishes made with ingredients sourced from local farms and purveyors. The winery also offers a variety of special events and experiences throughout the year, including food and wine pairings, winemaking classes, and live music.
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Eduardo Sánchez-Ubanell
a month agoDomaine Carneros is a beautiful spot for wine tasting with friends. The chateau is huge with a wrap around deck. We came in on a sunny day with a group of 7 (reservation ahead of time) and had the option to sit inside or out. Even at 10:30am, they were quite full. Our server, Diego, was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about the wines. We appreciate the range of tasting options, starting at $45. They’re known for their bubbly wines and have a few different options to cater to any wine enthusiast. We ordered a charcuterie board, which was a bit small for the price, but other than that, we absolutely loved the experience. You can’t go wrong with picking Domaine Carneros for a wine tasting!
Scott Schrein
a month agoDomaine Carneros is a beautiful and amazing winery. It is breathtaking. A wonderful place to visit. A perfect place for a wedding, to celebrate an anniversary or to just come and enjoy exceptional wines. The grounds are immaculate and very well maintained. There is plenty of seating both indoor and outdoor. The staff were very friendly and very knowledgeable. If you enjoy sparkling wine then this is a must visit. They also have a very delicious Chardonnay and Pinot Noirs.
Dena L.
4 months agoFirst time guest and my experience was amazing. A wonderful gift and experience with a friend. The chateau is beautiful, the landscape breathtaking. The service was excellent. The wine, the sparking wine and champagne wow,!!! I had to purchase a special bottle for my birthday celebration next month. A great big thank you to Andres . Andres is knowledgeable and was attentive. I will return to this beautiful place.
Fanuel Muindi
a month agoAmazing views, friendly staff, and super meditative. You need a reservation for the wine tasting but the grounds are accessible without one. As such, we Need to come back for the wine
Melissa Bunn
3 months agoJohn made this experience exceptional. In fact everyone there was top notch. The bubbles and bites was so much fun. Excellent sparkling (my fav was zero dosage) and really yummy food. Views are breathtaking. Decor is stunning. The building itself is nothing short of amazing. From bottom to top this place excels.