Domaine Carneros is a renowned winery located in the heart of Carneros, Napa Valley. It was established in 1987 by Claude Taittinger, a member of the noble family behind Champagne Taittinger. Inspired by the success of their Champagne business, Claude Taittinger saw the potential in Carneros for producing exceptional sparkling wine.
The decision to establish Domaine Carneros in the Carneros region of Napa Valley was a strategic one. Carneros is known for its cool climate, influenced by the nearby San Pablo Bay. This cool climate is ideal for growing grapes, especially those used in sparkling wine production. The combination of cool temperatures and the unique terroir of Carneros creates grapes with vibrant acidity and complex flavors, perfect for crafting high-quality sparkling wines.
To oversee the development of the Taittinger-style sparkling wines in Napa Valley, Claude Taittinger wisely chose Eileen Crane. Often referred to as America's doyenne of Sparkling Wine, Eileen Crane brought her expertise and passion for sparkling wine to Domaine Carneros. With her guidance, Domaine Carneros has become known for producing some of the finest sparkling wines in California.
The vineyards of Domaine Carneros span 138 acres, allowing for the cultivation of several grape varieties, including Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. These two grape varieties are the foundation of their sparkling wine production, as they are the traditional grapes used in Champagne production. The estate also includes a beautiful château-style winery, which serves as a stunning backdrop for visitors who come to experience the wines and the breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards.
Domaine Carneros prides itself on its commitment to traditional winemaking methods. The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted, ensuring only the highest quality fruit is used. The winery follows the traditional méthode champenoise, where the secondary fermentation that creates the bubbles takes place in the bottle. This labor-intensive process requires patience and expertise, but it results in sparkling wines of exceptional quality and complexity.
Visiting Domaine Carneros is a truly memorable experience. The château-style winery offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, with its elegant tasting room and terrace overlooking the vineyards. Guests can enjoy guided tours and tastings, where they can learn about the winemaking process and sample a selection of Domaine Carneros' acclaimed sparkling wines.
Domaine Carneros came from the vision of Claude Taittinger and the expertise of Eileen Crane. Their passion for sparkling wine, combined with the unique terroir of Carneros, has allowed Domaine Carneros to become a leading producer of sparkling wines in Napa Valley. Through their commitment to traditional winemaking methods and the cultivation of exceptional grapes, Domaine Carneros continues to create wines of elegance and finesse that truly reflect the character of the region.