Domaine Carneros Winery, Napa Valley

We visited Domaine Carneros Winery, Napa Valley California in April 2021, so we wanted to share our experiences (in case you’re planning a trip there too).

Domaine Carneros is a singular winery best known as a small grower-producer of méthode traditionelle sparkling wine, Pinot Noir, estate vineyards, and a breathtakingly beautiful château. We read mixed reviews but since it is supposed to have the best sparkling wines, we wanted to try it. We are very glad we did.

Founded by the noble family behind Champagne Taittinger, Claude Taittinger’s search for a worthy U.S. counterpart began in the late 1970s. In 1987 he selected a 138-acre parcel in the heart of Carneros, Napa Valley, wisely choosing Eileen Crane, often referred to as America’s doyenne of Sparkling Wine, to oversee the development of the Taittinger style in Carneros.

The wines are exceptional. The grounds are stunning. The experience could use a little work compared to some other wineries that we visited. In all, however, we had an amazing time and think it’s worth a visit.