While stuck inside, I’m turning to wines that help me remember wonderful trips with even better wines, and Schramsberg is where I am dreaming of returning to sooner than later.

As soon as we began the drive up the long, winding, narrow path leading to Schramsberg, (the vineyard name literally translates to Schram’s Mountain) I knew from the green hills, mossy rocks, and fairytale like forest surrounding us on our ascent we were about to enter some place magical.  I was not wrong. A chance to tour Schramsberg will provide one of the most memorable experiences of your trip to Napa Valley and will definitely change your opinion on American bubbly.

Schramsberg is known for their sparkling wines, notably being the first American sparkler to be served at the White House, during the Peace Talks with China in 1972. And while they served a demi-sec at the White House for that historic moment, their claim to fame might be their blanc de blanc sparkling wine,

The vineyard was established in 1852 and has remained family owned since. The traditional Champagne method is used to produce all of the sparkling wines from Schramsberg, and their J.Schram and Reserve sparklers are hand riddled in the hand dug caverns, keeping the tradition alive. The personalized experience makes it feel like its just you and the Davies family wandering through the hand dug caverns surrounded by thousands of bottles of amazing wine, currently only 96 people a day are able to go on one of the eight tours provided, and for the chance to taste four Schramsberg sparkling wines and two J. Davies reds, I highly recommend making a reservation as soon as you book your flights, if not before.

2015 Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs, meaning white from whites is made from 100% chardonnay. Only three varietals are allowed in traditional Champagne production: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Chardonnay is the only white skinned variety, so the only to be found in a blanc de blancs. This will result in a crisp, bright wine with apple and pear notes and and this sparkling wine has a beautiful lemon zest on the nose. It has been aged for three years on the “lees” – (yeast) which will provide a richness and a brioche toast note to add complexity to the freshness you will note on the palate.

Pairing Notes: West Coast Oysters or believe it or not, Fried Chicken, (this is a new trending pairing)

Quarantine Pairing Notes: Ritz Crackers with Camembert or Brie cheese and Canned Pears.