When Lindsey Blanchard and Ryan Kuhlmann met as aspiring lawyers in Minneapolis, they probably never imagined they would end up moving to a small town in California and starting a winery together. Now they have two wineries. Their newest venture in downtown Glen Ellen, Wolves Lovers + Thieves, is a celebration of sparkling wines made from unexpected grape varieties using three different production methods.

The story

Native Midwesterners Blanchard and Kuhlmann met during law school, and they might still be practicing lawyers today if it hadn’t been for a teaching job that brought them out to Sacramento. Living in California, the couple’s shared enthusiasm for wine soon deepened into something more serious.

Recognizing they had a lot to learn, they headed to Sonoma County and connected with winemaker Robert Rex at Deerfield Ranch in Kenwood. Renting space and equipment at the incubator winery, the couple found a mentor in Rex.

The married duo launched their first winery — the cheekily named Wine Snob* — in 2021. A year later, they made an experimental sparkling wine that led to their second venture: Wolves Lovers + Thieves. Opened in December 2025, the Glen Ellen tasting room showcases bubbles made using three traditional methods: ancestral, méthode champenoise and Charmat.

Blanchard and Kuhlmann make about 600 cases of sparkling wine each year.

The vibe

Wolves Lovers + Thieves sits on Arnold Drive in downtown Glen Ellen, across the street from Poppy and just around the corner from Wine Snob*. Though the brands could have shared a space, the founders wanted their distinctive sparkling wines to have their own venue and identity.

The “Wolves” tasting room has a stylish yet industrial look, with concrete floors, a steel bar and a mix of sofa and bistro table seating. A sliding glass door separates the room from the adjoining Garden Court Café. Vibrant watercolor paintings by Mexican-born local artist Maria de Los Angeles — the same images used for the Wolves Lovers + Thieves labels — adorn the walls.

On the palate

Self-described “type A” personalities, Kuhlmann and Blanchard are hands-on in the vineyard and low-intervention in the cellar. Though they’re not fans of the term “natural wine,” they try to use as little manipulation as possible when making their sparklers. The resulting wines share a bright purity, devoid of flaws or funk.

It’s bubbles only at Wolves Lovers + Thieves, but there’s a lot of variety to explore within that realm. Among the winery’s four sparklers, two are made using the Champagne method, one is a pétillant-natural made with the ancestral method and one represents the Charmat technique. Each production method expresses itself differently in the glass, and learning about the nuances is what makes a visit to this tasting room so interesting and fun.

The 2024 Raised by Wolves Sonoma Valley Pinot Noir ($36) is a lively pet-nat that’s rosy in color with a touch of cloudiness from the spent yeast left inside the bottle. It shows fresh berry flavors and an appealing citrus accent. You don’t encounter many sparkling Gewürztraminers in these parts, let alone examples made in the super-dry “brut nature” style, so don’t miss the 2022 Jealousy from Potter Valley ($72). It’s bright and floral with notes of ginger. The 2025 Incognito from Russian River ($54) is a sophisticated, intensely fruity Charmat sparkler made from Pinot Meunier — a grape normally relegated to blending status.

Tastings cost $35 per person.

Beyond the bottle

I love any excuse to wander the beautiful Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen, and there’s a compelling one coming up on April 19. The park is hosting artist Maria de Los Angeles, creator of the Wolves Lovers + Thieves wine labels, for a nature-inspired watercolor painting workshop. The full-day, immersive event ($250) includes refreshments. If birding is more your speed, join the Birds and Words walk at Jack London with guide and author Rebecca Lawton on April 12 ($20).

Wolves Lovers + Thieves, 13647 Arnold Drive, Unit 2, Glen Ellen. Open noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Walk-ins welcome, but reservations are recommended. 707-337-9523, wolvesloversthieves.com

The post At Wolves Lovers + Thieves in Glen Ellen, Nobody Puts Bubbly in a Corner appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

The blushing bubbles of a sparkling rosé are enough to make any bubbly buff swoon. So, what is it about this elegant pink drink that makes it so special?

Believe it or not, the bubbles in sparkling wine were initially considered a nuisance in the Champagne region of northeast France, where the first wines were pale pink with nary a bubble in sight.

Produced primarily from Pinot Noir, the wines often struggled to finish fermentation under cool autumn temperatures unbeknownst to vintners who bottled them anyway. In the spring, the warmer temperatures awakened the dormant yeast, producing carbon dioxide and an effervescence winemakers found infuriating.

Eventually, sparkles were embraced and methods improved, thanks especially to Madame Clicquot Ponsardin. Prior to Clicquot, sparkling rosé was often produced by crushing red grapes (like Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris), then allowing the juice to macerate on the skins until the desired color was achieved. Without modern winemaking techniques, the resulting wines were cloudy, inconsistent, and unstable.

Clicquot saw a better way. Utilizing a riddling rack (a device she pioneered), she was able to produce consistently clear red and white wines, which she blended together with precision — a method still in use by most Champagne producers.

While French Champagne rosé must be produced with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, or a combination, California winemakers have the freedom to use any grapes they choose. That means local sparkling rosés vary wildly in flavor. With fruity notes of watermelon, strawberry, and raspberry, and floral aromas like rose petals, they truly offer something for everyone. Whether you’re celebrating the season of love with your partner, your mom, or your best friends, these delicious sparklers will help you do Valentine’s Day right.

Three to Try

Chandon (NV) Brut Rosé, California, $27

This sparkling rosé from Chandon winemaker Pauline Lhote is a blend of 57% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, and 3% Pinot Meunier. Produced using méthode champenoise — a lengthy process that involves a second fermentation in the bottle — the wine offers notes of strawberries, red cherries, and pomegranate, with raspberry tart on the finish. chandon.com

Breathless (NV) Rosé, Sonoma County, $29

Winemaker Penny Gadd-Coster is the talent behind Breathless’ sparkling wines, winning the Healdsburg-based brand countless gold medals. A blend of 83% Pinot Noir, 10% Chardonnay, and 6% Pinot Meunier, this sparkling rosé is buoyant on the palate, with flavors of pear and apple enveloped in a fine creamy mousse. breathlesswines.com

SEPPI (NV) Brut Rosé, California, $32

Founded by Kelsey Phelps, Healdsburg’s SEPPI is named in honor of her celebrated winemaker grandfather, Joseph Phelps, who inspired her passion for wine. Produced in méthode champenoise with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this sparkling rosé offers aromas of strawberry, raspberry, and a touch of citrus blossom, followed by cranberry, strawberry, and a hint of tart crab apple on the juicy finish. drinkseppi.com

The post Celebrate the Season of Love With Wine Country’s Best Sparkling Rosés appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Napa Valley is widely considered one of the premier wine destinations in the world. Millions of people come here each year to sip wine, eat good food and stay in luxury resorts. But with over 400 wineries to choose from, it can be overwhelming to plan a first visit.

To help visitors create a perfect trip itinerary, we have put together this list of Napa wineries that offer a great introduction to the superlatives of the region. And, because the ambiance and setting is just as important as the wine, we have created a photo gallery above that offers a peek at each winery.

Domaine Carneros

Every visit to Napa Valley should begin with bubbles. Founded by the famed Taittinger family, Domaine Carneros produces French-style sparklers from sustainably grown estate vineyards. Take in the vineyard views from a table on the patio — you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a French countryside chateau.

Tasting to try: Domaine Carneros’s “A Journey to Southeast Asia” pairs sparkling wines with a menu inspired by the cuisines of Vietnam, Thailand and India. It includes savory and sweet bites and four sparkling wines: Ultra Brut, Estate Brut Cuvée, Brut Rosé and Verméil Demi-Sec. $99 for a 90-minute experience.

1240 Duhig Road, Napa. 800-716- 2788. domainecarneros.com

Schramsberg

Founded in 1862, Schramsberg is one of the oldest sparkling wine producers in California. The historic property was purchased by Jack and Jamie Davies in 1965 and is now listed as a California Historical Landmark, complete with a Victorian mansion. Shortly after buying the winery, the Davies made their first vintage of Blanc de Blancs — the first commercial use of chardonnay in a sparkling wine made in the United States.

Tasting to try: The cave tour experience at Schramsberg is educational, starting with a tour of the historic property and caves followed by an all-sparkling wine tasting, or three Schramsberg sparkling wines and three red wines from sister winery, Davies Vineyards. Cave tastings start at $85. By appointment only.

1400 Schramsberg Road, Calistoga. 800-877-3623. schramsberg.com.

Artesa

Both locals and visitors to Wine Country tout the views and wine at Artesa, where the hillside tasting room and winery overlooks 350 acres of vineyards. Opened in 1991 by Spanish winemaking family Codorníu Raventós, the winery offers estate-grown Chardonnay and Pinot Noir crafted by winemaker Paula Borgo. (“Artesa” means “handcrafted” or “artisan” in Catalan.)

Tasting to try: After snapping selfies by the winery’s impressive entrance, enjoy the classic “Taste of Artesa” pairing of Ibérico ham and wine by the modern Mediterranean tasting bar, or on the patio, which offers 360-degree views — on a clear day you can see San Francisco. $105 per person. Reservations recommended.

1345 Henry Road, Napa. 707-224-1668. artesawinery.com

Ashes & Diamonds

Midcentury-modern design and excellent wines make this one of the hottest destinations in Wine Country. The winery has been featured in a variety of lifestyle publications, including Architectural Digest, Vogue and Goop, but tastings here remain relaxed and casual, and come with great music playlists curated by winery owner Kashy Khaledi.

Tasting to try: It’s hard to go wrong with pizza and wine. The “A&D Wines + Shroomy Schmaltzy” tasting features pizza with locally foraged wild mushrooms, aged mozzarella and crème fraîche paired with three wines. Yum! $45 per person. Reservations required.

4130 Howard Lane, Napa. 707-666-4777. ashesdiamonds.com

Beaulieu Vineyard

“Beau lieu” means “beautiful place” in French, which was an apt name for this Rutherford property thought the de Latour family when they bought it in the early 20th century. One of the oldest wineries in California, Beaulieu Vineyard (or simply “BV”) is a must-visit for wine lovers seeking a touch of heritage with their estate Cabernet.

Tasting to try: The reservation-only “Legacy Experience” starts with a tour of the winery followed by a tasting of a selection of reserve wines in the winery’s Legacy Room. $130 per person. Reservations recommended.

1960 St. Helena Hwy., Rutherford. 800-373-5896. bvwines.com

Beringer

The first winery to have both a red and a white wine named “Wine of the Year” by Wine Spectator, Beringer has been crafting wines for nearly 150 years, making it the oldest continually operating winery in California. If that isn’t enough to convince you to visit, the gardens and the stately Victorian-era tasting rooms, housed in the Beringer family’s former home — the Rhine House — should seal the deal.

Tasting to try: The “Legacy Cave Tour” winds through the old winery and into the cave to explore the hand-carved tunnels. The tour includes a tasting of three wines. $35 per person. Reservations recommended

2000 Main St., St. Helena. 707-257-5771. beringer.com

Castello di Amorosa

It’s no surprise that some refer to Dario Sattui, a fourth generation vintner and the man behind Castello di Amorosa, as a modern-day Don Quixote. Sattui spent 15 years building this medieval-style Tuscan castle in Napa Valley as a place to showcase his wines. The result: a 107-room, eight-level, 136,000-square-foot building complete with drawbridge, secret passageways, torture chamber — and tasting rooms.

Tasting to try: The “Diamond Estate Tour” includes a guided tour of the castle and its production area, followed by a tasting of five current-release reserve and small-production wines. $75 per person. Reservations required. Adults only.

4045 St. Helena Highway, Calistoga. 707-967-6272. castellodiamorosa.com

Charles Krug

Charles Krug, an immigrant from the German state of Prussia and one of the pioneers of Napa Valley winemaking, founded this winery in St. Helena in 1861. Robert Mondavi, another winemaking legend, got his start here after he convinced his parents, Cesare and Rosa Mondavi, to purchase the historic winery in 1943. The winery has remained a Mondavi property for over 75 years and four generations.

Tasting to try: Charles Krug’s “Tour and Tasting” experience offers a taste of winemaking history and five signature, current release wines paired with a gourmet cheese and charcuterie board. $90 per person. Reservations required. Adults only.

2800 Main St., St. Helena. 707-967-2229. charleskrug.com

Chateau Montelena

We can thank this Calistoga winery, founded in 1882, for putting California wine on the international wine map. Yes, there once was a time when American wine was the laughingstock of France and its wine producing neighbors. But that all changed when Chateau Montelena’s 1973 Chardonnay won the famous Paris Tasting. Today, the winery continues to produce delicious and accessible wines, including their legendary Chardonnay and collectible Cabernet Sauvignon.

Tasting to try: The “Montelena Estate Collection” showcases the winery’s Estate Cabernet Sauvignon by offering a comparative tasting of four vintages. Don’t worry, you will get to taste the Chardonnay, too. Don’t leave the property without exploring its beautiful Chinese garden, lake and vineyards. $125 per person. Reservations required. Adults only.

1429 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga. 707-942-5105. montelena.com

Duckhorn

Wine lovers flock to Napa Valley for Cabernet Sauvignon, but on a first visit it is also worth seeking out Merlot. The best place to taste the resurgence of the ruby red is at Duckhorn Vineyards in St. Helena. Duckhorn Merlots have been named “wine of the year,” “Merlot of the year” and “just plain darn delicious” by a variety of publications, including Sonoma Magazine, so you don’t want to miss a taste while in Napa Valley.

Tasting to try: The unpretentious tasting room at Duckhorn is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Make a reservation on the veranda for the “Portfolio Tasting Experience” and enjoy five current-release wines: Paraduxx, Goldeneye, Migration, Decoy, Canvasback and Calera. Splurge on a cheese plate; it is a good excuse to linger. $65 per person. Reservations required. Adults only.

1000 Lodi Lane, St. Helena. 707-963-7108. duckhorn.com

Far Niente

Another Napa Valley landmark, Far Niente was founded in 1885 by John Benson, who made his money in the California gold rush. (Another fun fact: Benson’s uncle was famous American impressionist painter Winslow Homer.) The historic winery, surrounded by 13 acres of landscaped gardens, is located next to a hillside with 40,000 square feet of caves that age the winery’s award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Tasting to try: The 90-minute “Tour and Tasting” experience boasts a sweet ending — a tasting of the winery’s lauded late-harvest wine, Dulce. Don’t miss a chance to see the oldest bottle of wine in California, an 1886 Far Niente Sweet Muscat, which the winery proudly displays. $130 per person. By appointment only.

1350 Acacia Drive, Oakville. 707-944-2861, farniente.com

Hall Napa Valley

One of the best things about Napa Valley is the diversity of wine tasting experiences available here. One minute, you’re sipping sparkling wine in a 100-year-old wine cave; the next, you’re tasting bold red blends surrounded by contemporary art. At Hall, pair eco-friendly wines with fine art — the winery is the brainchild of Kathryn Walt Hall (philanthropist and former ambassador to Austria) and her husband, Craig.

Tasting to try: The “HALLmark Tour and Tasting” includes a tour of the innovative production facilities in St. Helena, which will impress any techie, as well as the organic gardens. Then, enjoy a seated tasting where you will nibble on cheese alongside a flight of four wines. And don’t forget to snap a selfie with the Bunny Foo-Foo sculpture outdoors. $75 per person. Reservations recommended.

401 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena. 707-967-2626. hallwines.com

Inglenook

Founded in 1879, Inglenook was the go-to wine for the American elite — including presidents — by the turn of the 20th century. Today, Inglenook wines are among the most collected in the country. The winery was purchased by filmmakers Francis Ford and Eleanor Coppola in 1975 with profits from The Godfather films. Dress up and charge your phone for pictures — the property looks like a movie set.

Tasting to try: During the “Private Library Tour and Tasting” explore the chateau and grounds, wine in hand. Then visit the caves, the vineyards and one of the oldest winemaking facilities in the country, with huge redwood barrels. End the experience with a seated tasting of library wines paired with artisan cheese. $150 per person. By appointment only.

1991 St Helena Highway, Rutherford. 707-968-1161. inglenook.com 

Robert Mondavi Winery

One of Napa’s most well-known wineries has temporary downtown digs. Robert Mondavi Winery’s Arch & Tower has moved into the city’s historic Borreo building. (The space was formerly occupied by Stone Brewing Co.). Mondavi’s wine tasting experiences will take place at the downtown Napa location while the namesake winery property in Oakville undergoes a multi-year renovation.

Tasting to try: Robert Mondavi founded his namesake winery in 1966, planting Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. The “Napa Exploration” tasting introduces you to four Estates-tier wines. Snag a seat on the River Terrace and take in views of the Napa River while you sip and swirl. $65 per person. Reservations required.

930 Third St., Napa. 888-766-6328, robertmondaviwinery.com

Silver Oak Cellars

This Napa Valley winery was founded in 1972 by onetime Colorado oil prospector Raymond Twomey Duncan and winemaker Justin Meyer. Their goal: to make Cabernet Sauvignon aged exclusively in American white oak. Today, Silver Oak Cellars is operated by Twomey Duncan’s  sons, David and Tim Duncan, who are committed to sustainable winemaking practices and operations and continue to focus on Cabernet from Napa Valley and Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley.

Tasting to try: The “Silver Tasting and Tour” allows visitors to observe the winemaking process from a glass-enclosed cellar while sipping cab in a modern tasting room built from hand-quarried limestone. Pinot lovers will enjoy the opportunity to taste bottles from Silver Oak’s sister property, Twomey. Tastings start at $65.

915 Oakville Cross Road, Oakville. 707-942-7022. silveroak.com

Spottswoode Winery

This family-owned and operated winery is setting the standard for sustainability in Napa Valley. In 1985, Spottswoode was the first in Napa Valley to farm organically. In 2020, the estate earned biodynamic certification and became the first Napa Valley winery to earn B Corp Certification. Most recently, Spottswoode added Regenerative Organic Certification to its long list of eco-friendly accomplishments.

Tasting to try: Private “Estate Tastings” are hosted by appointment Monday through Friday. After touring the estate and learning about the winery’s farming practices, you’ll enjoy a seated tasting of current-release Spottswoode wines. $150 per person.

1902 Madrona Ave., St. Helena. 707-963-0134, spottswoode.com

Tres Sabores 

This family-owned, woman-led winery produces organically farmed wines in a postcard setting. Along with vineyards, owner and winemaker Julie Johnson tends to pomegranates, Meyer lemons, olives and more. A plus: leashed dogs are welcome with advance notice.

Tasting to try: Grab a seat on the sunny patio or at a shady picnic table and sip on five current releases while watching hummingbirds in the heirloom garden, sheep “mowing” in the vineyards, and red-tailed hawks soaring above. $60 per person. A locally-sourced cheese and charcuterie platter large enough for four can be reserved for an additional $28. Reservations required.

1620 South Whitehall Lane, St. Helena. 707-967-8027, tressabores.com

Dana Rebmann contributed to this article. 

The post The Best Napa Wineries for First-Time Visitors appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

A visit to Sonoma Wine Country doesn’t have to break the bank. You can fill your belly at inexpensive restaurants, spend the night at chic and affordable hotels and, perhaps most importantly, enjoy free or cheap wine tastings.

From quaint small town tasting rooms to sprawling wine gardens, Sonoma County offers wine sipping opportunities that will please your palate as well as your pocketbook. Click through the above gallery to discover wineries where you can taste wine for free or cheap ($20 and less).

Tina Caputo, Sarah Doyle and Linda Murphy contributed to this article. 

The post 10 Free and Cheap Wine Tastings in Sonoma County appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

There is no better time than the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day to get out and about in Wine Country, sample bubblies of all styles, and stock up for New Year’s Eve and beyond. Any day can be a sparkling wine day in my house, although foam for the holidays is particularly appropriate.

Longtime Sonoma bubbly makers Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, Iron Horse Vineyards, J Vineyards & Winery and Korbel Champagne Cellars continue to rule the roost, yet dozens of Sonoma wineries now offer sparklers in their tasting rooms.

The relocation of Rack & Riddle Custom Wine Services from Mendocino County to Healdsburg  has provided the equipment, storage space and know-how to produce fine fizz locally. Traditionally made sparklers, for which still wine goes through a secondary fermentation in the bottle to create the bubbles (often labeled as “méthode champenoise” or “méthode traditionelle”) are labor- and time-intensive. Rack & Riddle supplies everything a winemaker needs to turn his or her own grapes into liquid gold.

“When I worked at J (Vineyards & Winery), through 2006, there were a dozen producers of sparkling wine in California,” partner Bruce Lindquist said. “Now Rack & Riddle has 100-plus sparkling clients, a private-label business, and most (Sonoma) tasting rooms have bubbles.”

All the wineries below are bubbly masters, and also produce and sell still wines. Guest experiences might include wine and food pairings, tours, and the opening of older vintages and magnum-size bottles. Tasting room hours vary, so call ahead before visiting.

Breathless Wines

Rack & Riddle co-founder Rebecca Faust and her sisters, Cynthia Faust and Sharon Cohn, own Breathless Wines and pour their sparklers at a tasting room adjacent to Rack & Riddle.

Don’t let the industrial park setting deter you from visiting: They offer a fun, art deco France-meets-Sonoma vibe, with several sparkling wines, patio and inside service, recorded music and experiences that include instruction on the art of sabrage – the removal of a sparkling wine cork with a sword. Recent events have included crepe and dim sum brunches.

The wines, made by Penny Gadd-Coster, are fruity and so very easy to drink, made in a slightly sweet, crowdpleasing yet remarkably refreshing style.

499 Moore Lane, Healdsburg, 707-395-7300, breathlesswines.com.

Cartograph Wines

Alan Baker and Serena Lourie’s winemaking business is a labor of love – for each other and the wines they like to drink. Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Rosé and Pinot Noir are among their offerings at their downtown Healdsburg tasting room, though sparkling wine holds a special place in their hearts. They make two: a lovely, nuanced 2013 Brut Rosé ($68) and 2013 Brut Zero ($68), an all-Chardonnay blanc de blancs to which no sugar was added at the time the yeast was removed after secondary fermentation – an otherwise common practice. The wine is bone-dry and yet remarkably rich and textured.


340 Center Street, Healdsburg, 707-433-8270, cartographwines.com.

Korbel Champagne Cellars

This is the oldest continually operating sparkling wine house in North America, established in 1882. That history gives Korbel the legal right to use the term “Champagne” on its labels, even though the wines are not from Champagne, France. They’re produced in Guerneville, from grapes sourced from Sonoma and throughout California.

The bruts, rosés, blanc de blancs and blanc de noirs are ubiquitous in national markets, yet visits to the winery are highly recommended. Not only does the staff pour winery-only reserve bubbles and still wines, it’s also a great place to taste and buy the 2016 brut made from organically grown grapes, a bit harder to find. Don’t miss the tour of the ancient cellars and robust gardens.

13250 River Road, Guerneville, 707-824-7316, korbel.com.

J Vineyards & Winery

Judy Jordan and her father, Tom Jordan of Jordan Winery, founded J Wine Co. in 1986 for the express purpose of producing méthode traditionelle wines. Judy later took over the business and with her then-winemaker, Oded Shakked, vaulted J to the top tier of U.S. sparkling wine houses. E. & J. Gallo purchased J in 2015 and has continued to offer a great visitor experience.

Belly to the bar for the five-wine J Signature tasting, or reserve ahead for the Legacy Tasting (small-production wines paired with artisan cheeses) or chef Carl Shelton’s five-course tasting menu, with winery-only and older-vintage bottlings, in the J Bubble Room. Want to see how Sonoma sparkling wine is produced? Book a tour and tasting.

11447 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg, 888-594-6326, jwine.com.

Iron Horse Vineyards

Barry and Audrey Sterling purchased the property in 1976 and made their first sparkling wine in 1980. Their daughter, Joy Sterling, and her brother, Laurence Sterling, are the out-front faces of the company, though Barry and Audrey continue to live on the estate and have a hand in continuing the tradition of producing prestige-level bubbles from their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards in the chilly Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA, several of which have been served at White House diplomatic dinners and the 1986 Ronald Reagan-Mikhail Gorbachev summit meeting in Iceland, which ended the Cold War.

Not to be missed are the 2015 Ocean Reserve Blanc de Blancs ($54), 2014 Classic Vintage Brut ($45) and the festive 2014 Wedding Cuvée ($45) — Iron Horse’s youngest sparkler that still spends three years aging on the spent yeast cells. Come for the wide range of classy bubblies, and stay for the jaw-dropping view of Green Valley from the outdoor patio tasting room. At this time of year, rainbows make frequent appearances.

9786 Ross Station Road, Sebastopol, 707-887-1507, ironhorsevineyards.com.

Longboard Vineyards

Fizz runs through the veins of Longboard owner and winemaker Oded Shakked. A former sparkling winemaker for J Vineyards & Winery, he founded his own business in 1998.

While Syrah, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc are foundation wines at Longboard, Shakked’s love of bubblies wines are on display at his Healdsburg cellar: a brut ($45), brut rosé ($50) and a scintillating Brut Z, a late-disgorged wine with zero dosage and four years in the bottle ($75). Fermentation of the juice in neutral oak barrels is a signature of his sparkling winemaking style, which adds depth and palate weight to the naturally acidic bubblies.

5 Fitch Street, Healdsburg, 707-433-3473, longboardvineyards.com.

The post 6 Sonoma Wineries for Sparkling Wine Lovers appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

It’s no secret that Trader Joe’s is a favorite among foodies on a budget, but what about wine lovers in search of a steal? Sure, you can always count on finding a great deal at TJ’s (the grocery store’s most popular wine brand “Charles Shaw” is aptly nicknamed “Two-Buck Chuck”) but discerning wine drinkers might worry about the quality. As it turns out, there’s no reason to turn your oenophile nose up at Trader Joe’s wine selection if you know what you’re looking for – there are even local labels on the shelves! To aid my fellow wine lovers, I headed to the Cleveland Avenue store to check out their current selection of Sonoma County wines. Click through the gallery for my spring 2019 favorites. 

The post The Best Sonoma County Wines at Trader Joe’s, Spring 2019 Edition appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Bubbleheads rejoice! The holidays are here and the sparkling wine is flowing. Sparkling wine houses in Sonoma and Napa counties have put up decadent holiday decor and have plenty of special sparklers, many winery-exclusive, to taste. Click through the gallery above for our guide to the best wineries that specialize in sparkling wine – and what bubbles you shouldn’t miss when you visit. 

The post Best Sparkling Wineries in Sonoma and Napa appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Sparkling wine houses like Gloria Ferrer, Korbel and Domaine Carneros may rule the roost when it comes to Wine Country bubbles, but there are plenty of awesome sparklers to sip at “regular” wineries too. Sparkling wines made by still wine houses are often small production and may involve unique varietals or vineyard specific creations that one wouldn’t find in the sparkling producers’ repertoires. Pop a bottle of bubbly from one of these nine Sonoma County wineries to taste something new – details in the gallery above.

The post 9 Sonoma Wineries You Didn’t Know Made Sparkling Wine appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Crowdsourcing restaurant review site Yelp has revealed the top 25 wine bars in the U.S., based on votes by Yelp reviewers. Coming in on #8 is Sigh, a champagne bar in the town of Sonoma.

Sigh, owned by Sonoma local Jayme Powers, was the first bar to specialize in sparkling wine and champagne in Northern California and remains the only one of its kind in the region, outside of San Francisco.

The bubbles bar posted on Facebook saying they’re “incredibly proud” to have made the Yelp list.

Sigh has 125 reviews on Yelp and a five star rating. According to Sigh’s website, the bar is named after “the sound of the cork escaping from a bottle of Champagne,” which “should mimic the SIGH of a contented woman.”

Sigh reopened in mid-2017 after a relocation to a new space in downtown Sonoma. The wine bar has garnered the attention of locals and visitors, who flock to the stylish space. With its cream and light pink shades, fluffy pillows and expansive marble bar, the interior design makes you feel as if you’re inside a bottle of blanc de blancs. Yelpers call it “beautiful,” “tasteful,” and “a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.”

Yelpers also praise the service, describing the staff as “great and so personable,” and of course the bubble selection, which includes big names (Dom Perignon, of course), independent producers, and local favorites (Gloria Ferrer, Iron Horse Vineyards).

Sigh is located at 120 W. Napa St., Sonoma. (707) 996-2444. sighsonoma.com.

The post Sonoma Wine Bar Named One of the Best in the U.S. appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Summer in Sonoma County is about to get even better. As we speak, nine new businesses are getting ready to open their doors to local and visitors alike. From wineries and breweries to restaurants and hotels – even a comedy club – we’re super stoked about these new additions to the Sonoma scene. Check out the slideshow above to discover 9 new local businesses to experience this summer. 

The post 9 Soon-to-Open Sonoma Restaurants, Wineries, Breweries & Hotels We’re Stoked About appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.