Schramsberg Vineyards
A Napa Valley Cave Tasting Like No Other
Located in the on St. Helena Highway near Calistoga, Schramsberg Vineyards stands as a beacon of sparkling wine excellence, renowned for producing world-class sparkling wines using the traditional Champagne method.
Schramsberg's story began in 1862 when German immigrant Jacob Schram planted his first vines, making it one of the oldest wineries in California. Over the years, the winery changed ownership but never wavered in its commitment to quality and innovation. In 1965, Jack and Jamie Davies breathed new life into the property, dedicating themselves to crafting sparkling wines through the méthode champenoise (the Champagne method), a meticulous process that defines their production to this day.
This labor-intensive method involves seven intricate steps that span several years, with a primary focus on the second fermentation in the bottle—a crucial phase in creating the signature bubbles.
Schramsberg's dedication to this traditional approach has earned them numerous accolades and established a reputation for excellence. One of their most notable moments in history was the "Toast to Peace" in 1972, when President Nixon and China's Premier Zhou Enlai raised glasses of Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs during a significant diplomatic meeting. Since then, Schramsberg wines have graced the tables of countless state dinners and official events under every U.S. president.
The Cave Tour
One of the highlights of visiting Schramsberg Vineyards is their renowned Cave Tour. These historic caves, carved into the hillside in the 19th century, provide the ideal environment for aging sparkling wine. As you enter the building, you’re greeted by a small lobby filled with pictures of presidents, bottles from historic moments, and two massive wooden doors. Once you step through the doors, the caves reveal their cool, slightly humid atmosphere, with rows of bottles lining the walls as they go through fermentation and aging.
The tour takes you deeper into the caves, where you can see bottles with the sediment from secondary fermentation, the traditional riddling racks (used to hand-turn bottles to gather dead yeast cells at the neck), and images depicting the disgorging process (the removal of those yeast cells). The experience concludes with a tasting of five exquisite sparkling wines in a secluded section of the cave, a perfect way to savor Schramsberg’s craftsmanship.
The Sparkling Wine Tasting
The lineup of sparkling wines may vary slightly, but our tasting included:
Brut Rosé
Caminante Del Cielo (Walker of the Sky)
Blanc de Blancs (white wine from white grapes)
Blanc de Noirs (white wine from red grapes)
J. Schram (their most aged and premium sparkling wine)
Of the tasting, my personal favorites were the Brut Rosé and the J. Schram. I adore a good rosé sparkling wine, and the J. Schram, made from the finest grapes and aged to perfection, truly represents the pinnacle of their portfolio.
From start to finish, Schramsberg Vineyards offers an unforgettable experience. The rich history, the evident pride of the staff, and the exceptional sparkling wines combine to make it a must-visit destination in Napa Valley. I highly recommend adding Schramsberg to your wine country itinerary!