Domaine Carneros

Owned by the esteemed French company Champagne Taittinger, Domaine Carneros has a highly visible 18th-century French chateau-styled winery and salon overlooking rambling gardens in Carneros just off the Carneros Highway (12/121) at Duhig Road. The 36,900-acre property includes four different estate-managed vineyards, totaling 350 acres, all certified organic (the first sparkling winery in the United States with all estate vineyards certified).

Premier sparkling wines, Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Noir are nearly all produced from estate vineyards. The still Pinot Noir program was launched in 1993, and currently the lineup includes Avant-Garde, Domaine Carneros Estate, The Famous Gate, increasing in cost and complexity in that order.

The Founding Winemaker and President is Eileen Crane, with more than 30 years of experience in the wine industry. She is the most experienced sparkling winemaker in the United States. The still Pinot Noir program is under the direction of winemaker TJ Evans.

The wines are sold on the website. At the salon, the wines may be tasted in flights, by the glass or by the bottle with table service and accompaniments such as caviar and artisan cheeses. The Art of Sparkling Wine Tour is offered three times a day. Private tours and tasting are also offered (800-716-2788).