J Vineyards & Winery in Healdsburg is great spot to begin for sparkling wine-lovers because the Bubble Room is pure decadence. It has a three-course wine and food tasting that currently includes a line-up of bubbles paired with risotto, mixed greens, a pork dish, a goat cheese mousse and chocolate pudding peanut butter and banana. Crazy fun, right? (J, 11447 Old Redwood Hwy, Healdsburg, CA 95448, (707) 431-5430, jwine.com.)
What follows are other places to consider when making your itinerary for a day of bubbles, replete with tips to get the most out of your visit.
In Sonoma County:
Iron Horse, 9786 Ross Station Rd., Sebastopol, CA 95472, (707) 887-1507, ironhorsevineyards.com Tip: On Fridays at 10am, winemaker David Munksgard is often available to give a personal tour, but you have to make a reservation.
Korbel, 13250 River Rd., Guerneville, CA. 95446, (707) 824-7000, korbel.com. Tasting tip: Check out the delicatessen and the tasting room while you drink in the history. Korbel is celebrating its 131st anniversary.
Gloria Ferrer, 23555 Hwy Carneros Hwy (121), Sonoma, CA 95476, (707) 996-7256, gloriaferrer.com. Tip: Check out VA de VI, which is gaining in popularity. It’s a blend of pinot noir and chardonnay with a hint of muscat.
In Napa Valley:
Domaine Carneros, 1240 Duhig Rd., Napa, CA 94559 (800) 716-2788, domaine.com. Tip: You can sit in the salon by the fireplace or weather permitting on the terrace. Pairings include artisan cheeses, French-styled pastries and even caviar.
Domaine Chandon. One California Dr., Yountville, CA 94599, (707) 944-2280, chandon.com. Tip: The winery has an eclectic art collection and an outdoor terrace that is a favorite spot for visitors and locals alike.
Schramsberg, 1400 Schramsberg Rd., Calistoga, CA 94515, (800) 877-3623, www.schramsberg.com. Tip: Tour the caves that were hand dug in the 1800s by Chinese laborers and see the 2.7 million-plus aging sparkling wine bottles.
Mumm Napa, 8445 Silverado Trail, Rutherford, CA 94573, (707) 967-7700, mummnapa.com Tip: Get a peek at the winery’s art gallery, its portraits of Local Food Artisans and its Ansel Adams Collection.
