Champagne Baron Dauvergne

TL;DR

  • Cute for pictures: 4/5

  • QPR: 5/5

  • Main varietals: Blanc de Noir Champagne

  • Tasting fee: None, purchased a few bottles

I’ve been loving Blanc de Noirs from Bouzy and wanted to visit a few producers in the area. I remembered trying a bottle from this producer at a bar in Korea and decided to visit. The entire visit actually ended up being a super fun memory because their secretary/host who speaks english was unexpectedly out and the “retired” 3rd generation wine maker Hubert greeted us, in French.

They specialize in Blanc de Noir and Rosé Champagnes using Pinot Noir grapes in Bouzy and Hubert’s son Vincent currently manages and makes Champagnes. The family lives on the property and they have an underground cave with an open elevator. Overall super fun visit and great Champagnes at a great value, at ~$30-50 from the winery.

More about Baron Dauvergne: Website

Domain Jacques Selosse

TL;DR

  • Cute for pictures: 3/5

  • QPR: 5/5 for tasting, 3/5 for bottles

  • Main varietals: Blanc de Blanc Champagne

  • Tasting fee: €50

Jacques Selosse champagnes at this point almost have a cult following (and price to match) and it’s pretty hard to find any bottle outside of France. The best way to taste and find his wines are at their winery and B&B les Avisés. They host tasting sessions (pending Mr. Selosse’s schedule) for hotel guests on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Every tasting session is unique as Mr. Selosse will taste from different barrels and open different bottles. But all includes barrel tasting and lots of delicious Champagnes that range $400-1,000+ per bottle outside of France.

If you love Champagne, this is a must stop. The hotel’s restaurant has awesome food and wine list as well so definitely worth the stay. I’ve already been twice and can’t wait to go back!

More about Jacques Selosse: Website

Schramsberg

TL;DR

  • Cute for pictures: 3/5 (no vineyard views but can do an interesting cave tour)

  • QPR: 3/5, average price $45-100+

  • Main varietals: Sparkling. Blanc de Blanc, Blanc de Noir, Brut, Extra Brut

  • Tasting fee: $50-100 per person, waived for existing members

  • Average wine rating on Vivino: 4.2

Schramsberg is the oldest sparkling house in Napa and is a fun stop if you enjoy traditional method sparkling wines or want to learn more about them! I love doing side by side tasting of any wines but especially sparklings. It’s fun trying out and tasting the difference between Brut, Extra Brut, Blanc de Blanc , and Blanc de Noir. You can choose from a wide variety of experiences from a cave tour, cheese plate, or a customized flight! Tasting and experiences are informative and worth the visit to learn more about traditional sparkling wine making.

More about Schramsberg: Website, Yelp , IG

Lynmar Estate

TL;DR

  • Cute for pictures: 4/5

  • QPR: 4/5, average price $50-100

  • Main varietals: Sparkling, Pinot, Chardonnay

  • Tasting fee: $60, waived with membership

  • Average wine rating on Vivino: 4.4

In Sebastopol, the more quiet town of Sonoma, you will find various small wineries that offer great Pinot and Chardonnay. Lynmar is one of them and welcomes you with a modern tasting room in the middle of vineyard hills and an adorable garden. Tasting is accompanied by gourmet popcorn that pairs really well with their line up of Chardonnay and Pinot. I ended up really liking their intro level Russian Valley Pinot and left with a few bottles! Our group of 6 enjoyed tasting in the garden with a vineyard view and it was definitely difficult to leave.

More about Lynmar: Website, Yelp , IG

Amista Vineyards

TL;DR

  • Cute for pictures: 4/5

  • QPR: 5/5, average price $30-60

  • Main varietals: Various of sparkling, Rhone blends, Zin, Cab

  • Tasting fee: $30 for still $40 for sparkling, waived with 2 bottles purchase or membership

  • Average wine rating on Vivino: 4.0

If you are tasting in Healdsburg (which you absolutely should!) Amista is a good option for anyone who like Rhone blends or sparkling wines! They have two different flights so it’s also good for a group. Outdoor tasting area has a view of their vineyards and is so great to spend the morning or afternoon. They serve popcorns with the tasting that goes well with their fun and easy drinking wines.

More about Amista: Website, Yelp , IG