From The Press: Sonoma Countys signature grape varieties are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Those also happen to be two of the predominant grape varieties grown in Champagne, so it makes perfect sense that this coastal region should produce sparkling wine.
Sensing the promise of California viticulture, many descended on Napa County in the century to try their hand at American sparkling wine. Sonoma didnt get quite as big of an influx, but there is a European presence here nonetheless: The Champagne house Piper Heidsieck founded Piper Sonoma in 1980, and in 1986 the Spanish Freixenet arrived on the Sonoma side of Los Carneros to launch Gloria Ferrer.
The countys two other dominant bubbly houses — Iron Horse and J Vineyards — are and date back to the 1970s and 80s, respectively. While J sold to Gallo in 2015, Iron Horse remains owned by the family that founded it. A handful of other notable Sonoma bubbly brands — Ultramarine, Under the Wire, En Tirage — do not operate tasting rooms.
of other Sonoma wineries dabble in sparkling wine production, with delicious results. After all, the preponderance of two of Champagnes favorite grapes, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, make the prospect nearly irresistible for a winemaker. –Esther Mobley
Gloria Ferrer: The Carneros outpost of Spanish Freixenet, a historic producer of cava, this picturesque winery offers a diverse lineup of bubbly options. Bonus: Its one of the most accessible wineries in Sonoma from San Francisco.
Iron Horse: Driving to Iron Horses Green Valley oasis is well worth the detour, especially if on a day when theyre serving Tomales Bay oysters. The lineup of sparkling wines here ranges from soft and to bracing and crisp.
J: Founded by Judy Jordan — whose brother John owns Alexander Valleys Jordan Winery — this Russian River Valley tasting room has a casual tasting bar as well as formal, food and wine pairings.
More from The Press: Its no surprise that Sonoma County is beloved by both wine enthusiasts and cyclists, since many of the factors that make the area a wine center also make for outstanding bicycling. Sonoma County officially has 18 designated American Viticultural Areas, each with unique climate, landscape and topography. This varied geography means a single bike ride can start in a cool redwood forest, climb to sunny mountain ridges and end in an river valley, all before dinner. County efforts to preserve the economically crucial winegrowing regions from urban sprawl keep the roads quiet and scenic enough to keep cyclists happy as well. Lastly, Sonomas mild winters and sunny summers keep both vines and
Dry Creek Valley west of Healdsburg is one of Sonomas most famous biking spots, so youll have plenty of Before starting your route from downtown Healdsburg, take a small walk around some of the tasting rooms. Then, head north out of town from the main plaza. Vineyards soon line the road. Many wineries offer tastings, but one of the most famous is Francis Ford Coppola, which in addition to tasting flights of some of its 60 wines, offers food, a film gallery, and a store for all things Coppola. After a few more miles of pedaling, youll reach tiny and charming Geyserville. Choose from filling, inexpensive tacos at the Geyserville Market and Deli or pizza at Diavola. A personal favorite is the Diavola pizza with roasted red peppers, arugula and meatballs.
Bubbly, or sparkling wine, reflects the excitement associated with memorable events. Effervescent with the appealing flavors and aromas ranging from citrus, apple and pear to toasted fruit, spices and nuts. Whether paired with a full meal or light appetizers, these wines satisfy the requirement for an unforgettable celebration.
Different areas of the world create their own special brand of bubbly according to strict methods and select grapes which produce a sparkling wine unique to each region.
