10 Best Sparkling Wines From Napa Valley (2023)

Best Napa Valley Sparkling Wines Featured

While Cabernet Sauvignon is Napa Valley’s claim to fame, and for good reason, the bubbly that Napa produces is not to be overlooked. The perfect choice for a celebratory drink, sparkling wines come in a wide variety.

Napa Valley is home to some of the best sparkling wines, adding to the long list of reasons why you should visit the Valley.

What Makes Sparkling Wines So Popular?

Whether it’s the crisp, scintillating effervescence or the light, citrusy flavors, Californian bubblies are a fine alternative to the overtly expensive Champagne.

It was in 1892 that the Korbel Brothers went on to produce the first sparkling wines in Sonoma County. They used a secondary fermentation method within the bottle to create bubbles, a process known as méthode champenoise.

Sparkling wines are often influenced by the French winemaking processes, a traditional technique that yields a wine with elite taste, remarkable aromas, and rich flavors. Sparkling wines are typically made using Chardonnay or Pinot Noir grapes, both of which thrive in California.

If you haven’t yet explored the world of sparkling wines and are wondering what the best Sparkling wine in Napa Valley is, here’s a curated list of the ten best bubblies you’ll find in Napa.

Best Overall Sparkling Wine in Napa Valley

About the Wine

This is a wine that jumps out the glass with whiffs of Asian pear mingled with hints of apricots and figs. It is a crisp, dry wine with zesty, lemony characteristics that are offset by flavors of ground nutmeg and baked apple tart.

You will also notice the taste of clementine and tangerine along with Meyer lemon and key lime. Aromas of toasty brioche and bready dough perfectly complement this sparkling drink. While you can drink it on its own, it makes for a great accompaniment to light, refreshing dishes like a fruit dessert, lean fish, or salads.

About the Winemakers

Alexanderie Cellars is owned by Chloe Bello and is named after her daughter. One of the finest female-owned wineries in Napa Valley, the winery reflects Chloe’s passion for sparkling wine and champagne and is a testament to her dedication to wine culture as well as her expertise.

The wine is produced in small batches in Chloe’s boutique winery, where she oversees the process with painstaking attention to detail, also applying her distinguished palate. Her professional approach is a result of a vast experience in the fashion industry. Paired with a distinctive bottle design, the wine stands out due to its impeccable flavor and quality.

Best Value Sparkling Wine in Napa Valley

About the Wine

An elegant Rosé never goes out of style. Gloria Ferrer Brut Rosé is no different, with its rich color and engaging fruity character. It gives off authentic aromas of fresh strawberries and raspberries. The flavor of red fruits is accompanied by a creamy texture and a crisp finish.

Handcrafted in the Carneros region, the wine displays great versatility with many dishes. If you are a fan of Pinot Noir grapes along with a dash of Chardonnay, this Californian sparkling wine could be your best pick. A vibrant summer salad or slow-cooked ribs will go perfectly with this wine.

About the Winemakers

What started as a family dream for José Ferrer led to the establishment of the first sparkling winery in Carneros. With generations of experience backing José Ferrer’s passion, he and his wife Gloria Ferrer traveled far and wide in the 1980s to find the perfect place to make exceptional sparkling wine. It was in Carneros that they discovered the perfect spot for cultivating Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the chief ingredients for creating an exceptional sparkling wine.

With warm days, cool nights, and the ideal balance of winds and fog, Carneros offers the perfect climate for producing high-quality sparkling wine. The extended growing season allows the grapes to mature adequately with a sensible mix of sugar and acidity. Since the winery opened in 1986, José and Gloria Ferrer have adopted sustainable winegrowing practices and were awarded the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance’s official sustainable certification in 2016.

Best Under $15

About the Wine

Perfect for any occasion, this alcohol-removed sparkling wine is a fresh and fragrant alcohol-free alternative. The vibrant notes of green apples and ripe pears are paired with a beautiful balance of apple and strawberry that you can taste in every sip.

It offers smooth effervescence and a bubbly, crisp, and dry finish. The fruity flavors of ripe pears, peaches, and berries are complemented by refreshing acidity, leaving a lingering dry and sweet aftertaste. Sushi, cheese, or creamy pasta will truly elevate this wine.

About the Winemakers

With each grape carefully sourced from the foggy vineyards of California, Fre aims to add a rich flavor and smooth texture to every wine they produce.

They use a revolutionary spinning cone technology to skillfully remove alcohol from the wine. Developed in Australia, this technique involves using a mix of centrifugal force and nitrogen gas to separate the alcohol, while preserving the wine’s natural fragrances and flavors. The traditional crafted non-alcoholic wines by Fre are bright and sophisticated on your palate.

Best Under $20

About the Wine

A signature sparkling wine by Mumm Napa, this Brut Prestige has won a number of accolades. No wonder it’s among the best-selling sparkling wines in Napa Valley. The perfect blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir, this is an elegant bubbly to celebrate special occasions.

It is a light, refreshing wine with aromas of bright citrus and apples combined with honey, toast, gingerbread spice, and creamy vanilla. Hints of melon, almond, and honeysuckle are also notable. The acidic notes are balanced with mild minerality and a lingering finish. It pairs beautifully with light seafood or vegetarian dishes.

About the Winemakers

Mumm Napa traces its origins from G.H. Mumm, the renowned champagne brand of France. Wanting to expand their influence in the United States, Guy Devaux was sent by G.H. Mumm to discover the ideal land for cultivating traditional champagne grapes in America. Guy became the founding president by establishing Mumm Napa in California.

Staying true to its French legacy, this Napa Valley winery adopts traditional and sustainable winemaking practices to produce outstanding sparkling wines. Mumm Napa has also been certified by one of the most diligent sustainability accreditations of the industry, Napa Green.

Best Under $25

About the Wine

Vibrant yet light, the Chandon Brut Cuvée N.V. is a crisp and fresh wine. This elegant wine is perfect for casually sipping at home or for gifting on special occasions. Intriguing and spicy, the wine has strong notes of pear, green apple, and lime.

Notes of fresh cherries are offset by complex hints of caramel and almond. This is a dense, medium-bodied wine with a long, rounded, and dry, velvety finish. Pair it with salty, nutty, or creamy foods like fried chicken, oysters, or fresh sushi.

About the Winemakers

Following the ideals of Robert-Jean de Vogüé, Chandon is the brainchild of Californian wine expert John Wright. Established in 1973 in the Yountville region of Napa Valley, Chandon is one of the earliest French-owned sparkling wineries. With over 40 years of experience, their winemaking is a reflection of traditional French winemaking methods that deliver the best-quality wines with intense and vibrant flavors.

Currently, Domaine Chandon is led by winemaker Pauline Lhote. Lhote and her team are dedicated to innovating and crafting fine sparkling wines.

Best Under $30

About the Wine

This is Domaine Carneros’ signature wine and it truly represents the winery’s skill. A light, elegant bubbly, it is a vintage-dated wine that is aged to perfection. It gives off refreshing aromas of golden apple, lemon citrus, honeycomb, almonds, and a wisp of fresh brioche — an absolute treat to your olfactory senses.

Mirroring the aromas, this wine tastes of lychee, pear, and quince, along with vanilla, toast, and a hint of nuttiness. Beautifully crafted, it rounds off with a creamy and long finish. The Domaine Carneros Brut is also renowned as a food-friendly wine and is among the best sparkling wines in Napa Valley. It can complement almost any food item you wish to have, including cheese, Asian cuisine, meats, and oysters.

About the Winemakers

Domaine Carneros is an acclaimed small grower-producer of sparkling wine. The magnificent château of the winery is a regional landmark when you drive through Napa and Sonoma.

In 1887, Claude Taittinger of the notable Taittinger household established a 138-acre winery in Carneros Napa Valley. Eileen Crane, the American wine virtuoso, was appointed to manage this project. Eileen’s expertise and leadership ensured that the wine produced at Domaine Carneros stuck to its Taittinger roots. To date, the winery is revered for its distinctive sparkling wines in both classic vintage and luxury styles. The winery is today headed by Remi Cohen who brings with her 20 years of experience in the wine industry.

Best Under $40

About the Wine

Any list of the best wines in Napa is incomplete without a Schramsberg wine. The Crémant Demi-Sec from Schramsberg is a delicate and complex wine. A swirl of a glass of Crémant will hit you with aromas of pineapple, baked pear, and peaches, followed by notes of lemon and brioche toast.

The flavors are bright and fresh, with a fruity tart and a hint of sweetness. You will notice aftertastes of dried apricots, vanilla, and apple with a soft and creamy finish. The wine pairs beautifully with desserts such as tartes, soufflés, pies, and sorbets. It will also be perfect with Asian cuisines and is especially delightful with foie gras.

About the Winemakers

Seeped in history, Schramsberg is a name synonymous with wines. Founded in 1862 by Jacob Schram, the winery is today owned by Jack and Jamie Davies who restored the estate in 1965.

The winery has been entrenched in history. Be it introducing the innovative Blanc de Noirs to the US in 1967 or having nearly 34,000 square feet of underground caves to store wine or being served at the state dinner in Beijing for a “Toast to Peace,” Schramsberg is a force to be reckoned with. One of the first wineries to be awarded the prestigious Napa Green certificate, Schramsberg continues to follow traditional, sustainable winemaking practices to produce exquisite wines.

Best Under $50

About the Wine

Valdiguié Pétillant Naturel extends a unique taste owing to its Valdiguie grape extracts. Exhibiting a sharp and bright palate, it makes for a quintessential drink at the dinner table.

It has intense fruity notes of watermelon, raspberry, strawberry, and Jolly Rancher. The structured acidity balances this dry wine. It has a mousse flavor layered with berries and tart notes. The lingering subtle sweetness makes it great for pairing with seafood and lean fish.

About the Winemakers

Situated in Petaluma, Cruse Wine Co. is a small winery with a custom crush facility, specializing in distinctive, bubbly Californian sparkling wine.

Michael Cruse is the man behind this winery who aims to produce off-beat and affordable drinks. Instead of conforming to the conventional Chardonnay or Pinot, Michael shifted his focus towards less popular varietals like Valdiguie, Tannat, Carignane, and St. Laurent.

Michael’s interest in winemaking was stimulated after attending a lecture on wine science by Terry Leighton, a microbiologist, and owner of Kalin Cellars. He later began working as an associate winemaker in Stormont. But his undeterred passion for owning a label led to him finally establishing Cruse Wine Co. in 2013.

Best Under $100

About the Wine

Étoile Tête de Cuvée lives up to the literal translation of its name, i.e., “head of the blend.” A distinctive wine in Chandon’s collection, it is exquisitely complex and has depth. It is undoubtedly one of the best Napa Valley sparkling wines. You detect black tea, candied lemons, and caramel notes on the nose with a lingering citrusy aroma.

The palate is quite bold with toasted hazelnut and mocha taking center stage accompanied by hints of nectarine, apricot, and pears. Notes of fresh-baked brioche are also noticeable. It has a delightfully long and buttery finish with just the right amount of acidity. Paired with caviar or braised pork belly it will elevate both the food and the wine itself.

About the Winemakers

For over four decades, traditional French winemaking processes have been amalgamated with fresh Californian fruits to produce the Chandon wines. Established in 1973 in Yountville by Robert-Jean de Vogüé and John Wright, Domaine Chandon is renowned for crafting vibrant Californian Sparklings.

The winemakers mainly specialize in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier. However, with Head Winemaker Pauline Lhote leading the team, the winery aims to continue innovating and developing high-quality, vibrant sparkling wines.

Best With Unlimited Budget

About the Wine

This is the finest wine that Domaine Carneros produces. Crafted from pure, estate-grown Chardonnay, the Le Rêve Blanc de Blancs sets the standard for quality sparkling wines. It is aged for six years in yeast lees in the bottle, which is evident in this textured and layered luxury wine.

The wine opens with classic notes of toasted brioche, honeysuckle, marzipan, white flowers, and quince. Hints of citrus blossoms, ginger, and pineapple follow, along with baked pear and crème brûlée. The thousands of small bubbles complement its smooth, buttery, and creamy texture. The wine is surprisingly both light and complex with a rounded mouthful and long finish. Indulge in the wine by itself or pair it with artisanal goat cheese, lobster, or poultry.

About the Winemakers

Carrying the legacy of Champagne Taittinger, Domaine Carneros was established in the late 1970s. From luxury to classic wines, their exceptional collection sets them apart from other Californian wines.

Every bottle reflects the expertise of their winemaking, owing to the fact that all of their fruit is harvested from the six estate vineyards spanning 400 acres. Domaine Carneros takes pride in their méthode traditionelle sparkling wines, be it the classic vintages or luxury ones.

Since its advent in 1987, the American winery has been under the leadership of exemplary female winemakers. Elaine Crane headed the front for 33 years, and the torch was passed on to the new CEO Remi Cohen in 2020.

Conclusion

There is no better place than Napa Valley to discover the true essence of Californian wines.

With this list of the top-rated sparkling wines in Napa Valley to guide you, it’s time to bring home your own special bottle of bubbly. Head over to vivino.com to stock up your fridge with some exquisite sparkling wines. Let’s toast to that!

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