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Domaine Carneros

Carneros, CA

About

The Champagne Taittinger tradition was brought to California with the founding of Domaine Carneros in 1986. Beginning with 138 coveted acres, the Taittinger family was able to transplant their legacy and expertise onto the New World and redefine Champagne’s relationship with California sparkling wine. Located in the heart of the Los Carneros AVA between the Napa and Sonoma Valleys, gusty winds and a reliably cool climate make the 400-acre Domaine Carneros estate vineyards an ideal locale for sustainably growing the pinot noir and chardonnay needed to make ultra-premium  sparkling and still wines.
The portfolios of ultra-premium sparkling and still wines have distinguished Domaine Carneros as a benchmark for California wine. Those wines, crafted by Sparkling Winemaker Zak Miller and Pinot Noir Winemaker TJ Evans, reflect the unique terroir of Carneros while incorporating the rich legacy of Champagne Taittinger. That legacy is further reflected in the design of the Domaine Carneros château, which was inspired by the Taittinger family’s 18th century Château de la Marquetterie in Champagne, France.
 

People


Zak Miller – Sparkling Winemaker
Working alongside Founding Winemaker, Eileen Crane, opened to Miller a new realm of possibility in winemaking – sparkling wines – and he hasn’t looked back since. Through Crane and the Domaine Carneros team, he developed a deep appreciation for the versatility of both pinot noir and chardonnay in sparkling winemaking and the great skill required to craft beautifully balanced, elegant yet complex wines. And through his work as a sparkling winemaker, he grew to love a variety he admittedly didn’t gravitate toward originally – chardonnay – which provides the base for what he feels is its finest expression (and a personal favorite), Blanc de Blancs. Just prior to the 2020 harvest, Miller stepped into the role of Sparkling Winemaker, where he will be at the forefront of daily sparkling operations ranging from harvesting, cuvée blending, and tirage, seeing it all through the final sparkling wine process of disgorging.
 
TJ Evans – Pinot Noir Winemaker
TJ Evans grew up in Northern California, but his work has taken him to the world’s finest winemaking regions. After earning degrees from Amherst College and the University of California at Davis, Evans apprenticed at such legendary estates as Domain Jean Louis-Chave in France, Villa Maria Estate in New Zealand, and the Napa Valley’s Robert Mondavi Winery and Far Niente. Winemaking positions at La Crema’s Russian River Valley estate, and Alderbrook Winery in Dry Creek Valley helped Evans develop his love for pinot noir and expertise in crafting it. Evans then spent three years in Chile’s Bio Bio Valley helping create a pinot noir and chardonnay estate for Viñedos y Bodegas Córpora. Since his return in 2008, Evans has been developing Domaine Carneros’s portfolio of award-winning pinot noirs from diverse clonal and vineyard sources. His diligent work from vineyard to barrel has helped Domaine Carneros’s still wines reach the same level of acclaim as their iconic sparkling portfolio.

Eileen Crane - Founding Winemaker and former CEO
Crane is not only one of the industry’s pioneering women, but also the most experienced American sparkling winemaker with over 40 years to her credit and is widely regarded as the doyenne of sparkling wine in America. Her pursuit of excellence in viticulture, winemaking and hospitality has made Domaine Carneros an iconic American winery. After an incredibly successful career spanning 42 years, Eileen Crane stepped down from her role as CEO at the end of summer 2020.  She now serves as consulting winemaker for the team.

 

Press Highlights

News Articles


Domaine Carneros announces its 2024 Holiday Gifts

13 November, 2024

Posted by under Domaine Carneros

Domaine Carneros announces its 2024 Holiday Gifts Sparkling Wine and Pinot Noir Elegant Boxed sets, Brunch Inspo, Gourmet Treats and More  November 13, 2024  Napa, CA - Domaine Carneros, the award-winning California grower-producer of Méthode Traditionelle sparkling wines, joyfully announces its 2024 holiday wine gift collections including new offerings as is the custom every year.    Curated by the team at the French-inspired château situated at the gateway to wine country in northern California, the winery enjoys dreaming up inspired sparkling gifts for friends and clients from one to one hundred. With 20% off pricing for winery club members on all gifts, special highlights this year include several rosé themed sets;  Coupe de Rosé - four blushing pink handblown crystal coupes alongside the sophisticated Brut Rosé $110, the Rosé Spa set including all natural spa essentials from London Rosé presented with a bottle of 2020 Brut Rosé $98 and their returning popular favorite - a bottle of 2020 Brut Rose nestled in a shimmering rose gold box $59. They’ve curated a range of gifts for the foodie in your life, both sweet and savory. Bonjour Brunch includes everything they’ll need for a holiday morning celebration - cinnamon sugar donut muffin mix, framboise jam, and four hand-spun glitter bombs (cotton candy with edible glitter to transform the bubbly into a magical celebration), along with a bottle of the 2021 Verméil Demi-Sec $119.  Prefer a savory option? Choose the Fête Gourmand including delights from Wild Groves Olive Oil - Kitchen Blend EVOO, Rose Balsamic Vinegar, and Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives along with a Saucisson Sec from Sonoma’s Journeyman Meat Co., matched with the 2021 Avant-Garde Pinot Noir $135; or their Fondue for Two, which includes a truffle-infused cheese ready for melting, rustic French boule bread mix, and a Boska ceramic fondue pot and accessories, paired with the sumptuous and complex 2018 Late Disgorged Brut $149.  (Photo Credit: Untapped Media) Who doesn't love decadent chocolate?  Two sparkling offerings and a Pinot Noir pairing offer a lovely diversity for your cacao-loving recipient.   Holiday Cheer features a dozen rich Himalayan Salted Caramel Dark Chocolates custom-infused with Estate Brut made by Napa Valley local Anette’s chocolates paired with a bottle of 2020 Estate Brut $72.   For the Pinot Noir aficionado, enjoy the pairing of the 2021 Estate Pinot Noir with a dozen Himalayan Salted Caramel Dark Chocolates $80. The Sweets & Sparkle gift set includes a festive tin filled with an abundant array of Bonnie & Pop roasted nuts and rich chocolates paired with the 2019 Ultra Brut $88.  Wrapping up the gourmet offerings for 2024, Domaine Carneros brings it home with the Deck the Halls gift set perfect for a tree trimming party, including a set from Holipop that provides all the makings to string a 14’ festive Popcorn Garland paired with a bottle of the limited release 2018 Jardin d'Hiver Cuvée (released November 11th) $88 and the Sommelier's Dream, an ultimate luxury gift of the elegant 2017 Le Rêve Blanc de Blancs and a sommelier stainless-steel engraved saber in a custom wooden box $350. In addition to all the great gourmet offerings, the winery has 11 beautifully packaged wine gift sets that highlight all sparkling wines, sets of sparkling wine and Pinot Noir, estate wines and much more.  Packaged in attractive gift boxes in an array of colors, prices range from $51-$239 for non-club members and $40-$191 for members.   All Gifts can be viewed on their website www.domainecarneros.com/holiday2024 The winery offers many options for corporate gifting that are customizable for every price point. For customized gifting for corporate clients, contact the gift concierge by text or phone at 707-266-5128.   For Giving Tuesday, this December 3rd, one dollar for every gift set sold will be donated to Feeding America.   All gifts are available for winery pickup.  For receipt by Thanksgiving, the last day for ground shipping outside of California is November 19th, within California, November 24th.  For receipt by Christmas, the last day for ground shipping outside of California is December 16th, within California, December 19th.  Club members enjoy a 20% discount on all gift sets with $1 shipping on all orders of $149 or more, non-club members enjoy $10 shipping from November 1 till December 31, 2024.  For more elegant, thoughtful gift ideas, delicious recipes, or delightful pairings for your festive entertaining this season, please visit the Domaine Carneros blog. Happy Holidays! A votre santé! About Domaine Carneros     Founded in 1987, Domaine Carneros reflects the hallmark of its founder, Champagne Taittinger, in creating terroir-driven sparkling wine and preserving the quality tenets of the traditional method production.  Located entirely within the Carneros AVA, between Napa and Sonoma counties, the six estate vineyards total approximately 400 acres with 150 acres planted to Chardonnay, 250 acres planted to Pinot Noir. The winery focuses on making ultra-premium Carneros sparkling wines limited production pinot noirs grown on their estate vineyards For more information, visit: www.domainecarneros.com. Social: Domaine Carneros Instagram | www.instagram.com/domainecarneros Twitter | www.twitter.com/domainecarneros Facebook | www.facebook.com/domainecarneroswinery Media Contact: Kimberly Noelle Charles of Charles Communications Associates kcharles@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463 {High Resolution photos are available for holiday items}  
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Domaine Carneros debuts the Salon des Reves

21 October, 2024

Posted by under Domaine Carneros

Domaine Carneros debuts the Salon des Reves Winery launches Art Deco inspired luxury lounge for holiday season October 21, 2024 - Domaine Carneros, grower producer of ultra-premium Carneros sparkling wine and limited production pinot noirs, announces the unveiling of one of wine country's swankiest new venues, the Salon des Rêves.   Imagined as a speakeasy style lounge where locals and visitors can experience luxury offerings of oysters, caviar, ceviche and tinned fish, in addition to the winery's wide selection of accompaniments including local charcuterie, smoked salmon, vegan cheese and macarons.   The Plat des Perles is a centerpiece offering which includes a welcome splash of bubbles and an amuse-bouche of gougère, followed by a tasting of three méthode traditionelle sparkling wines alongside six oysters. Advanced reservations are required, and details are on the website with special pricing available to Château Society members. Additional menu items include ceviche and blue corn chips, Blue Cove Branzino tinned fish, and world-class caviar imported by EcoCert partner Tsar Nicoulai.   As a unique luxury upgrade to the popular domestically raised caviar from Tsar Nicoulai, Domaine Carneros collaborated with Tsar to highlight two imported caviars, Baerii and Osetra, exclusively in the lounge.  The Salon des Rêves is a plush and moody lounge tucked beneath the main foyer of the château.  Descending a hidden staircase, visitors will be treated to an inviting Art Deco inspired space cloaked in green and gold.  Designed to reflect the inside of a bottle of champagne, the green tones evoke the glass of a champagne bottle and the gold accents, the sparkling wine within. Plush custom carpeting creates a quiet oasis with welcoming and luxurious velvet banquettes and seating, complimented by gold and crystal adorned walls which surround a custom-made marble topped curved bar.  Here, one feels whisked away to a Parisian boîte off the Faubourg-St. Honoré.   The Salon des Rêves is a perfect place to book for holiday gatherings and special occasions. Bookings for the Plat des Perles experience are by appointment and require four days advanced reservations.   Groups larger than 8 people should call  707-257-0101 x 150 or email reservations@domainecarneros.com for availability. Cancellations must be made 4 days prior to reservation. More details about the lounge offerings are here.  Please check back regularly for updates on offerings and hours. ABOUT DOMAINE CARNEROS   Founded in 1987, Domaine Carneros reflects the hallmark of its founder, Champagne Taittinger, in creating terroir-driven sparkling wine and preserving the quality tenets of the traditional method production.  Located entirely within the Carneros AVA, between Napa and Sonoma counties, the six estate vineyards total approximately 400 acres with one third of the acres planted to chardonnay and two thirds planted to pinot noir. Domaine Carneros' château has become a landmark and symbol of the region. The architecture and interior design were inspired by the 18th century Château de la Marquetterie, the historic Taittinger family residence in the Champagne region. Visitors to the chateau enjoy seated tastings of methode traditionelle sparkling wines and small-lot pinot noir in the elegant Jardin d’Hiver or on the broad terrace overlooking the rolling vineyards of Carneros. Domaine Carneros limited production wines are available onsite, via ecommerce, and are distributed nationally by Kobrand Corporation which, founded in 1944, remains one of the few family-owned wine and spirits companies in the United States. The winery places a high value on preserving the environment and has taken on a vast array of environmental efforts. The roof of the pinot noir winery adjacent to the château hosts a solar array that was the largest on any winery in the world when it was installed and continues to be expanded with a state-of-the-art microgrid launched in 2023.  The most recent award, one of many from federal, state, and local government; was the California Green Medal for Domaine Carneros’ demonstration of “Smart Business through efficiencies, cost savings and innovation from implementing sustainable practices.” For information, images and interviews please contact Kimberly Noelle Charles at Charles Communications Associates either by email kcharles@charlescomm.com or 415-701-9463. Photo credit: Untapped Media  
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Domaine Carneros Debuts New Menu for the Popular “Bubbles & Bites” Experience

5 September, 2024

Posted by under Domaine Carneros

Domaine Carneros Debuts New Menu for the Popular “Bubbles & Bites” ExperienceTour the Mediterranean  WHO: Founded in 1987, in the Carneros appellation of Northern California by the Champagne Taittinger family, Domaine Carneros is a grower producer of ultra-premium sparkling wines and limited production pinot noirs. Domaine Carneros has become the benchmark for California sparkling wine, reflecting both the individuality of the Carneros terroir and the craftsmanship of its French legacy.  WHAT:  The Art of Sparkling Wine Pairing: Bubbles & Bites  The popularity of the Bubbles & Bites tasting menu, first launched in 2018, has been a special experience for visitors who wish to explore the versatility of sparkling wine pairing with different cuisines.  To date, the winery has focused on Pan-Asian, Mexican, Moroccan, Spanish and Southeast Asian pairings and now announces its next culinary stop on the globe...Tour the Mediterranean.  Pictured: New Tour the Mediterranean “Bubbles & Bites” Experience Experience the versatility of sparkling wine in this curated Food & Wine Pairing that highlights the flavors of cuisines around the globe. This limited-edition menu takes you on a journey through the rich and varied landscape of the Mediterranean. With inspiration gathered from the cuisines of Greece, Tunisia, Italy, and Lebanon, discover unexpected and delightful combinations from the spice & herbs of the Mediterranean when paired with sparkling wine. Join us for this special pairing experience that includes four savory and one sweet bite, each of which has been specially designed to pair with four of the winery’s top-rated Carneros sparkling wines – Ultra Brut, Estate Brut Cuvée, Brut Rosé, and Verméil Demi-Sec. Led by the winery's most seasoned wine educators, this experience will open your eyes to a new side of sparkling wine. Menu Halibut Crudo Halibut cured in citrus oil and served with orange wedges, radishes and accented with Calabrian Chili oil. Paired with 2019 Ultra Brut Stracciatella Salad Whipped burrata cheese over arugula accompanied with seasonal fruit and an olive tapenade, drizzled with Mediterranean honey herb oil. Paired with 2019 Estate Brut Cuvée Aubergine Roasted Eggplant atop a Za'atar cashew puree with plum tomato conserva and herb oil. Paired with 2020 Brut Rosé Harissa Chicken Pan seared chicken dressed in a rich Tunisian harissa sauce and served with fresh greens. Paired with 2020 Verméil Demi-Sec Panna Cotta Tart Rosewater scented Greek yogurt tart with strawberry gelée and pistachios. Paired with 2020 Verméil Demi-Sec *Dietary restrictions can be accommodated, please call us to discuss your needs $99 cost does not include gratuity or sales tax. $35 per person deposit is required for booking. 90-minute experience, guests 21 years and older. An 18% service charge is added for groups of 5 or more. 48-hour cancellation. If your group is larger than 8 people, please call or email the winery for availability.  Reserve: 707-257-0101 x 150 or reservations@domainecarneros.com WHERE:  Domaine Carneros Winery 1240 Duhig Rd, Napa, CA 94559  About Domaine Carneros     Founded in 1987, Domaine Carneros reflects the hallmark of its founder, Champagne Taittinger, in creating terroir-driven sparkling wine and preserving the quality tenets of the traditional method production.  Located entirely within the Carneros AVA, between Napa and Sonoma counties, the six estate vineyards total approximately 400 acres with 150 acres planted to Chardonnay, 250 acres planted to Pinot Noir. The winery focuses on making ultra-premium Carneros sparkling wines limited production pinot noirs grown on their estate vineyards. For more information, visit: www.domainecarneros.com Social: Domaine Carneros Instagram | www.instagram.com/domainecarneros Twitter | www.twitter.com/domainecarneros Facebook | www.facebook.com/domainecarneroswinery MEDIA CONTACT: Kimberly Noelle Charles of Charles Communications Associates kcharles@charlescomm.com or 415.730.0064  
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