Courtesy of Schramsberg.com

I enjoy an occasional glass of sparkling wine, especially with brunch or appetizers. My favorite brunch bubbly is a Napa Sunrise.  My favorite appetizer pairing is oysters at Greystone Restaurant with their Brut flight.

My new favorite tasting and tour is Schramsberg (in northern Napa County/Calistoga area).  Tour guide, Todd Pippin, massively increased my interest and enthusiasm towards bubbles (or beads as the French say).

Family and winery history is as important to me as the wine I taste.  I found myself strongly drawn into the story of the fascinating Davies Family, the eccentric Jacob Schram, the menus from White House dinners displayed in the lobby and the Robert Louis Stevenson connection. Todd’s warmth, humor and story telling ability puts him in my Top Tour Guides List.  When Todd lyrically and seamlessly quoted a lengthy, beautiful passage from Steveson’s book, Silverado Squatters during the grounds tour, I was immediately swept into the romance and history of Schramsberg Vineyards.

In the caves tour, Todd deftly demonstrated riddling; he took lessons from the famous house riddler, Ramon Viera. (Ramon’s been there 33 years and never called in sick!) Todd also showed off the mile long cave that was hand dug with picks and shovels in 1870. The last stop was the exclusive, warm, library-like tasting room with paneled doors that slid shut to create a private room.  Tall perfectly shined champagne flutes created a sense of flash and festivity even before the wine was poured.

I didn’t think it was proper to swirl a champagne flute so I asked Todd how to prepare sparkling wine to fully taste it.  He shared this tip with me.

1. Smell and sip directly after the wine is poured. (Note how it tastes.)
2. Holding the flute by the stem with one hand, gently roll the flute back and forth over four fingers (palm up) to warm the liquid (and open up the flavors).
3. Smell
4. Sip and leave on tongue for a moment.
5. Swallow.

I was thrilled to finally taste explicit flavors (honey, carmel, apple) that I had previously lost in the bubbles.

You must have an appointment to tour and taste at Schramsberg because their driveway/parking area is narrow and small (and a fairytale-like setting).  Reservations also guarantee a peaceful, educational and satisfying experience.

Tags: Wineries & Wine Bars