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Napa Valley Sparkling Wine Tour: Self-Guided Tour Around this Northern California Region
by Jill Loeffler •
Are you looking for a great self-guided Napa Valley Sparkling Wine Tour? My suggested itinerary will ease the burden of trying to figure it all out yourself.
Before you begin your day of tasting, make sure to eat a hearty breakfast. In my itinerary, you will eat lunch at one of the wineries, but your appointment will be around 2:30 pm. If you need additional food to get you through the day, make sure to bring something with you to snack on.
I designed this Napa Valley sparkling wine tour to include four stops at different wineries so you can get a taste of the variety the valley has to offer. It’s best to make reservations at each place well in advance to ensure that everything runs smoothly throughout your day.
Due to the pandemic, tours had been very limited to a small number of reservations at very specific times.
However, it’s always a good idea to know your itinerary well and inform your hosts that you have another place to get to if you want to flow through this suggested self-guided sparkling wine tour.
You can also remove one stop from my list, so you aren't as rushed trying to make your appointments. Also, make sure you have a designated driver and/or hire a driver to ensure safety on the roads.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Stop One: Schramsberg Vineyards
Appointment Time: 11 am
Length of Tour: 75 minutes
Your first stop is on the northern end of the district near the town of Calistoga. I always start here as they have a limited number of tasting times and are strict with their appointments. This is good though, because you know it will start on time.
Their best option for your Napa Valley sparkling wine tour is the "All Sparkling Experience." The first one of the day is at 11 am and you must arrive no less than 15 minutes in advance.
I love visiting here first as, in my opinion, they serve up the best sparkling wine in the region.
This tasting is $50 per person. If you plan to buy, their bubbly runs between $25 and $160 a bottle. They sell certain bottles that you are not able to get anywhere else except on site. If you want something special, pick up a bottle or two before you leave.
After your tasting, you will then have 45 minutes to drive to Mumm. The drive is about 11 miles and usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes.
Stop Two: Mumm
Appointment Time: 1 pm
Length of Tasting: 60 minutes
Your second stop on this Napa Valley sparkling wine tour is Mumm Napa.
Your group will have your own private table with service from a winery staff member. You can sample their wines and ask questions all about the winery.
This experience is $40 per person and lasts around an hour. If you get done early, you can also grab a full glass of one of their wines. They range from $18 to $25 a glass.
You will be done here around 2 pm, which gives you 30 to 45 minutes before your next appointment.
You will then drive to Domaine Chandon. Driving time is about 15 to 20 minutes.
Stop Three: Domaine Chandon
Appointment Time: 2:30 pm or 2:45 pm, depending on which option you choose
Length of Tasting: 90 minutes or 70 minutes
This is where you will have a little lunch. They currently have two experiences you will enjoy.
The first is their Picnic on the Lawn. It lasts about 90 minutes and includes local cheeses, fresh salads, and sandwiches. Your picnic basket (which you get to take with you) also includes some of their minis. The experience is around 90 minutes and costs $85 per person.
If you like this option, then make an appointment for 2:30 pm.
The second option is their Tartines and Tasting Experience. This includes a sparkling wine flight with a trio of tartines (bread with tasting toppings), a cheese board, or a garden bowl. Your guide will tell you more about the wines you are sampling and answer all of your questions. This experience is $55 per person and lasts about 75 minutes.
Make an appointment for 2:45 pm for this option.
You will then have 30 minutes to drive to Domain Carneros. The drive is about 17 miles and takes about 25 minutes. This is a tight turn-around, but don't rush it. You can always call Domain Carneros if you are running a few minutes late.
Note: If you want to just do three in a day, drop this one from your list. You can then stop for lunch in Yountville or Napa as you make your way south to Domaine Carneros.
Stop Four: Domaine Carneros
Appointment Time: 4:30 pm, last appointment of the day
Length of Tasting: 90 minutes
Your last stop on my suggested Napa Valley sparkling wine tour is Domaine Carneros. This is on the southern end of the valley and the last appointment time of the day.
With lush gardens and well-manicured vineyards, you can soak in the amazing views all around.
Here, I recommend the Sparkling Wine Sampler. It includes 2-ounce tastes of four of their sparkling wines. The cost is $40 per person and it lasts about 90 minutes.
If you need a little more food, you can also order a meat or cheese tray from their menu. They also offer a small selection of caviar as well as a caviar flight.
You will be done at this last tasting around 6 pm.
Additional Fun Things to Do in Napa Valley
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
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It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!
