Domaine Carneroswas certainly the grandest property we visited on ourBlogger's in Napa Valley trip!
Founded in 1987by Champagne leaderClaude TaittingerDomaine Carneros produces notable sparkling wineand Pinot Noirfrom California's Carneros appellation.
Driving through the 'famous gate'up the winding roadthrough the spectacular groundsI knew we were in for something spectacular!
The main building was completed in 1989 in the 18th century chateau-styleand was architecturally inspired by the Chateau de la Marquetterieowned by Champagne Taittingerin Riems France.
Taittinger was an enthusiast for western wineswho began scouting for properties in the regionin the late 1970'srealizing decades agowhat a promising future the area was to have.
Taitinger hand-selectedEileen Crane as Domaine Carneros'sfounding winemakermaking Eileen one of the industry'spioneering women.She continues to be Domaine Carneros'sfirst and onlysparkling wine maker.
The methode champenoise is applied to all sparkling wines.(I had learned years agothat only sparking wines made in the region of Champagne Francemay be called Champagnejust as only whiskies made in Scotlandmay be called Scotch.)
At Domaine Carnerosthe viewswere truly breathtakingon a picture perfect day ...
For me being there that daywas unforgettable.
Not only for the immense beautyand truly spectacular sparking winesbut also for the people that joined meon this remarkable adventure.Being around otherslike Charlotte who owns
C. Milan Communications
a PR firm
specializing in the wine and travel industrywho arranged the tasting.Charlotte is also a young mother who is just as passionateabout her new sonas she is about her stellar clients.
The passionate people atDomaine Carneroswhose excitementfor their productwas palatable.
And, for of coursetraveling with some of my favorite bloggerswho now I am now honored to call friends.
It was all just such a moment in time for me.
It made me realizejust how happy I was to be backin the working realmand I kid you notI had to choke back tearsat just what a meaningfulmoment it was for me.
Feeling tremendous gratitude
to be working
in an industry I love
and
in complete awe
for the
ability to move forward
in designing a career
that is able to
synthesize
so many of my own passions.
In that instantin the most stunning of vistasI also realizedjust how importantcourage can be.
How sometimesaccepting one's own venerabilityand still moving through itcan take you to some incredible experiences in life.
Looking aroundI committed that momentinto my heartto remembernext time I am nervous or scaredto put myself out thereor try new roads
thatthat with courage and acceptance of the uncomfortablethere is so much great yet to be experienced.
Nowback to the sparkling bubbles ...
Before my visit to Domaine CarnerosI didn't see myself as much of a sparkling wine enthusiast …as many timesit gave me headaches.
What I learned wasI have not been drinking the good stuff!Well, I Knew that!
But what I did leave with learning was
~ that the smaller the bubblesthe longer it has been aged
~ the less sugars presentequals less headaches after
~ sparking wine must be aged for three years to have a vintage label.
Thank you Sean Donaghuefor your gift of educating information.
I must admit there was so much rich informationto take ineven with notesthere was so very much to learn!
I do think I need to plana refresher courseat Domaine Canerostheir learning environmentis truly divine!
Another of my favorite parts of our visitthat was arranged by Charlottewas meeting
TJ Evanswho is thePinot Noir winemaker.TJ spoke with botha gardeners heartand an artists soulas he talked about that ...
the wine beginsin the vineyard …andTJ could tell the histories of each years vineyard happenings
and
their organic rootsdown to the importance ofthe flowering of the vinesand the scent of the bud breakto the magic in the Famous Gate.
Visiting
Domaine Carneroswas an enchanting adventurethat I would highly recommendif you find yourselfin the Napa Valley
It was as sparklingas it was informative.
I even realizedI do indeed appreciate some bubblynow I just knowI appreciate the tiny bubbleseven more!
As always my friends
I wish you love and joyas you style your life
disclosure - the tasting was compliments of Domaine Carneros. The opinions,
are my own.
Next week I will be completing my
Bloggers In Napa Valley series
sharing the rest of the our very luxurious trip
thanks to Mike …
our trusted and artistic
Napa Transportation limo driver.
