Tahoe’s best spots for bubbly

BY KAYLA ANDERSON

A group of us rode Mt. Rose after a recent storm and caught Sky Bar while it was open on a bluebird powder day, taking some time out of riding through the fluffy stuff to drink fizzy wine.

Somestudies show that the sparkling wine segment of the wine world is exploding in popularity, growing 55 percent in the last decade. I know that sparkling wine is my favorite alcoholic drink especially in a place like Tahoe, where a wine-tasting experience is heightened with the views that go along with it.

Here are a few of my favorite places to enjoy a glass of bubbly just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Champagne & Chocolate

Champagne & Chocolate is a must-visit on your stroll through the Shops at Heavenly Village on the South Shore. This shop is lovely, bright and inspires romance with its chocolates and champagne, including a champagne chocolate infused with Veuve Clicquot. Anything you get pairs nicely with a Tahoe Mimosa, the drink’s colors mimicks those in the lake. | champagnechoco.com

Cruising Big Blue

Enjoy a glass of bubbly while cruising on Lake Tahoe. Read our feature “Winter Cruising on Big Blue” in this edition or at TheTahoeWeekly.com/boating.

The Idle Hour

Located on the shore of South Lake Tahoe, the panoramic lakefront views of Big Blue are the biggest draw at The Idle Hour, providing a relaxing and romantic place to sit back and sip on some spumante. Everything about this place oscillates around its incredible selection of wine and scenery, and each room inside has its own personality. The Idle Hour also offers $20 bottomless mimosas from noon to 3 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays. | theidlehourlaketahoe. com

Snowflake Lodge

Overlooking Lake Tahoe at 7,400 feet, Snowflake Lodge provides its guests with a picturesque scene from any part of the deck at Diamond Peak. Since there were so many skiers and snowboarders popping the question up there, it only made sense to start offering sparkling wine when a marriage proposal goes well — and to celebrate other occasions.

“Because what’s better than the million-dollar view at Snowflake?” asks Paul Raymore, marketing manager. “The million-dollar view at Snowflake with bubbles.” | diamondpeak.com

North Shore | Lone Eagle Grille in Incline Village, Nev.; Gar Woods in Carnelian Bay; Christy Hill, Jake’s On the Lake, Pints & Pies or Za’s in Tahoe City.

South Shore | Beacon Bar & Grill; Riva Grill; or Edgewood Lake Tahoe. Truckee River | River Grill in Tahoe City or River Ranch at Alpine Meadows.

West Shore | Sunnyside Restaurant.

Tôst at Northstar

Skiers and snowboarders are invited to visit the on-mountain bubbly bar daily at Northstar to grab a glass of sparkling wine or cider and cheers to the fantastic ski conditions. Group toasts happen at 2 p.m. at the top of East Ridge Trail, but it’s recommended that you get in line at 1:30 p.m. as glasses are limited. | northstarcalifornia.com

Waterfront restaurants

Enjoy dining and a glass of bubbly at one of Tahoe’s waterfront restaurants; reservations are advised.

Winters Creek Lodge Sky Bar

A group of us rode Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe after a recent storm and caught Sky Bar while it was open on a bluebird powder day, taking some time out of riding through the fluffy stuff to drink fizzy wine. Overlooking Washoe Valley, we had a couple of cold, fresh and energized splits of La Marca prosecco. Its high-end offerings are also surprisingly affordable given the views and you don’t have to be a skier or a snowboarder to enjoy this incredible atmosphere. | skirose.com n