Bubble Magic: Napa & Sonoma

It’s as if a baby unicorn is born. When the cork pops on a bottle of sparkling wine and a glass is poured, an estimated one million translucent pearls float to the surface. In an instant, the moment turns celebratory. The liquid’s delectable tingle is pure magic.

An abundance of unique tasting experiences, historic vineyards, and prestigious sparkling wine houses make the Napa Valley perfect for a bubble-centric tasting tour. In fact, opportunities to “taste the stars” appear around every corner.

Visitors at Mumm Napa can wander the estate’s art gallery

If elegant wines with delicious precision are what you’re looking for, Mumm Napa is an ideal starting point. Taste some of the valley’s finest sparklers while taking in panoramic vineyard views from the Oak Terrace or enjoying the estate’s fine art photography gallery. Just up the road, Schramsberg Vineyards ferments 25% of its wines in oak barrels to produce a richer, more luscious style. Literati love that author Robert Lewis Stevenson tasted here in 1880 on his honeymoon. We love tipping a glass in the 125-year old wine caves.

Guests enjoy a glass of sparkling wine on the terrace at Gloria Ferrer Wines

Great sparkling wines are all about the blend, or cuvée, according to Gloria Ferrer Wines. At the sprawling Sonoma estate, guests can sample blends that integrate kaleidoscopic flavors, fine bubbles, and luscious textures in luminous liquid.

The stunning vineyard views from Domaine Chandon

Did someone say, “private cabana”? Besides producing sparkling wines that dazzle, Domaine Chandon offers the opulence of an intimate fête with your squad in a variety of alfresco tasting experiences, from indulgent brunches to wine pairing picnics. Spoiler alert: It’s bubble heaven.

The chateau is iconic—a wine country landmark—but at Domaine Carneros, grace and sophistication define more than the architecture. The wines are exquisite. Plan ahead to savor crisp, complex sparkling wines paired with caviar, artisan cheeses, and charcuterie in the chateau’s elegant salon or on the terrace.