Domaine Carneros

Founded by the noble family behind Champagne Taittinger, Claude Taittinger's search for a worthy U.S. counterpart began in the late 1970s. In 1987 he selected a 138-acre parcel in the heart of Carneros, Napa Valley. Wisely selecting Eileen Crane to oversee the development of the winery and vineyards, the team created the quintessential California expression of the Taittinger style in Carneros.

The heart of Domaine Carneros has always been sparkling wines, with distinctive styles ranging from the classic vintage-dated Brut cuvée to our luxury Le Rêve Blanc de Blancs. In 1992 we added rich, complex Pinot Noir to our portfolio and our passion for sparkling and still wines continues to grow. Learn about sparkling winemaking and Eileen Crane, Pinot Noir winemaking and TJ Evans, and our portfolio of wines.

All of our wines proudly hail from the Carneros appellation, and 95% of our fruit comes from our estate vineyards – all certified organic by the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). More on our organic vineyards.

As anyone who has driven between Napa and Sonoma can tell you, the Domaine Carneros château is a stunning regional landmark. Join us for tableside service on the terrace or in the salon and savor the spirit of the Northern California wine country. Read more about the château or plan your visit.

The Carneros, Spanish for ‘ram', spans the cool, southern ends of both Napa Valley and Sonoma county. Characterized by a long, moderately cool growing season sweetened by the breezes and lingering fog of the San Pablo Bay, temperatures in this American viticultural area (AVA) are slightly cooler than Burgundy, yet slightly warmer than Champagne. As such, Carneros provides optimum conditions for the slow, even ripening of and perfect balance in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes - the principal grapes in champagne and fine sparkling wine.

Situated in the very heart of the region, the Domaine Carneros estate encompasses over 350 acres in four separate sites. In fact, we are the only sparkling wine producer to use Carneros grapes exclusively. Situated in the very heart of the region, the Domaine Carneros estate encompasses over 350 acres in four separate sites.

In 2007, all of our estate vineyards received organic certification from the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) - a first for an American sparkling wine producer. This green seal of approval was the icing on the cake for a winery whose sustainable farming practices date back to its inception in the 1980s.

"We've always taken an active role to preserve the health of the land," says Founding Winemaker/CEO, Eileen Crane who has spearheaded the winery's green movement for more than twenty years. "Organic certification is the result of decades of hard work and dedication." As early as the mid-1990s Domaine Carneros began experimenting with organic farming, rather than using pesticides, in the newer vineyards.

Over the next 10 years, chemical fertilizers were replaced with organic options and new vineyard equipment was purchased so that we could cultivate and eliminate the use of herbicides. The vineyards also have owl boxes, which have become the homes of these noble birds of prey who assist with our rodent management.

"Our first obligation is to produce delicious wines," Eileen says. "We believe this is maximally achieved through healthy vines so becoming organic was a natural evolution for us."

Clones for our vineyards are selected for subtle differences in flavor, texture and intensity. Like an artist with a palette of colors, our winemakers blend wines from these different clones, each clone contributing its own flavor profile to the overall complexity depth of the final cuvée.

At Domaine Carneros, winemaking begins with impeccable fruit, most of it grown in our certified organic estate vineyards. Gentle handling and attention to detail at every step preserve the purity of each distinct variety and clone. Our sparkling wine cuvées are crafted from a wide array of clones – an exacting and time-consuming art, honed from decades of experience. Pinot Noir, known to winemakers as the "heartbreak grape", is an equally demanding proposition.

"Making great wine is about passion," says Founding Winemaker Eileen Crane. "There is no formula. You have to be attuned to the rhythm of the grapes, the pulse of the wine." Under Eileen's leadership, careful attention is paid to the delicate nature of the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes we grow on our estate. Grapes are always hand-picked and gently pressed. Wines are produced in our state-of-the-art facilities in limited quantities, ensuring the highest level of craftsmanship possible.

Eileen Crane, often referred to as America's Doyenne of Sparkling Wine, has spent 35 years in the wine industry. This makes her the most experienced Sparkling Winemaker in the United States. Eileen is equally at home in the world of food and wine having both a culinary and science background.