Referred by a friend at Peju Province, We setup an appointment to taste some of the most highly acclaimed sparkling wines coming from California and perhaps the nation. After touring through caves and enjoying a unique history story, I can agreee and confirm that Schramsberg is indeed not only one the best producers of sparkling wines but also one of the most personable and enjoyable visits I've encountered. First, let me break some things down. Jennifer, my girlfriend, LOVES sparkling wines. Because of her, we've been back and forth to Napa in search of incredible wines. We've been joining club after club enjoying wines only to realize we've wasted an obscene amount of time, energy and even worse- money!
For those also dabbling in the sparkling arena here in California, it ends here. Plain and simple, no bullshit, no pocketed money for saying this -- Schramsberg makes THE BEST sparkling wines I've tasted.
What have I tasted to support such a claim? For an every day Joe-Schmoe quite a line up in my opinion. By wine critic standards, probably not too much but still recognizable. I've tasted through Mumm, Chandon, Gloria Ferrer, and Domaine Carneros in California alone. I've even enjoyed plenty of Piper Heidsieck and surprisingly a few bottles of Cristal. While all these places make great wines, Schramsberg amazed me with every single wine they make.
There are numerous other reasons supporting my claim but to truly understand why is to taste and tour the estate they've resided at since their founding. I'll do my best to encompass all that one can experience but I fear it won't do them fair justice.
Schramsberg winery is the quintessential sparkling wine producer in California. They've had quite a journey getting here but at least its an interesting one.
In 1862, German immigrants Jacob and Annie Schram established Schramsberg as the first winery with vineyards planted on the hillsides of the Napa Valley. With the help of Chinese laborers, vineyards replaced scrub oak, and a network of underground caves was tunneled into the soft, volcanic rock.
In 1965, Jack and Jamie Davies assumed stewardship of the winery with the mission to produce America's first methode champenoise sparkling wines, using the noble grapes of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the classic, old-world tradition. Each vineyard would be vinified separately to create small, individual lots of base wine, then painstakingly selected and handcrafted into America's artisan sparkling wines.
Today, you'll see the same lavish Victorian house that was built by a shipbuilder using pegs and intercrossing beams instead of a single nail. Prohibition was the ultimate demise of the original Scram winery but when the Davies took over, they continued efforts of generous hospitality and incredible wines.
This is no ordinary request though. The type of hospitality hailing from the Schrams during their reign was noted through 6 pages from a personal journal of Robbert Louis Stevenson. While Robert and his new bride were traveling through California, they made a visit to the Schrams and tasted through the entire portfolio of wines as well as some of Jacob Schram's personal library wines. The Schrams had no idea who the couple was - they were simply treating their guests as they would want to be treated. The spoils came after when business flourished as the stories of incredible wines from California spread.
In 1965, Jack and Jamie Davies, after a yearlong search for hillside property in the Napa Valley, and determined to change their way of life, happened upon an old decrepit winery on the mountainside above St. Helena. On that day Schramsberg was brought back to life.
Jack and Jamie set out to produce "America's most prestigious, select and admired sparkling wine; chosen for special guests, special gifts, pampering one's self and expressing one's taste in unique products."
This spirit of innovation has earned Schramsberg, and the Davies, much praise and recognition throughout the world. In 1972 the 1969 Blanc de Blancs was served at the "Toast to Peace" in Beijing, between President Richard Nixon and Premier Chow En-lai. Schramsberg wines have been served by every subsequent presidential administration.
The story is still unfolding. Time has proven that the original-goals have been met with style, grace and elegance. The noted wine author and critic, Nathan Chroman, described the Davies' contributions this way: "Some producers will earn a paragraph in the history of sparkling wines in California. The coming of the French will need a page. But it will merit a chapter to spell out what Jack and Jamie have done here."
And that is just their history.
You'll learn so much more on your visit. Once you find the turnout where a small "Schramsberg" sign resides, you'll drive a long, windy road up the hillside through thick brush and a dense forest. You'll arrive at the historic grounds and walk the first hillside-planted winery in the state. You'll walk through their endless caves with quietly aging bottles of magic as Spanish molds hang from the ceiling; filtering the air allowing your senses to pick up traces of fruit, yeast, oak and honest hard work. You'll then sip the spoils of their labor and you will slowly slouch in your seat as you lick your lips after every sip hoping to savor every nuance. Finally, you'll make your purchase and cherish the experience again and again.
I was told Schramsberg was the best in the area. The bar was set high and the hype of the visit was intense. Normally, on that alone, anything would pale compared to the acclaim. I can concure. Schramsberg is the best. They make incredible wines that rival the best in the world and no matter the hype, a visit to their estate will only confirm your notions. See for yourself what the best of the best is all about.
