Champagne

San Luis Obispo & Paso Robles Sparkling Wine Map: a Champagne Lover’s Guide

May 5, 2017 By calicoastblog 1 Comment

First-ever San Luis Obispo & Paso Robles Sparkling Wine Map: Where to Get Local Bubbles

It’s known by many names: Champagne, Bubbly, Sparkling Wine, Cava, Champers & Bubbles. California Sparkling Wine can’t be called Champagne — it’s not from the Champagne region of France — but it’s made in the same methode traditionelle, or method champenoise, used in Champagne. But San Luis Obispo’s “champagne” is also delicious…and it’s local!

Download the San Luis Obispo & Paso Robles Sparkling Wine Map here.

San Luis Obispo county has over 30 sparkling wine producers, from Paso Robles wine country to the wine trail right around San Luis Obispo itself and even in Morro Bay. Champagne from France is made only of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, but sparkling wine can be made out of almost any grape. San Luis Obispo county has a large range of sparkling wine producers from the French classics at Laetitia Vineyard & Winery to Italian Proseccos and sparklers from San Antonio Winery. There’s even a sparkling Viognier, a sparkling Marsanne and a sparkling Grenache.

Now you can use the San Luis Obispo Sparkling Wine Map for you to find them all: which local wineries make sparkling wine, and most important, where you can taste. Some producers don’t make enough quantity to have bubbles on a regular tasting list, but you can always ask at the winery. If they have some bubbles available; they’re likely to pour them for you. And if you like the producer’s white wines, you’ll probably like their Sparkling Wine.

Paso Robles is a large area, so make sure you pick up a Paso Robles winery map before heading out to taste some bubbly. In San Luis Obispo wine country, you can hit all the producers in one day, but it’s nearly impossible in Paso Robles.

Download the SLO County Sparkling Wine Map here.

Contact me if you’d like copies for your tasting room!

Santa Barbara County Sparkling Wine Map: a Champagne Lover’s Guide

May 5, 2017 By calicoastblog 12 Comments

First-ever Santa Barbara County Sparkling Wine Map: Where to Get Local Bubbles

It’s known by many names: Champagne, Sparkling Wine, Bubbly, Bubbles, Cava or Champers. California Sparkling Wine can’t be called Champagne — it’s not from the Champagne region of France — but it’s made in the same methode traditionelle, or method champenoise, used in Champagne. But Santa Barbara’s “champagne” is also delicious…and it’s local!

Santa Barbara county has perfect conditions and grapes to make high-quality Sparkling Wine. Santa Barbara county is one of the world’s premier growing regions for Chardonnay & Pinot Noir – 2 of the main grapes in traditional Champagne. And lucky for us, there are more than 40 Sparkling Wine producers in the county trying their hand at it.

Now you can use the Santa Barbara Sparkling Wine Map for you to find them all. Many producers don’t make enough quantity to have bubbles on a regular tasting list, but you can always ask at the winery. If they have some bubbles available; they’re likely to pour them for you. A good guideline: if you like the winery’s white wines, you’ll probably like their Sparkling Wine.

You’ll find Sparkling wine in Santa Barbara, Summerland, Los Olivos, Solvang, Santa Ynez, Buellton, Lompoc, Santa Maria Valley and Los Alamos, with more on the way. Even wineries without tasting rooms and getting into the bubbles business – the online-only producers are from some of the county’s highest-rated winemakers.

Download the Santa Barbara Sparkling Wine Map.

Contact me if you’d like copies for your tasting room!

12 Days of Sparkling Wine: Central Coast Local Bubbles!

December 14, 2016 By calicoastblog 3 Comments

We have so many amazing sparkling wines right here on the central coast, there’s no need to look further afield for New Year’s Eve bubbles. With about 30 sparkling wine makers in Santa Barbara county and about 20 in San Luis Obispo county, this coastal region in California can really stand up to real Champagne. Below is my list of 12 of my favorite sparklers:

1. Brewer-Clifton – Blanc de Blancs

One of the oldest sparkling wines on the central coast, the first-ever release from Brewer-Clifton was actually a Sparkling Wine in 1993. They then stopped making it to focus on Pinot Noir, until 2010 when they decided to bring it back. And we’re so glad they did! This 100% Chardonnay from a Sta. Rita Hills estate vineyard (3-D) drinks much like a classic Blanc de Blancs from the Champagne region of France. It’s perfect for the Champagne snob, who’s also a little geeky about wineries with a small-production focus. But get it quick! They’re almost sold out (it’s for mailing list customers only) and they’re not making more.

2. Laetitia – 7 different sparkling wines!

Laetitia has a heritage going back to the early 80s, when their wine was produced under Maison Deutz, a Champagne maker in France. Since 1997, Laetitia Vineyards & Winery has been the Grand Dame of sparkling wine on the central coast, now with 7 different bottlings. From their classic Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noir styles, as well as a sparkling rosé and more yeasty styles, you’re sure to find something for everyone. These wines can be tasted every day in their tasting room and they also have a Sparkling Wine club. Perfect for anyone who loves bubbles. Laetitia photo by Toki Lee.

3. Flying Goat – Goat Bubbles

Flying Goat Cellars has a long history of quality Pinot Noir, and they’ve been hand-riddling, disgorging and bottling sparkling wine since 2005. Currently, they have a lineup of 5 sparkling wine classics of Goat Bubbles: Rosé (a fruity Pinot Noir), Blanc de Blancs (Chardonnay), Blanc de Noirs (Pinot Noir), Brut Cuveé (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay) and Crémant (a tart fruit Pinot Blanc). These sparklers can be tasted at their Bubbles Bar every weekend in Lompoc. Another small-production winery creating each bottle by hand, with a perfect lineup expressing each style of Champagne. Perfect for the slightly irreverent sparkling wine lover.

4. Riverbench – Cork Jumper

In Santa Barbara county, the only place to taste a flight of sparkling wine every day is Riverbench Winery‘s tasting room in downtown Santa Barbara. They make 3 different sparklers: Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noir (a rosé) and a semi-sweet Blanc de Blancs. From their Santa Maria-focused Chardonnay and Pinot Noir program to their certified sustainable farming practices, the quality here is really high. Perfect for Burgundy (Chardonnay and Pinot Noir) lovers.

5. Sea Smoke – Sea Spray

Sea Smoke is renowned for their Pinot Noir in a cultish way. Their sparkling wine is the most expensive on this list, and can also be hard to come by as they sell wines exclusively to their allocation list and some retail. I found a bottle in Santa Barbara, and was charmed when I finally opened it. It has the smallest, finest bubbles and a wonderful yeasty, classic Champagne taste. Perfect for the Champagne snob you need to impress. (Or for a super-special wedding!)

6. Palmina – Lumina

Palmina Winery makes some of the best Italian wines outside of Italy. Winemaker Steve Clifton makes much of the wine you might be enjoying under other labels including many restaurants. Lumina is made from the dark, tannic Nebbiolo grape and makes a surprisingly elegant sparkling rosé with lots of flavor and structure. They also make a sparkling Malvasia Bianca (more aromatic and floral) and a sparkling Barbera (red, fruity bubbles). These are perfect for the Italian wine lover.

7. Derby – Brut Rosé

Derby Wine Estates in Paso Robles makes a variety of interesting, refreshing varietal wines and blends. The family got their start growing grapes in 1998, gaining the farming knowledge needed to make great wines. 10 years later, they launched their own label. Now located in the historic Almond Growers Association building, they continue to create high-quality wines and a lovely pink sparkling wine made of Pinot Noir. Perfect for the Paso wine lover or pink bubbles lover.

8. Cass – Sparkling Marsanne

Cass Winery makes estate wines from French Rhone grapes in the Paso Robles area, just east of the Templeton gap. The cooling breezes on the west side of Paso are what make the grapes grow in a similar fashion to the Rhone, varietals like Viogner, Marsanne, Rousanne, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. The sparkling wine is made from Marsanne, with acidity, toast, citrus and melon. Perfect for the Rhone wine lover.

9. Kessler-Haak – Brut & Brut Rosé

A winery born out of the love of wine, Kessler-Haak started as a backyard operation. Now farming 2.5 acres in the Sta. Rita Hills, Kessler-Haak produces a quality Chardonnay, several Pinot Noirs, a dry Riesling and a Syrah. They also recently opened a tasting room in Lompoc where you can find their Brut (made in Blanc de Blancs style) and Brut Rosé (made in Blanc de Noir style), both paired with a jazz CD. Perfect for the jazz lover or Sta. Rita Hills wine aficionado.

10. Clavo – Corazón

Clavo Cellars specializes in single-varietal, bold wines in Templeton (near Paso Robles) and makes this sparkling wine from Grenache. But it’s surprising for a Grenache: this sparkler is the dryest on this list! Made with no sugar/dosage added, it reminds me of an Extra Brut Champagne. It’s supremely refreshing. Plus, the winery donates $1 of every bottle sold to cancer research. Perfect for those who want to give back and really love extra-dry bubbles.

11. Mosby – Stelline de Cortese

Mosby Winery focuses on Italian varietals and have an extremely impressive lineup. Most wines are made in Santa Barbara county (just outside of Buellton), but some are made in Italy and shipped over. They have 2 sparkling wines: California bubbles made from Cortese and Italian sparklers made from Erbaluce and Vernaccia. All are delicious, but the Stelline di Cortese is the local one, and it’s a real steal. It’s best wine for the price, and reminds me of a real Prosecco, so I can drink it every day. Perfect for the Prosecco lover.

12. Carmody-McKnight – Pomegranate Cuvée

If you love sweet Champagnes and sparkling wine like Asti, you’ll love Carmody-McKnight‘s Pomegranate Cuvée. Making estate wines in Paso Robles for over 25 years, they make a traditional sparkling cuvée with grapes grown on chalky soil (like in Champagne) and age it in the bottle for up to 10 years. In the meantime, they wanted something bubbly to drink! Pomegranate Cuvée was born, made from the original sparkling cuvée mixed with pomegranate. Soon, a citurs honeysuckle cuvée will be available. Perfect for those who love sweet sparkling wine or dessert wine.

Laetitia Sparkling Wine: New Year’s Eve Grand Dame

December 31, 2015 By calicoastblog Leave a Comment

Laetitia Vineyards & Winery in Arroyo Grande has a sparkling wine heritage going back to the early 80s, when it was produced at the same location by Maison Deutz, a Champagne maker in France. Since taking it over in 1997, Laetitia has been the Grand Dame of sparkling wine on the central coast, now with 7 different sparkling bottlings! Just in time for New Year’s Eve!

In fact, I picked up my 4 bubblies this week from their Sparkling Club: Brut Rosé, Brut de Blancs, Cuvée M (92 points, International Wine Review) and Brut Coquard (92 points, International Wine Review). Some have notes of fruit, some lemon zest, hazelnuts, toasty and brioche-ey, though nearly all the sparkling wine here is dry, or Brut. (The Cuvée XD has some sweetness, but the other 6 varieties of sparkling wine are gloriously dry and zesty). Perfect for the quintessential sparkling-wine lover and her quintessential holiday: New Year’s Eve.

Check out the 12 Days of Bubbles—all made right here on California’s Central Coast. In fact, the Central Coast has more than 50 makers of Sparkling Wine!

So pop those bottles carefully—or saber it if you learned how at Laetitia’s BubblyFest Excursion-ar this past October—and share some bubbles with those you love tonight. Or every night.

Nation’s Only Sparkling Wine & Champagne Festival Returns

September 26, 2015 By calicoastblog Leave a Comment

In just one week, the nation’s only sparkling wine & Champagne festival returns to Pismo Beach Oct 1-3. Yay! This year, BubblyFest features all-new activities as well as last year’s favorite Gatsby-themed cocktail party plus Saturday’s Grand-Dame-Sparkling tasting of them all with an unforgettable ocean view.

On Thursday night, there’s a sparkling wine dinner at brand-new Pismo Pier restaurant The Oyster Loft, on Friday a sparkling excursion-ar (that’s an excursion seminar!) with Laetitia Vineyard & Winery, the largest producer of sparkling wine on the Central Coast — and catered by Chipwrecked of Pismo Beach. See their age-old Coquard basket presses and watch how they rack and riddle their sparkling wine while tasting all 7 bubblies Laetitia produces.

Then, for the real sparkling wine lover, a Friday educational seminar featuring a distinctive panel of winemakers with these amazing wines to taste: Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot, Flying Goat Cellars (maker of beloved Goat Bubbles) Riverbench Winery and Halcyon Wines.

On Friday night the popular jazz-bubbles-Gatsby party returns, this time at the Wine Cellar at Old Custom House, where you can try 4 new unique sparkling cocktails and dance the evening away. Gatsby-themed 20s outfits provide the fabulous backdrop!

Saturday’s main event — the Grand Tasting — brings together over 50 Sparkling Wineries from all over the world on the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy unlimited bubbly tastings, light snacks, and engaging open seminars from Sabering Workshops to Champagne Cocktail talks. Check out The Bubbly page to see the wineries coming to this event.

We can’t wait!