Presidential Bubbles—Sparkling Wine Tour of Napa’s Finest Estates

HANSOM TOURS
Jun 5
2 min read

🥂 When you think of the White House and fine wine, do you think of Champagne? Think again. (sparkling wine tour of napa)

Since the 1970s, American presidents have toasted visiting dignitaries with Napa Valley sparkling wine— most often from one historic estate: Schramsberg Vineyards.

In this post, we pop the cork on Napa’s top sparkling wine estates, including Schramsberg’s White House legacy, the French roots of Domaine Carneros and Chandon, and the photogenic, crisp bubbles of Mumm Napa.

🍾 1. Schramsberg Vineyards – America’s Sparkling Ambassador

Founded in 1862, revived in 1965 by Jack & Jamie Davies
Gained national fame when President Nixon served Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs at the 1972 “Toast to Peace” state dinner in China
Since then, Schramsberg wines have been poured at official White House functions for every president — from Reagan to Biden
Try: Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, J. Schram
Tour: Candlelit cave experience with deep historical insights
Best for: History lovers, connoisseurs, and serious sparkling wine fans and sparkling wine tour of napa

🍇 2. Domaine Carneros – A French Château with California Sparkle

Founded in 1987 by Champagne Taittinger
Offers sweeping views of Carneros from its majestic hilltop château
Try: Estate Brut Cuvée, Le Rêve, and their Pinot Noir
Known for: Seated tastings, caviar pairings, and serene luxury
Great for: Romantic escapes or refined girls’ day out

🥂 3. Domaine Chandon – French Legacy in the Napa Valley

Napa's first French-owned sparkling house, launched in 1973 by Moët & Chandon
A modern, artistic space with gardens and sleek lounges
Try: Étoile Brut, Rosé, and Limited Reserve offerings
Known for: Brunch pairings, garden tastings, and innovative winemaking

📸 4. Mumm Napa – Bubbles with a View

Founded by Champagne house G.H. Mumm
Try: Brut Prestige, Rosé, and vintage DVX cuvée
Features a world-class Ansel Adams photography gallery
Casual, scenic, and ideal for first-timers to sparkling wine

📚 The Sparkling Legacy of Napa Valley

1862: Schramsberg begins production in Calistoga
1920s: Prohibition halts much of Napa’s winemaking
1970s–1980s: French Champagne houses invest in Napa terroir
1972: Schramsberg earns global attention via Nixon’s China state visit
Today: Napa’s sparkling wines rival traditional Champagne in complexity and style

💬 Guest Review

“Learning Schramsberg’s role in U.S. diplomacy made every sip more meaningful. This was more than wine tasting — it was a cultural experience.”— Daniel K., Washington, D.C.