Domaine Carneros

Domaine Carneros was established in 1987 as a partnership between the French Champagne house Taittinger and American investors in the Carneros AVA of California. The estate's château building is architecturally inspired by Taittinger's historic Château de la Marquetterie in Champagne. After Taittinger was acquired by the Starwood Capital Group and later sold, the relationship between Domaine Carneros and Taittinger's ownership evolved.

Domaine Carneros is best known for its sparkling wines produced using the traditional méthode champenoise, including Brut Cuvée and vintage-dated sparkling wines made primarily from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The estate also produces still Pinot Noir from its Carneros vineyards. The cool climate of the Carneros AVA, influenced by San Pablo Bay fog, is ideal for these grape varieties.

Domaine Carneros is located in the Carneros American Viticultural Area (AVA), which straddles the border between southern Napa County and southern Sonoma County. The estate is situated along the Napa side of Carneros, near the town of Napa. The Carneros region is known for its cool, fog-influenced climate shaped by proximity to San Pablo Bay.

Yes, Domaine Carneros operates a tasting room in its French château-style building, offering seated tastings of its sparkling and still wines on a terrace overlooking the vineyards. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. The estate has been a popular destination along the Napa wine trail since its opening.