Schramsberg

Schramsberg has spent sixty years making sparkling wine on the Diamond Mountain property above Calistoga, and it is the reference point for the category in California. The Davies family live and work on the estate, and the hand-riddled method and hillside caves are central to how the wines are made.

The visit is a proper tour rather than a tasting counter, taking you into the historic caves. Three of the wines have recently scored 100, 99 and 98 points from Wine Enthusiast. Alongside the sparkling, the Davies label covers still Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. Michael scores the ambiance an 8, and the caves are why. Appointments required. Essential on a Napa sparkling wine tour.