Napa Valley may be famous for Cabernet Sauvignon, but if you’re a fan of crisp bubbles, bright acidity, and that pop-the-cork kind of joy, you’re in for a treat. Napa—especially the Carneros area at the southern end of the valley—has become a go-to destination for méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine (the classic, labor-intensive style made with a second fermentation in the bottle).
Whether you’re planning a celebratory weekend, a first-time sip through Wine Country, or a “let’s only drink bubbles” day (highly recommended), this updated guide highlights five Napa Valley wineries known for delicious sparkling wine and memorable tasting experiences.
Even better: all wineries listed below are currently operating and welcoming visitors via reservations and/or limited walk-ins (hours and policies can change seasonally—more on that in the tips).
Quick Picks: Napa Valley’s Top Sparkling Wine Stops
- Domaine Carneros (Carneros): château vibes + elegant, fruit-driven sparklers
- Mumm Napa (Napa/Rutherford area): classic flights, casual patio energy, iconic California sparkle
- Schramsberg Vineyards (Calistoga): historic caves + one of America’s most celebrated sparkling producers
- CHANDON (Yountville): French roots, California soul, and a lively culinary pairing scene
- Frank Family Vineyards (Calistoga): a “hidden gem” bubbly lineup beyond their famous Cab
1) Domaine Carneros (Carneros): Château Views + Polished Bubbles
If your dream Napa moment includes a glass of Blanc de Blancs while soaking up vineyard views from a grand terrace, Domaine Carneros delivers in a big way. Founded by the family behind Champagne Taittinger, this estate is known for méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine and a distinctly celebratory atmosphere.
Why it’s a must for sparkling fans
- A sparkling-first identity (not just a side project)
- Classic styles like Brut, Brut Rosé, and Blanc de Blancs, often with that bright Carneros freshness
- A “special occasion” setting that still feels welcoming (and extremely photo-friendly—even if you’re not here for photos)
Pro tip: Domaine Carneros typically requires reservations, and their schedule can shift with seasons and holidays—book ahead, especially for weekends.
2) Mumm Napa (Napa Valley): Classic California Sparkling, Easygoing Tastings
Mumm Napa is a cornerstone of Napa Valley sparkling wine—approachable, energetic, and great for groups who want a relaxed tasting format without sacrificing quality. Their lineup ranges from crowd-pleasing bruts to more distinctive bottlings, and the overall vibe is “let’s have fun with bubbles.”
What’s new (and worth knowing): Mumm Napa recently made headlines with a change in ownership—helpful context if you’ve visited before and are curious about what’s next for the brand.
Why you’ll love it
- Straightforward flights that make it easy to compare styles (Brut vs Rosé vs more premium options)
- Comfortable tasting room setup plus an outdoor experience when weather cooperates
- Strong “first sparkling stop” energy—easy to enjoy even if you’re new to bubbly
Pro tip: Reservations are recommended, and the visitor center may have special holiday hours (for example, closures on Christmas Day are common across Wine Country).
3) Schramsberg Vineyards (Calistoga): Legendary Sparkling + Historic Caves
If you want sparkling wine with real Napa history attached, Schramsberg is the pilgrimage. This is one of the most iconic American sparkling wine producers, famous for its cave tours and for being poured at major historic moments.
Why it belongs on your list
- The cave tour experience: cool, atmospheric, and genuinely unique compared to standard tasting rooms
- A deep focus on traditional-method sparkling wine, with consistently respected bottlings
- A serious sense of place—this is Calistoga Napa, with all the “end of the valley” charm
Fun, true Napa trivia you can share at dinner: Schramsberg’s Blanc de Blancs (1969 vintage) was served at the 1972 “Toast to Peace” state dinner during President Nixon’s China visit—often cited as the first time an American wine was served at such a high-profile U.S. government function.
Pro tip: Many Schramsberg experiences are by appointment only, and availability can be limited—lock in your reservation early, especially in peak season.
4) CHANDON (Yountville): French Heritage, California Creativity
CHANDON (in Yountville) brings a bright, modern twist to Napa Valley sparkling. With roots dating back to the early 1970s in Napa, CHANDON has helped shape California’s bubbly identity—fresh, food-friendly, and perfect for lingering over a full tasting experience.
Why it shines
- A wide range of sparkling styles—great for both “Brut-only” purists and adventurous palates
- A lively, social atmosphere (often with food options that make it feel more like an outing than a quick stop)
- Strong “this is a full afternoon” potential, especially if you like pairing bubbles with bites
Pro tip: CHANDON typically offers tastings by reservation, with walk-ins sometimes available depending on demand. Seasonal closures and winter schedules can apply, so check before you go.
5) Frank Family Vineyards (Calistoga): A Sparkling Surprise from a Napa Favorite
Many people know Frank Family for Cabernet and Chardonnay—but their sparkling program deserves way more attention. Their Blanc de Blancs is a crisp, elegant option that feels tailor-made for a sunny Napa day, and their “bubbles” collection is a fun detour if you like discovering less-obvious pours.
Why it’s worth the stop
- A Blanc de Blancs that leans bright, citrusy, and refreshing
- Sparkling options that feel “insider” compared to the bigger sparkling-only names
- A welcoming Calistoga visit that pairs nicely with a Schramsberg day (you’re already up-valley!)
Pro tip: Their tasting room is generally reservation-based, and hours can vary by season—book ahead so you’re not left bubble-less.
How to Plan the Perfect “Bubbles Day” in Napa Valley
If you want a smooth, low-stress sparkling-focused itinerary, here are three easy approaches:
Option A: The Carneros Sparkle Stroll (south Napa)
- Domaine Carneros
- (Then add a lunch stop nearby, or head into downtown Napa)
Option B: The Classic Mix (mid-valley balance)
- Mumm Napa
- CHANDON
- Finish with dinner in Yountville
Option C: The Up-Valley Cave & Cab Bonus (Calistoga day)
- Schramsberg cave tour + tasting
- Frank Family for a sparkling “encore” (and maybe a splash of Cab if you feel like it)
Timing tip: Sparkling tastings are amazing earlier in the day—your palate is fresh, and bubbles tend to keep energy high without feeling heavy.
Before You Go: A Few Napa Sparkling Tasting Tips
- Reserve early for weekends, holidays, and spring–fall travel dates.
- Double-check hours the morning of your visit—holiday closures are common (especially Christmas Day and New Year’s Day).
- Eat something between tastings. Bubbles are festive… and sneaky.
- If you love Blanc de Blancs, tell your host—most of these stops can steer you toward chardonnay-driven bottlings you’ll adore.
Wineries:
- Domaine Carneros (Carneros)
- Mumm Napa (Napa/Rutherford area)
- Schramsberg Vineyards (Calistoga)
- CHANDON (Yountville)
- Frank Family Vineyards
The author is a passionate wine enthusiast who has traveled extensively through the major wine-producing regions of the world, including Napa Valley. Their comprehensive knowledge and personal experience of these regions, paired with thorough and ongoing research, ensures that the information provided is reliable and current.