Why not visit the Russian River Valley and do a little wine tasting focused on Sparkling Wines? Within just a few miles of Westside Lodge, you’ll find some delicious bubbly and a few memorable tour spots. Here are our picks:
J Vineyards’ Bubble Room J Vineyards’ Champagnes are crisp, delicious sparkling wines and the winery is just at the edge of downtown Healdsburg. Sparkling wines range from $22 to $40 per bottle, and a few available in Magnums for $90. Take a tour (by appointment only) to witness the Methode Champenoise they use to produce this California bubbly. This tour is a half hour and is offered at 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Contact J Vineyards to reserve your tour or by phone at 707.431.5430.
J Vineyards & Winery, 11447 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg, CA 95448 (707) 431-3646
Toad Hollow Vineyards We love Toad Hollow’s sparkling wines for their accessible flavor profiles, the winery’s whimsical brand message, and friendly tasting room staff in downtown Healdsburg. Both the crisp, tightly-bubbled Amplexus sparkling wine and the very brunch-friendly, low-alcohol (6%) Risque sparkling wine are perfect for toasting your special occasion. The Risque is produced using the Methode Ancestrale, which involved bottling the wine before all the residual sugar has fermented. This wine is a bit sweeter and less fizzy than typical sparkling wine. We love its slightly sweeter, fruity flavor and light finish. Delicious with fresh squeezed juice or on its own.
Toad Hollow Vineyards’ Tasting Room, 409A Healdsburg Ave. (707) 431-8667, (888) 856-4889
Korbel Cellars Korbel’s working hard to establish itself as a Russian River Valley producer to take notice of. The winery has been in the area since 1882, and has beautiful grounds, a well-regarded tour, and a rich history. Korbel is actually the oldest continually-operating sparkling wine producer in North America. Korbel hasn’t always been recognized as a “fine sparkling wine”, although it’s been a staple at parties for as long as I can remember. However, recent good reviews have been working in Korbel’s favor, and their new “Toast Life” campaign is creating new awareness of this California bubbly producer to watch.
Recent notable reviews:
Korbel Natural’ 2006: 87 Rating, Wine Spectator, 2009
Korbel Natural’ 2005: 86 Rating, Wine Spectator, 2008
Korbel Chardonnay NV: 87 Rating, Wine Spectator, 2009
Korbel Brut NV: 85 Rating, Wine Spectator, 2008
The Korbel winery is just 2 miles west of Westside Road on River Road, and worth a trip. Tours of the cellars and museum take about 50 minutes and run from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. daily.
Korbel Winery and Champagne Cellars, 13250 River Road, Guerneville, CA 95446
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