Domaine Carneros
Domaine Carneros is an iconic California estate known for its elegant sparkling wines and refined Pinot Noir, produced exclusively from estate-grown, sustainably farmed vineyards in the Carneros AVA.
History of Domaine Carneros
Founded in 1987 by Claude Taittinger, then president of Champagne Taittinger, Domaine Carneros was established with a clear and ambitious vision: to create a benchmark American sparkling wine estate, rooted in the traditional Champagne method and powered by the unique terroir of Carneros.
The site chosen for the estate lies in the southern part of Napa Valley, where the cool maritime climate is ideally suited to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. A French-style château, modeled after Taittinger's own Château de la Marquetterie in Champagne, was built atop the hills overlooking the vineyards, symbolizing the deep connection between Old World tradition and New World innovation.
From the outset, the estate committed to sustainable viticulture and estate-only production, ensuring full control over quality from vine to bottle. Over the decades, Domaine Carneros has become a reference point in the U.S. for Méthode Traditionnelle sparkling wines and refined, cool-climate Pinot Noir.
Winemaking is led by Zak Miller (CEO and sparkling winemaker) and TJ Evans (still wines), both of whom combine Burgundian finesse with Californian expressiveness. Their philosophy balances precision, aging potential, and terroir expression—particularly in the flagship wines Le Rêve Blanc de Blancs and the Estate Pinot Noir.
Region and Vineyards
Domaine Carneros is located in the heart of the Carneros AVA, straddling Napa and Sonoma counties. This region is defined by its cool, fog-laced mornings and breezy afternoons, moderated by nearby San Pablo Bay. These conditions slow grape maturation, promoting high natural acidity, subtle aromatics, and a long growing season—ideal for producing sparkling wines of finesse and Pinot Noir of texture and purity.
The estate comprises six distinct vineyard sites, all certified sustainable, planted predominantly to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Particular attention is given to clonal diversity, especially in Pinot Noir, with over twenty clones planted to optimize complexity and site expression.
Each plot is farmed with precision, allowing the winemaking team to craft blends that reflect both the personality of the vintage and the signature of the estate. This commitment to estate-grown fruit sets Domaine Carneros apart in the American sparkling wine landscape.
Wine Range of Domaine Carneros
Domaine Carneros produces a focused portfolio centered around sparkling and Pinot Noir wines:
- Le Rêve Blanc de Blancs: The prestige cuvée, made from 100% Chardonnay, aged six years sur lie, and considered one of the finest American sparkling wines.
- Estate Brut Cuvée: The flagship sparkling wine, made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with classic method aging and bright, balanced fruit.
- Brut Rosé – Cuvée de la Pompadour: A vibrant, dry rosé with expressive red fruit and elegance.
- Ultra Brut: An Extra Brut style for lovers of crisp, low-dosage sparkling wine.
- Estate Pinot Noir: A structured, silky red wine showcasing the full clonal diversity of the estate’s vineyards.
- Avant-Garde Pinot Noir: A fruit-forward, early-drinking Pinot Noir highlighting the vintage’s aromatic charm.
Did you know?
The estate’s name, Le Rêve, meaning “The Dream,” was chosen to honor Claude Taittinger's dream of producing a world-class American sparkling wine. Today, Le Rêve is widely regarded as one of the top blanc de blancs outside of Champagne.
