“Wine caves require a specific set of geological conditions to exist, the most critical being rock type. Soft enough to excavate, hard enough to remain self-supporting once it’s been carved out. That’s why materials like volcanic tuff fit the profile, which is what you find in Napa Valley. The famous California wine region sits in a zone of ancient volcanic activity, with hills on either side of the valley that are made up of volcanic rock. The first Napa caves were dug in the late 1800s by wineries like Schramsberg and Beringer (both of which you can still visit for a tasting).”
Author: Schramsberg
The Best Place to Taste Wine? In a Cave
Premiere Napa Valley Auction Raises $3 Million with 2024 Vintage Preview
“In its 30th year, the annual trade auction offered a sneak peek of Napa’s 2024 wines and raised money for Napa Valley Vintners’ efforts….top red lots included a collaboration between Davies, Diamond Creek, Diamond Mountain Vineyard, Dyer Vineyard and Lokoya,…”
Three Standout Wines, Three Exceptional Scores: 100, 99 & 98 Points from Wine Enthusiast
100 Points – 2000 J. Schram Late Disgorged, 60th Anniversary Bottling / 99 Points – 2007 J. Schram Late Disgorged, 60th Anniversary Bottling / 98 Points – 2017 J. Schram Rosé
Méthode Americaine: Domestic Bubbles are Giving Champagne a Run for it’s Money
“Some of the names are familiar. Established in 1966, Schramsberg in Napa Valley will be celebrating its 60th anniversary next year. Schramsberg alerted the world to California’s potential for sparkling wine production when it was poured at President Nixon’s “Toast to Peace” dinner in Beijing in 1972. “
California Winemakers Share Their Top Wine Gifting Picks
Grace Corison Martin, assistant winemaker at Corison Winery, St. Helena, Napa Valley
2016 J Schram Blancs, Schramsberg, Napa Valley
“‘I love Schramsberg, especially this time of year. I’m a big fan of the J. Schram Blancs (I recently had the 2016 and absolutely loved it). ‘To me, it’s some of the best sparkling wine you can find. It’s a great bottle if you’re looking to impress the in-laws or want something special for a holiday celebration. I grew up drinking Schramsberg over the holidays, and its cave tour was one of the first tasting experiences I went on in Napa – I had the best time.’”
Vintage Sparkling Wine: Holiday Sparklers Special Edition
95 Points – 2016 J. Schram Noirs
“Flamboyant and unapologetically California in style, this sparkler offers rich and succulent Asian pear and baked apple flavors accented with fresh brioche, yeasty nut roll and spice tones that lend a touch of opulence.” —T.F.
93 Points – Blanc de Noirs
“Lively and refined but festive, with pretty accents of strawberry, lemon, apple and graham cracker that sail on the crisp yet supple finish.” —T.F.
Where to Sip, Eat and Stay in Napa’s Up Valley
“Davies Vineyards – The most elaborate option—a wine and food brunch—pairs caviar, polenta cake and seared tenderloin with Schramsberg bubbles and Davies reds in a guided, seated format..”
“Schramsberg Vineyards – ….A must-visit destination for anyone who loves bubbles, Schramsberg is best known for sparkling wines and cave tours that tend to stick in visitors’ memories. “
5 Best Sparkling Wine Houses In Northern California
Back in 1965, Jack and Jamie Davies set out to create America’s most prestigious sparkling wine with Schramsberg Vineyards. The couple officially achieved success in 1972, when a bottle of Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs became the first American sparkling wine served at a White House state dinner. Since then, every president has poured Schramsberg at one point or another.
The charming property Schramsberg calls home is in Calistoga. The brand takes its name from its original owner, Jacob Schram, a German immigrant who purchased the land and started making wine there in the 1860s. Jack and Jamie’s son, Hugh, who was coincidentally born in 1965, oversees the winemaking today.
The 7 Best Cabernet Sauvignon From Napa Valley’s St Helena AVA
Jacob Schram planted vines on what is now the J. Davies estate vineyard in 1862. The vineyard is in the center of two cool water creeks, the Nash Creek and the Ritchie Creek, which help keep the vines cool even in the hot sun. The Davies family, also known for their sparkling Schramsberg wines, first planted traditional Champagne grape varieties here in the 1960s but found the land was better for Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties. This bottling is 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon that was aged for 20 months in 50 percent new French oak barrels. Delightful aromas of black plum, cherry, and cassis draw you in to its full-bodied palate of ripe red and black fruit flavors accented by brown baking spices, crushed violet petals, and a touch of graphite in the persistent finish.
Would You Like Wine with That? The Best Pairings for Classic In-N-Out Dishes
French Fries
“There is no pairing more essential than French fries and bubbly. This is, in fact, a meal in its entirety. Burgers, tenders and shakes be damned—if I have fresh, hand-cut fries prepared in 100% sunflower oil at the ready, a glass of something sparkling is all I need to find karmic bliss.
While Champagne is a standard-bearer for this Frenchie combo, a domestic iteration can be just as satisfying and much more economical (especially in light of recent world events). Schramsberg, an OG of California traditional-method sparkling wine production, needs no introduction. And their Blanc de Blancs? Never has a yeast-laden, fruit-baked, acid-teeming and fine-bubble bottling felt so right alongside the salty, greasy, savory crunch of a French fry. This 100% Chardonnay style’s mousse and acidity act as a squeegee on the palate, wiping the whole glutinous affair clean and preparing you for the next bite.” – Vanessa Price
97 Points – 2022 J. Davies Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
“This is one of the most structured and elegant wines in the J. Davies lineup, which I tasted with winemaker Celia Welch. It carries power and density of fruit weight, with a wealth of seductive red- and black-toned fruit wrapped in tobacco leaves dusted with dark cacao powder. A salty minerality fuels the full-bodied finish, while the wine builds in intensity, lingering long on the palate.” — Jonathan Cristaldi, January 2025
98 Points – 2021 J. Davies Estate “Jamie” Cabernet Sauvignon
“’We look at all the estate Cabernet Sauvignon blocks,’ says Celia Welch, ‘and find maybe our best 8–10 barrels to keep separate.’ Aged for about 30 months in primarily new French oak, this wine offers remarkable silkiness and concentration. Rich black currants, blackberry fruit, and cedarwood spice form a polished core, with layers of pine forest, forest floor, deep currant and kirsch fruit. The tannins are supremely fine and seamlessly integrated after extended time in barrel, finishing with classic caramel and toffee spice notes, along with a hint of dark cocoa, cacao nibs, fig, and pressed wildflowers. It is a wine of both density and freshness wrapped into one generous and utterly delectable package.” – Jonathan Cristaldi
95 Points – 2016 J. Schram Blancs
“Flamboyant and unapologetically California in style, this sparkler offers rich and succulent Asian pear and baked apple flavors accented with fresh brioche, yeasty nut roll and spice tones that lend a touch of opulence.”— Tim Fish, Insider Weekly: September 24, 2025
15 Best Things to Do in Napa Valley (Wineries + More): #4 Schramsberg Vineyards
“More than 130 years later, Schram’s winery is still producing delectable wines, according to recent visitors.”
16 Premier Wineries With Excellent Food in Napa Valley
“Napa Valley has a lot of great brunch spots, but Davies Vineyards in St. Helena is one of the few wineries that offers a brunch tasting, and it’s positively epic.”
North Bay Business Journal names Women in Wine Awards winners for 2024
“Excellence in Winemaking Award: Recognizing a female winemaker who has demonstrated exceptional skills, innovation, and consistency in producing high-quality wines. – Jessica Koga, winemaker, Schramsberg Vineyards”
Wine Enthusiast’s 25th Annual Wine Star Award Nominees
“American Winery of the Year: Schramsberg Vineyards…from being the first commercial Chardonnay in American sparkling wine to being the go-to wine for world leaders at the White House.”
Wine Star: Schramsberg Vineyards’ Hugh Davies
“Schramsberg’s proprietor brings California sparkle to the first of the 2024 New York Wine Experience seminars.”
