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

Winery tours can get boring, but this one is actually worth it. The coolest part about visiting Schramsberg Vineyards is the chance to tour through its miles of underground caves, where millions of bottles of nascent wine are stored as they undergo the secondary fermentations that make them fizzy. There’s no better way to learn about the complicated process of Champagne-method winemaking than seeing it in action. After that educational tour, you’ll taste a flight of wines, typically four sparkling and one still. These are some of the best bubblies made in California, from affordable, everyday bottlings like the Blanc de Blancs to the pricier, longer-aged J. Schram cuvee. But the winemaking team here is versatile, and it’s also a treat to get to taste the still versions of Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon from Schramsberg’s sister label, Davies Vineyards.