“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).”

“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,…”

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

“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. “

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.’”

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.