Toast to Peace
Toast to Peace

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.

Jennifer Dawes Makes Bubbles With Pendant for Napa Winery

“California jeweler Jennifer Dawes has partnered with Schramsberg Vineyards on a special jewel commissioned by the Napa Valley winery to mark its 60th anniversary. Dawes reimagined a vintage swizzle stick for the Dazzler, a pendant that jewelry fanatics would favor, but that is also functional—it is designed to gently mix champagne-based cocktails without knocking out the bubbles.”

Best Winery Tour 2026: Schramsberg Vineyards

“Step into candlelit, hand-dug caves and learn the méthode traditionnelle of sparkling wine production at one of Napa Valley’s most storied estates. Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025, Schramsberg crafts wines with fruit from cool-climate North Coast vineyards and ages them on the yeast in historic tunnels lined with bottles. The family’s enduring commitment to quality and Napa’s preservation adds meaning to a tour where atmosphere, history and craftsmanship sparkle in equal measure.”

North Bay wines on the table during Trump’s dinner with Japanese prime minister

“Three Bay Area wines were on the table during a state dinner in Japan. President Donald Trump dined with new Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi at the U.S embassy in Tokyo as part of the president’s three-day visit to Japan. The wines featured were: the Schramsberg 2021 North Coast Blanc De Noir, the Far Niente 2023 Chardonnay, and the Akiko Pinot Noir from Freeman Winery in the North Bay.”