Korbel Champagne Cellars

Korbel Champagne Cellars

Korbel Champagne Cellars is a renowned winery located in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County, California. It is known for its production of high-quality sparkling wines, particularly its champagne.

History

Korbel Champagne Cellars was founded in 1882 by the Korbel brothers, Francis, Anton, and Joseph. They emigrated from Czechoslovakia to the United States with a dream of producing exceptional sparkling wines. The brothers settled in the Russian River Valley, which had a climate and soil similar to the Champagne region of France.

Production

Korbel Champagne Cellars follows traditional winemaking methods to produce its sparkling wines. The winery uses a blend of grape varieties, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, to create its unique and flavorful champagnes. The grapes are handpicked and carefully selected to ensure only the highest quality fruit is used.

The winemaking process involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle, known as the méthode champenoise. This process creates the characteristic bubbles and complex flavors that are synonymous with champagne. The wines are aged in the cellars for a minimum of two years, allowing them to develop their distinct characteristics.

Awards and Recognition

Korbel Champagne Cellars has received numerous awards and accolades for its exceptional sparkling wines. The winery has been recognized for its consistent quality and craftsmanship. Some of the notable awards include:

• Wine Spectator - 90 points for Korbel Brut
• San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition - Best Sparkling Wine Producer
• Decanter World Wine Awards - Gold Medal for Korbel Natural

Visitor Experience

Korbel Champagne Cellars offers a unique visitor experience for wine enthusiasts. The winery provides guided tours of its historic cellars, where visitors can learn about the winemaking process and the history of the Korbel family. The tour includes a tasting of their award-winning champagnes, allowing visitors to experience the exceptional quality firsthand.

Additionally, the winery has a beautiful garden and picnic area where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenic surroundings. There is also a gourmet deli on-site, offering a selection of artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and other delicious treats to complement the wines.