Meet Schramsberg, Napa’s bubbly star since 1862. Learn its fun history, best wines, cave visits, and easy tips to enjoy California sparkling like a pro.
Hey buddy, picture this: you pop a cork, and tiny bubbles race up your glass like happy fireworks. That magic comes from Schramsberg Vineyards, a cozy spot in Napa Valley that makes some of the best sparkly wine in America. I love sharing stories like this because it feels like chatting over a picnic. Stick with me, and you’ll know everything from old tales to picking your first bottle.
Quick Wins from Schramsberg
- Oldest bubbly maker in Napa, started in 1862.
- Toasted at the White House by presidents since 1972.
- Caves full of treasures hand-dug and super cool.
- Easy wines for newbies, like crisp apple fizz.
- Family fun with tours and green grape growing.
Now, let’s jump into the story. Imagine a German guy named Jacob Schram landing in California with big dreams. That’s where our adventure begins.
A Quick Peek at Schramsberg Roots
Jacob Schram bought wild land on Diamond Mountain back in 1862. He was one of the first to plant grapes on steep hills in Napa Valley. Soon, his wines won gold medals, and fancy folks from San Francisco came to visit.
The place grew fast. Jacob built a big house and invited friends for parties. But after he passed, things got quiet for many years. The vines slept under the sun.
Then, in 1965, Jack and Jamie Davies showed up. They fell in love with the old spot and decided to wake it up. Jack knew a French trick for making bubbles in bottles. They fixed the dusty cellars and made the first top-notch American sparkly from Chardonnay grapes.
Today, their son Hugh runs things with his family. They keep the old ways but add new ideas. It’s like a family recipe passed down with love.
Who Built the Magic?
Chinese workers dug the caves by hand in the 1800s. They used picks and shovels to carve two miles of tunnels into the soft rock. These dark, cool spots keep wine at just the right chill around 55 degrees all year.
Without those hard workers, no caves. No caves, no perfect bubbles. Simple as that.
The Big Comeback Story
Jack and Jamie tasted old French champagnes and thought, why not here? They bought Schramsberg for cheap because it was rundown. Step by step, they planted new vines and cleaned the caves.
Their first bubbly hit in 1965. Critics loved the toast and fruit smells. Soon, it became California’s pride. The Davies family still owns every bit 600 acres of hills and grapes.
Top Schramsberg Wines to Try
Schramsberg makes about 40 sparkly kinds each year. They pick grapes by hand at night when it’s cool. Then, they ferment in old oak barrels for rich taste. No shortcuts.
The bubbles come from a second fizz in the bottle called méthode traditionnelle. It’s the same way they do it in France. But here, it’s all California sunshine.
Bubbly Stars for Every Day
- Blanc de Blancs: All Chardonnay, bright like lemon candy. Starts at $35. Sip it with popcorn or salad. Newbies love this one because it’s dry but friendly.
- Brut Rosé: Pink from Pinot Noir grapes. Berry hints make it fun for brunch. Try with grilled chicken $45 and worth it.
- Blanc de Noirs: Mostly Pinot Noir, fuller body like apple pie. Great for dinner parties at $40.
- J. Schram: The fancy one, aged seven years. Nutty and deep, $130 for special nights. Presidents pick this.
They make still reds too under J. Davies label. Cabernet from the same hills bold cherry jam taste. No bubbles, but same family care.
Picture yourself at the store. See a green bottle with gold label? That’s Schramsberg. Grab the Blanc de Blancs if you’re unsure. Chill it two hours, and you’re set.
Expert tip from Hugh Davies: “Smell first, then sip small. Bubbles carry the story of the hills.”
Why Schramsberg Beats the Rest
Lots of places make sparkly in California. Think Roederer Estate in foggy Anderson Valley or Domaine Carneros with its castle views. Mumm Napa has big group tours. J Vineyards grows apples too.
But Schramsberg stands out. It’s the history grandpa. Caves from 1862 hold over a million bottles aging slow. Oak ferment gives extra creaminess you don’t get elsewhere.
Stats show: California sparkling sales up 5% in 2025, but Schramsberg holds steady as the classic. White House used it for over 50 toasts since Nixon’s China trip in 1972. That started the American bubbly boom.
Vs. Domaine Carneros: They focus on Pinot-heavy rosé and pretty grounds. Schramsberg wins on cave depth and vintage mixes.
Vs. Roederer Estate: Cooler spot makes sharper acid. Schramsberg has warmer hill fruit for rounder feel.
Vs. Mumm Napa: Fun art and big bottles. Schramsberg feels more personal, like a family invite.
Choose Schramsberg if you want stories with your sip. Others if you chase views or deals.
Plan Your Schramsberg Adventure
The winery sits in Calistoga, end of a twisty road. No big signs just grape rows and oak trees. Book a tour to see inside. They need your name and time ahead.
Tours last 90 minutes. Walk the gardens, peek at old house, then down 125 steps to caves. Dim lights, dusty bottles feels like a treasure hunt. End with four tastes.
Smart Trip Tips
- Visit spring for wildflowers or fall for harvest colors. Summer hot, winter rainy.
- Wear closed shoes caves damp and steep.
- Bring water and snack. Tasting on empty tummy spins your head.
- Kids ok on grounds but not in caves. Plan a picnic after.
- Drive 90 minutes from San Francisco. Rent a car or join a bus tour.
One family I know found an 1890s bottle label in the cave. They took a photo and felt like explorers. You might too.
Tours cost $75 to $150 based on fancy tastes. Worth it for the walk back in time.
Fresh Buzz on Schramsberg in 2025
This year marks 60 years of Davies bubbly magic. They kicked off with sword chops on grapes in August early harvest from cool spring. Vintages taste extra crisp.
Events pop up: tastings at Pebble Beach food fest, cave dinners under stars. Sustainability big 600 acres farmed gentle, no harsh sprays. Birds and bees happy.
California wine land down overall, but sparkling shines. Schramsberg leads with rare Flora grape bubbly fruity like peach candy.
Cool Facts to Wow Friends
- Caves stretch two miles, store bottles like library books.
- Jacob Schram’s house still stands Victorian charm.
- First U.S. sparkly at White House changed everything.
- They riddle bottles by hand turn twist daily for clear fizz.
- 2025 grapes picked at dawn to keep fresh zip.
Hugh says cool nights make the best acid balance. That’s the secret zip in your glass.
Easy Pairings and Hacks
Bubbly fixes many meals. Schramsberg Brut cuts greasy fried chicken clean. Rosé loves strawberry shortcake. Blanc de Blancs hugs oysters or cheese.
Hack: Open gentle. Twist cork slow, hold firm. No pop spray mess.
Store upright in fridge door two weeks max after open. Use a sparkly stopper to save bubbles.
New to this? Start dry. Sweet comes later. Blanc de Blancs teaches your tongue.
Gift hack: Join the club. Ships twice a year, starts $200. Surprise bottles arrive like birthday mail.
Imagine date night. Dim lights, Blanc de Noirs, chocolate-dipped berries. Easy wow.
Vs. still wine: Sparkly refreshes more. Bubbles scrub your mouth for next bite.
Ready to try? Your turn to make memories.
Pop a Schramsberg soon. Pick one tip here, grab a bottle, toast someone special. What’s your plan tell me in comments!
FAQs on Schramsberg Vineyards
What is Schramsberg known for?
Schramsberg is famous for sparkling wines made the old French way in California. Started in 1862 on Diamond Mountain, it’s the second oldest winery in Napa. They use hand-picked grapes from cool nights and age in historic caves dug in the 1800s. The Davies family revived it in 1965, creating crisp, toasty bubbles. It’s been the White House choice since 1972, toasting over 50 state events. They make 40 kinds yearly, plus still reds. Focus on quality oak ferment for rich taste, no machines for fizz. Perfect for celebrations or everyday joy.
How do I book a Schramsberg tour?
Call 707-942-4558 or go online to their site or CellarPass. Pick a date, time, and group size up to 10 people. Give names and email for confirm. No walk-ins; book weeks ahead, especially weekends. Tours include garden walk, cave steps (125 total), and four tastes. Options from basic $75 to VIP with rare pours at $150. Wear comfy closed shoes for damp floors. Kids welcome on grounds but caves for 21+. Arrive 15 minutes early. Cancel 48 hours before for full refund. Fun fact: See riddling racks where bottles turn by hand daily.
Which Schramsberg wine is best for beginners?
Go for Blanc de Blancs Brut 100% Chardonnay, dry with apple-lemon zip. Around $35, easy to find. Chill two hours, pour in tall glass to watch bubbles dance. Pairs with light foods like salad, fish, or chips. Not too sweet or sour. Smell citrus first, sip slow. If pink appeals, try Brut Rosé next for berry fun. Avoid J. Schram at start it’s aged fancy for later. Store upright, open gentle. Clubs ship this often. Beginners say it feels like fancy soda but grown-up.
Is Schramsberg family-owned?
Yes, the Davies family owns it all since 1965. Jack and Jamie bought the rundown spot, revived sparkling tradition. Now Hugh and kids run daily ops three generations strong. They farm 600 acres on Diamond Mountain, make 40 wines yearly. No big company buyout. Family tastings decide blends. Hugh quotes: “We honor Jacob Schram’s start.” Keeps it personal like home recipes. Vs. corporate spots, here you meet owners sometimes on tours. Green practices too all land cared kind.
Can I visit Schramsberg caves alone?
Absolutely, solo spots open on most tours. Book as one person no minimum. Join small groups up to 10. Expect 90 minutes: gardens, history chat, 125 cave steps down. Dim, cool tunnels with aging bottles. End with tastings. $75 start. Wear good shoes, bring jacket. 21+ for sips. Guides share stories to keep it fun. One visitor found peace in quiet racks. Book online easy. Pair with nearby hike after.
What’s new at Schramsberg in 2025?
Celebrating 60 years of Davies bubbly. Early August harvest from cool spring crisp grapes sabered open with swords. New events: Pebble Beach tastings, cave pop-ups. Sustainability push full 600 acres eco-friendly, more bird boxes. Rare Flora grape releases fruity. Vintage reports predict bright acid balance. Hugh hosts virtual chats on growing. Sales steady while others dip. Try anniversary blends soon. Green focus matches trends sparkling up 5% in California.