Escape to Domaine Carneros for a French-Inspired Wine Tasting Experience in Napa

Settling down with a glass of wine while you overlook acres of lush vineyards is the kind of setting that wine enthusiasts dream about. One of the best places to “drink in” the Napa Valley experience is Domaine Carneros, a vineyard that produces small quantities of sparkling wine and pinot noir. From its French-inspired wines to its French-inspired landmark chateau, your visit to Domaine Carneros will be one to remember.

A trip to Napa Valley is not complete without staying at Churchill Manor bed and breakfast in downtown Napa. Our luxurious inn is convenient to all of the best wineries, including Domaine Carneros! Download a copy of our free Vacation Guide to gain access to our recommendations for things to see and do during your visit!

The Link Between Champagne Taittinger and Domaine Carneros

The owners of this Napa Valley landmark have long been known in France as producers of the famous Champagne Taittinger. In the 1970s, Claude Taittinger brought his family’s wine-making prowess to Napa Valley when he purchased 138 acres in Carneros, Napa Valley. Soon, the winery was producing “quintessential California expression of the Taittinger style in Carneros.”

The Chateau

The landscape at Domaine Carneros is nothing short of breathtaking. In addition to the acres of vine-covered hills, the estate includes an elegant Chateau complete with a grand staircase, formal gardens, expansive terraces with incredible views. The stately production house (for pinot noir) is modeled after a French carriage house and sits behind the main chateau.

The Tastings

Domaine Carneros does not limit you to just one tasting option. Instead, you’ll be able to select from daily tastings or 3 different “specialty tastings.”

The daily tastings include wines by the flight or glass that are served either in the elegant salon or on the terrace. Enjoy a caviar and artisan cheese plate, if you wish! Tastings are offered between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. daily. Reservations are required. Same-day reservations are accepted.

Elevated experiences include “The Ultimate Chips & Dip,” which includes caviar and sparkling wine. Sample three of the estate’s most treasured wines alongside three half-ounce servings of Tsar Nicoulai Caviar’s finest artisanal caviars.

“The Sparkling Suite” is the perfect experience for couples. You’ll first be shown to a private chateau balcony where you’ll then enjoy a tasting of two sparkling wines and pinot noirs paired with caviar and charcuteries. To mark the special occasion, you’ll also receive a bottle of your favorite wine.

“Connoisseur’s Tasting” is a customized tasting of six premium wines paired with artisan cheeses, smoked salmon and more. You’ll also have a chance to speak with the esteemed Wine Educator, who will be able to explain the wines in detail to further enhance your experience.

The Tours

Before or after your tasting, you must make time for a tour of the estate. Reserve your spot in advance so that you can go behind the scenes on a 90-minute tour. You’ll learn about the method behind traditional sparkling winemaking, tour the estate vineyard as well as the winemaking, bottling, riddling/aging and disgorging areas in the château. Top it all off with a tasting of their classic sparkling wines during the tour and a seated tasting of the reds at the end.

The Best Place to Stay When You Experience Domaine Carneros

Complement your experience at Domaine Carneros with a stay at Churchill Manor bed and breakfast. Our historic inn, located in downtown Napa, offers you comfort, privacy, and all of the amenities you’d expect from a luxury boutique hotel.

All of our rooms are named after the region’s wine-growing growing areas. As such, you may enjoy staying in our Carneros Room. This queen room overlooks our garden and includes a four-poster canopy bed, a gas fireplace, a two-person soaking tub and a gorgeous slate floor inlaid with pewter. Wake up to enjoy a delicious gourmet breakfast before beginning another day of adventure in Napa Valley. We can’t wait to welcome you!