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Domaine Carneros

Carneros, CA

About

The Champagne Taittinger tradition was brought to California with the founding of Domaine Carneros in 1986. Beginning with 138 coveted acres, the Taittinger family was able to transplant their legacy and expertise onto the New World and redefine Champagne’s relationship with California sparkling wine. Located in the heart of the Los Carneros AVA between the Napa and Sonoma Valleys, gusty winds and a reliably cool climate make the 400-acre Domaine Carneros estate vineyards an ideal locale for sustainably growing the pinot noir and chardonnay needed to make ultra-premium  sparkling and still wines.
The portfolios of ultra-premium sparkling and still wines have distinguished Domaine Carneros as a benchmark for California wine. Those wines, crafted by Sparkling Winemaker Zak Miller and Pinot Noir Winemaker TJ Evans, reflect the unique terroir of Carneros while incorporating the rich legacy of Champagne Taittinger. That legacy is further reflected in the design of the Domaine Carneros château, which was inspired by the Taittinger family’s 18th century Château de la Marquetterie in Champagne, France.
 

People


Zak Miller – Sparkling Winemaker
Working alongside Founding Winemaker, Eileen Crane, opened to Miller a new realm of possibility in winemaking – sparkling wines – and he hasn’t looked back since. Through Crane and the Domaine Carneros team, he developed a deep appreciation for the versatility of both pinot noir and chardonnay in sparkling winemaking and the great skill required to craft beautifully balanced, elegant yet complex wines. And through his work as a sparkling winemaker, he grew to love a variety he admittedly didn’t gravitate toward originally – chardonnay – which provides the base for what he feels is its finest expression (and a personal favorite), Blanc de Blancs. Just prior to the 2020 harvest, Miller stepped into the role of Sparkling Winemaker, where he will be at the forefront of daily sparkling operations ranging from harvesting, cuvée blending, and tirage, seeing it all through the final sparkling wine process of disgorging.
 
TJ Evans – Pinot Noir Winemaker
TJ Evans grew up in Northern California, but his work has taken him to the world’s finest winemaking regions. After earning degrees from Amherst College and the University of California at Davis, Evans apprenticed at such legendary estates as Domain Jean Louis-Chave in France, Villa Maria Estate in New Zealand, and the Napa Valley’s Robert Mondavi Winery and Far Niente. Winemaking positions at La Crema’s Russian River Valley estate, and Alderbrook Winery in Dry Creek Valley helped Evans develop his love for pinot noir and expertise in crafting it. Evans then spent three years in Chile’s Bio Bio Valley helping create a pinot noir and chardonnay estate for Viñedos y Bodegas Córpora. Since his return in 2008, Evans has been developing Domaine Carneros’s portfolio of award-winning pinot noirs from diverse clonal and vineyard sources. His diligent work from vineyard to barrel has helped Domaine Carneros’s still wines reach the same level of acclaim as their iconic sparkling portfolio.

Eileen Crane - Founding Winemaker and former CEO
Crane is not only one of the industry’s pioneering women, but also the most experienced American sparkling winemaker with over 40 years to her credit and is widely regarded as the doyenne of sparkling wine in America. Her pursuit of excellence in viticulture, winemaking and hospitality has made Domaine Carneros an iconic American winery. After an incredibly successful career spanning 42 years, Eileen Crane stepped down from her role as CEO at the end of summer 2020.  She now serves as consulting winemaker for the team.

 

Press Highlights

News Articles


The T.J. Martell Foundation 3rd Annual Napa's Best Cellars Dinner to Honor Esteemed Wine Industry Veteran Remi Cohen, CEO of Domaine Carneros

6 November, 2023

Posted by under Domaine Carneros

THE T.J. MARTELL FOUNDATION 3RD ANNUAL NAPA’S BEST CELLARS DINNER TO HONOR ESTEEMED WINE INDUSTRY VETERAN REMI COHEN, CEO OF DOMAINE CARNEROS IN NAPA AT THE SILVERADO RESORT ON THURSDAY NOVEMBER 16 Napa, California – November 6, 2023 – The T.J. Martell Foundation, the music industry’s leading foundation that provides funds for innovative cancer research, is thrilled to announce the honoree for the 3rd Annual Napa’s Best Cellars Dinner. The esteemed wine industry veteran Remi Cohen, the CEO of Domaine Carneros will receive the T.J. Martell Foundation’s Corks and Commitment Award for her outstanding dedication to raising awareness of cancer research and support for patients. Remi's tireless commitment to fundraising, philanthropy, and her advocacy for cancer research aligns perfectly with our foundation's mission to find innovative treatments and cures. Her leadership in the wine industry, coupled with her passion for making a difference, makes her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award. Scheduled for November 16 at the Silverado Resort, Napa’s Best Cellars Dinner benefits the T.J. Martell Foundation, the non-profit entity championed by the music and entertainment industry which has raised more than $280 million to support innovative, early-stage research at leading research facilities, and, at University of California Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. According to Co-Chair and Board of Trustee member, Marc Reiter of Metallica, “Our goal is to create higher public awareness that the Foundation fills an important niche in the field of cancer, focusing on funding early-stage cancer research. Our investments in early cancer research play a critical role in developing the “proof of concept” necessary to unlock more significant National Institutes of Health grants needed to pursue clinical trials and exciting new treatments and cures for cancer.” Co-Chair Scott Lewis of the V Wine Cellar in Yountville explained that “The Napa’s Best Cellars Dinner combines an evening of superb wines, gourmet cuisine, and an auction with the tremendously important mission of combating these diseases and eventually finding a cure through research. Warren Christensen, Danny Cooper, Max Duley, Bruce Gearhart, Dave Graham, Scott Lewis, Dino Paredes, Marc Reiter, Jeff Smith and I are grateful for the generous support already extended, and we were especially delighted to honor Remi Cohen the CEO of Domaine Carneros as a special guest at this third annual dinner. Cohen is one of the most respected people in the wine industry, with a long list of admirers here in the Napa Valley and throughout the world. Like so many of us, her life has been touched by cancer, and we are both heartened by her energy and desire to actively join our efforts to eradicate this evil and relentless disease.” The Napa’s Best Cellars Dinner commences at 5:30 PM with a reception that showcases sparkling wines from Domaine Carneros. Additionally, guests have the opportunity to indulge in tastings of the finest red wines that Napa Valley has to offer, including selections from renowned vineyards such as Brilliant Mistake wines, Dakota Shy Winery, Detert Family Vineyards, Jay Smith Selections, Pneu Wines, Rewa Vineyards, Riise Wine, and more. This event provides a unique experience where California's top wine collectors and wine connoisseurs will generously share wines from their private cellars. They will do so while enjoying an elegant four-course gourmet dinner complemented by exceptional Grand Crus and vintage wines. This is an occasion where influential community and business leaders come together to savor outstanding wines and cuisine. Guests are drawn to an enticing range of high-end auction items, sparking enthusiastic bidding. These selections include deluxe travel adventures, VIP tickets and access to various events and festivals, unique experiences like a bass guitar lesson from Metallica's Robert Trujillo, and the opportunity to enjoy a dinner for ten prepared in their home by Top Chef winner Michael Voltaggio. Additionally, the auction features distinctive music memorabilia and rare wines and spirits from across the globe. Lynn-Anne Huck, CEO of the T.J. Martell Foundation, highlighted that the organization is the music industry's foremost foundation dedicated to financing medical research aimed at discovering cancer cures. She expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from Californians, whose contributions play a pivotal role in advancing vital research efforts that ultimately benefit individuals affected by these diseases. For more information regarding purchasing tickets or tables for the dinner please visit: https://TJMARTELL23NAPA.givesmart.com About T.J. Martell Foundation: The T.J. Martell Foundation is the music industry’s leading foundation that funds innovative medical research focused on finding treatments and cures for cancer. The Foundation was founded in 1975 by music industry executive Tony Martell and his colleagues in loving memory of his son T.J., who died of leukemia. The Foundation has provided more than $280 million for research at nine flagship hospitals in the United States. For more information on the T.J. Martell Foundation visit www.tjmartell.org. For more information follow us on www.facebook.com/tjmartellfoundation, www.twitter.com/tjmartell, www.pinterest.com/tjmartellfndn, and www.instagram.com/tjmartellfoundation For media inquiries: Michelle Gilmore mgilmore@tjmartell.org For more information about Domaine Carneros contact: Kimberly Noelle Charles, kcharles@charlescomm.com Photo Credit: Mario Piombo
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Domaine Carneros announces 2023 Holiday Sparkling Gifts

30 October, 2023

Posted by under Domaine Carneros

Domaine Carneros announces 2023 Holiday Sparkling GiftsGifting ideas for November and December Holidays Available Now Luxury Boxed sets, Cocktail Inspiration, Gourmet Treats and More October 30, 2023 Napa, CA - Domaine Carneros, the award-winning California grower-producer of Méthode Traditionelle sparkling wines, joyfully announces its 2023 holiday wine gift collections that feature creative new offerings and the comeback of popular favorites.  Curated by the team at the French-inspired château situated at the gateway to wine country in northern California, the winery enjoys dreaming up gifts and offering them with the ease of online shopping. New this year is the Sonoma Sampler ($170 plus tax & shipping) which includes a hand-picked array of Sonoma County delights: organic McEvoy Ranch EVOO, champagne vinegar, lemon olive oil, Italian Bruschetta, artichoke and almond tapenade, rosemary and olive oil flatbread plus Saucisson Sec from Journeyman Meat Company, paired expertly with the 2017 Domaine Carneros Late Disgorged Brut.  For every Sonoma Sampler sold, $5 will be donated by the winery to Feeding America, matched by McEvoy Ranch, which supplies 100 meals.   Another new offering is the Blissful Brunch gift set ($126 plus tax & shipping) which adds a sparkling flair to any holiday brunch. Consisting of a bottle of the 2018 Domaine Carneros Ultra Brut brimming with notes of pineapple and pear, along with a trio of brunch essentials: Finding Home Farms signature pancake mix, Runamok pure maple syrup from Vermont and Teaspressa's all-natural handmade instant mimosa cubes in orange, grapefruit, and lemon.  The Merry Mingling Set ($155 plus tax & shipping) which has been an Instagram and Tik Tok darling since it was recently launched, is also part of the winery’s holiday offerings. This elegant instant party includes a bottle of the 2021 Domaine Carneros Avant-Garde Pinot Noir sourced from all six estate vineyards, innovative appetizer trays, a trio of handmade small-batch party snacks from Black Bow Sweets in California: savory cashews, rosemary truffle candied almonds and perfectly sweet kettle corn.   All wine and gifts are available for winery pickup.  For receipt by Thanksgiving, the last day for ground shipping outside of California is November 13th, within California, November 18th.  For receipt by Christmas, the last day for ground shipping outside of California is December 13th, within California, December 18th.  Club members enjoy a 20% discount on all gift sets with $1 shipping on all orders of $149 or more, non-club members enjoy $10 shipping from November 1 till December 31, 2023.   For more elegant, thoughtful gift ideas, delicious recipes, or delightful pairings for your festive entertaining this season, please visit the Domaine Carneros blog. Happy Holidays! A votre santé! About Domaine Carneros     Founded in 1987, Domaine Carneros reflects the hallmark of its founder, Champagne Taittinger, in creating terroir-driven sparkling wine and preserving the quality tenets of the traditional method production.  Located entirely within the Carneros AVA, between Napa and Sonoma counties, the six estate vineyards total approximately 400 acres with 150 acres planted to Chardonnay, 250 acres planted to Pinot Noir. The winery focuses on making ultra-premium Carneros sparkling wines limited production pinot noirs grown on their estate vineyards For more information, visit: www.domainecarneros.com. Social: Domaine Carneros Instagram | www.instagram.com/domainecarneros Twitter | www.twitter.com/domainecarneros Facebook | www.facebook.com/domainecarneroswinery Media Contact: Kimberly Noelle Charles of Charles Communications Associates kcharles@charlescomm.com or 415.730.0064 {High Resolution photos are available for holidays items}
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Domaine Carneros Announces Official Start to Harvest 2023

25 August, 2023

Posted by under Domaine Carneros

Domaine Carneros Announces Official Start to Harvest 2023 August 25, 2023 - Napa, CA - Domaine Carneros, a leading grower-producer of estate grown method traditionelle sparkling wines and clonal driven Pinot Noir wines, announces the official kick off for harvest 2023 Friday, August 25th.   Given that sparkling wine requires high acidity for the process of secondary fermentation in the bottle, sparkling wine houses are always among the first to announce the start of harvest.  This year, given the prevailing cooler conditions up until mid-July, the harvest is slightly later than average. In addition, per CEO Remi Cohen, "A significant achievement for us this year is that the 2023 harvest was made possible by solar power with the winery's state of the art microgrid, an innovative technology that allows for energy independence." Sparkling winemaker  Zak Miller, who marks 15 years with the winery this year, and who took over the title of Sparkling Winemaker when founding winemaker and former CEO Eileen Crane retired in 2020, shared his thoughts on this season. "As we begin the third latest harvest in our history of 36 harvests, we anticipate that our patience and hard work throughout the year will be rewarded with high-quality grapes.   This year’s wet winter and cool growing season was a welcome relief but required intensive farming to bring us this beautiful fruit.  I love the extended hangtime that has allowed for maximum flavor development.   2023 reminds me of other cool growing seasons like 2018 or even 2011 which produced spectacular sparkling wines.  On top of that, our yields are finally back with slightly below average crop for chardonnay and above average crop for pinot noir, which is an increase from the last few low-yielding vintages due to drought." As CEO Cohen shares, "Great winemaking starts in the vineyard, and we are fortunate to have over 400 acres of sustainably- farmed vineyards, ensuring consistent top-quality fruit as a grower producer."   The winery has been awarded several prestigious honors from the state of California and other well-respected organizations. In April 2023, the winery received the RISE Leadership Award for outstanding waste prevention and greening of its supply chain. In 2020, the winery received the Napa Climate NOW! award for being a Climate Champion in the Business Category.  The winery also received the California Green Medal Business Award in 2019 for "demonstrating smart business through efficiencies, cost savings, and innovation from implementing sustainable practices."   ABOUT DOMAINE CARNEROS   Founded in 1987, Domaine Carneros reflects the hallmark of its founder, Champagne Taittinger, in creating a vision of terroir-driven sparkling wine and preserving the quality tenets of the methode traditionelle of sparkling wine production. Located entirely within the Carneros AVA, between Napa and Sonoma counties, the six estate vineyards total approximately 400 acres with 150 acres planted to chardonnay, and 250 acres planted to pinot noir. The winery focuses on making ultra-premium Carneros sparkling wines largely estate grown and limited production pinot noirs. Domaine Carneros has been a Bay Area Green Business since 2014, Fish Friendly Farming certified since 2015, Napa Green Vineyard & Winery since 2014 and is Certified by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance since 2015.   For additional information, images, and interview requests, please contact Kimberly Noelle Charles of Charles Communications Associates at kcharles@charlescomm.com or 415-730-0064.
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