Domaine Carneros … and … Moments I Will Always Remember

Domaine Carneros

was certainly the grandest property 

we visited on our

Blogger's in Napa Valley trip!

Founded in 1987

by Champagne leader

Claude Taittinger

Domaine Carneros 

produces 

notable sparkling wine

and 

Pinot Noir

from California's Carneros appellation.

Driving through the 'famous gate'

up the winding road

through the spectacular grounds

I knew we were in for 

something spectacular!

The main building  was completed in 1989

 in the 18th century chateau-style

and was

  architecturally inspired by the 

Chateau de la Marquetterie

owned by 

Champagne Taittinger

in Riems France.

Taittinger was an enthusiast for western wines

who began scouting for properties in the region

in the late 1970's

realizing decades ago

what a promising future the area was to have.

Taitinger hand-selected

Eileen Crane 

as Domaine Carneros's

founding winemaker

making Eileen one of the industry's

pioneering women.

She continues to be 

Domaine Carneros's

first and only

sparkling wine maker.

The methode champenoise 

is applied to all sparkling wines.

(I had learned years ago

that only sparking wines made 

in the region of Champagne France

may be called Champagne

just as only whiskies made in Scotland

may be called Scotch.)

At Domaine Carneros

the views

were truly breathtaking

on a picture perfect day ...

For me 

being there that day

was unforgettable.

Not only for the immense beauty

and 

truly spectacular sparking wines

but 

also for  the people that joined me

on this remarkable adventure.

Being around others

like 

Charlotte who owns
C. Milan Communications
a PR firm
specializing in the  wine and travel industry

who arranged the tasting.

Charlotte is also 

a young mother 

who is just as passionate

about her new son

as she is about her stellar clients.

The passionate people at

Domaine Carneros

whose excitement

for their product

was palatable.

And, for  of course

traveling with some of my 

favorite bloggers

who now I am now honored to call friends.

It was all just such a moment in time for me.

It made me realize

just how happy I was to be back

in the working realm

and 

I kid you not

I had to choke back tears

at just what a meaningful

moment it was for me.

Feeling tremendous gratitude
to be working
in an industry I love
and
in complete awe
for the
ability to move forward
in designing a career
that is able to
synthesize
so many of my own passions.

In that instant

in the most stunning of vistas

I  also realized

just how important

courage can be.

How sometimes

accepting one's own venerability

and 

still moving through it

can take you to some 

incredible experiences in life.

Looking around

I committed that moment

into my heart

to remember

next time 

I am nervous or scared

to put myself out there

or 

try new roads.

That with 

courage 

and 

acceptance of the uncomfortable

there is so much 

great yet to be experienced.

Now

back 

to the  sparkling bubbles ...

Before my visit to Domaine Carneros

I didn't see myself as 

much of a sparkling wine enthusiast …

as many times

it gave me headaches.

What I learned was

I have not been drinking the good stuff!

Well, I Knew that!

But what I did leave with learning was

~ that the smaller the bubbles

the longer it has been aged

~ the less sugars present

equals less headaches after

~ sparking wine must be aged for three years to 

have a vintage label.

Thank you Sean  Donaghue

for your gift of 

educating information.

I must admit 

there was so much rich information

to take in

even with notes

there was so very much to learn!

I do think I need to plan

a refresher course

at 

Domaine Caneros

their  learning environment

is truly divine!

Another of my favorite parts of our visit

that was arranged by Charlotte

was meeting 

TJ Evans

who is the

Pinot Noir winemaker.

TJ spoke with both

a gardeners heart

and 

an artists soul

as he talked about that  ...

 the wine begins

in the vineyard …

and

TJ could tell 

the histories of each years vineyard happenings
and
their organic roots

down to the importance of

the flowering of the vines

and

 the scent of the bud break

to the magic in 

the Famous Gate.

Visiting
 Domaine Carneros

was an enchanting adventure

that I would highly recommend

if you find yourself

in the Napa Valley

It was as sparkling

as it was informative.

I even realized

I do indeed appreciate some bubbly

now I just know

I appreciate 

the tiny bubbles

even more!

As always my friends 

I wish you love and joy

as you style your life

disclosure - the tasting was compliments of Domaine Carneros. The opinions,
are my own.



Next week I will be completing my
Bloggers In Napa Valley series
sharing the rest of the our very luxurious trip
thanks to Mike …
our trusted and artistic
Napa Transportation limo driver.