Pop! Fizz! Cheers! What better way to usher in the holiday season than with a little bubbly? Here are some best California sparkling wines for every occasion now through the New Year.
J Vineyards Shifted Lens Brut Rosé
During the past year, J Vineyards welcomed three guest chefs-in-residence in Jenny Dorsey, Chef Preeti Mistry and Chef Shenarri Freeman. And while their time in the J’s acclaimed kitchen as part of the Shifting the Lens series has come to an end, a limited supply of winemaker Nicole Hitchcock’s Brut Rosé, packaged in three distinct ways as homage to each chef, are still available while supplies last. Delicate with perfect strawberry notes, it will make a statement on the dinner table or as a gift. $85
This is a classic Brut, with aromas and flavors of pear and dried apricot with hints of crème brulee and apple. It has nice complexity from the sur lies aging in the Methode Champenoise and has a refreshing crispness and lingering vanilla cream aftertaste that pairs exceptionally well with food. $45
This varietal features a heavenly combination of Zinfandel, Grenache and Syrah and definitely smells and tastes of strawberries and other red fruits. But even though it is made with heavier grapes, it surprisingly doesn’t weigh one down one bit. Quite the contrary, in fact, making this California sparkling wine the perfect way to start a celebration or celebratory night out on the town. $39
Sterling Vineyards Sparkling Blanc de Blancs
Aromas of green apple, lemon citrus, pear and lemon cream offer a fresh palate with fruit-forward flavors, zippy acidity and a creamy finish. Made from 100 percent Chardonnay and gorgeously fizzy, it is the perfect wine for toasting the season. $35
Representing only two percent of the winery’s annual production, the Pinot Noir-focused blend is assembled from the very best base wine lots produced each year. A special bottle for a special time of year, this varietal is dedicated to Jacob Schram, who founded the estate in 1862. It has a symphony of layered flavors ranging from vanilla and cherry to tropical fruits and honey. $130
Hello, white cherry! Rainier cherries are front and center in every sip of Notre Vue’s exceptional California sparkling wine. They are ever-so-perfectly complemented by a hint of acid thanks to green apple notes and just a touch of tropical fruit. Bonus: enjoy a touch of shortbread on the finish. $55
Crisp and sure to give a tickle to the tongue, this newly released dry sparkling wine has touches of strawberry and lemon peel. It is light enough to be enjoyed on its own, yet sturdy enough to stand up to any seasonal feast the season may bring. $42
ONEHOPE Sparkling Wine Silver Shimmer Etched Editions
ONEHOPE offers a bevy of glitter-covered and custom-etched bottles for its California Brut Sparkling Wine this year (pictured at top of page). The tropical, effervescent beauty boasts banana and pineapple as well as lime and even a hint of white pear to the taste. And the bottle? Enjoy it etched with “Thankful for You,” “Holiday Cheers” and even “Winenot?” all season long. $49
Domaine Carneros 2016 Late Disgorged Brut
This blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes is luscious and lingering on both the nose and palate. Expect an explosion of honeysuckle, toasted almond, lychee and brioche followed by baked pear and even a kiss of ginger in every sensational sip. $58
A blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this methode traditionnelle California sparkling wine is blended from the top vineyard lots to create creamy, complex wine with bright, red fruit character. The final blend ages 36 months for additional complexity and texture. $44
The grapes for this fruit-forward varietal are picked by hand and gently pressed to provide superior quality juice. It surprises with aromas of watermelon, raspberry and kumquat, and then tastes slightly of glazed pear and apricot followed by strawberry and red plum. The palate is tangy on entry with a mouthwatering acidity and a long, lingering finish. $32
Spice things up with this zesty sparkling offering, which is blended with bitters made from locally sourced oranges, dry orange peels and herbs. The bubbly blend, which has no artificial flavors and no artificial colorants, is a dizzyingly delicious sparkling citrus blast. $31