Korbel California Champagne

Key Info

• Located along the picturesque fir-covered hills just outside of Guerneville.

• 135 years of champagne making excellence.

• Iconic, Korbel’s first TV ad was on the Johnny Carson show.

• Open Daily for tasting 10:00-5:00.

• Walk-ins ok

• Pet friendly, must be leashed and remain in designated areas.

• Kid friendly.

• Complimentary, a key word for Korbel.

• Free tours that end with a bubbly tasting.

• Daily Walking Tour is 50 min and starts on the hour (11:00am-3:00pm)

• Garden Tour Tuesday-Sunday 1:00 – 3:00pm

• Visit the Korbel website for seasonal schedule changes. HERE

• Purchase food in the Deli and Market 9:00-5:00pm

• Korbel recently named Erica Mandi as senior winemaker.

• Mandi started as a lab tech at Korbel 20 years ago and worked her way up.

• Mandi says, “In the wine industry, specifically, we are just now seeing more women in positions of power.”

• Wide range of varietals that complement every celebration:

• Brut, California Champagne Chardonnay, Extra Dry Brut, Blanc de Noirs, Brut Rosé, Sweet Cuvé, Sweet Rosé, Sauv Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot, Zin, Cab, Cream Sherry Port.

• Korbel’s house style is fruit forward, fresh, crisp, clean, and approachable.

• Average price per bottle around $20.

• Million and ½ cases in yearly production.

You May Not Know

• Korbel bubbly ferments in the bottle from which it is served.

• Methode Champenoise is the name of this unique fermenting method.

• Result = many bubbles.

• Why is Korbel allowed to use Champagne for their wines?

• One of the original Korbel winemakers received wine certification/degree in the French Champagne region which, at the time, meant he could use the Champagne designate.

Sheila’s Recommendation

• I really want to come back and experience the raved about Garden Tour.

• Maybe in Fall when the ivy around the buildings changes color.

• I highly recommend visiting for lunch.

• A client of mine is up the road in Guerneville.

• On days when he is my last client I stop at Korbel on the way home.

• The deli is TWO THUMBS UP!

• I ordered gazpacho and grilled beef tri-tip.

• I also snuck in two of the local chocolate truffles.

• A peanut butter and then a champagne truffle.

• I can’t rave enough about the deli.

• Gorgeous location amongst the redwood trees.

• Gourmet sandwiches, loads of ‘treat yourself’ dessert options, and relaxing scenery.

KORBEL

#CabernetSauvignon #Chardonnay #Zinfandel #DessertWine #SauvignonBlanc #Pinot #Bubbles