Domaine Chandon

Continue west on Oak Knoll Avenue for the very short distance to Hwy 29, which you cross, turning right on Solano Avenue, a quiet country road that parallels busy Hwy 29. Solano Avenue ends on the outskirts of Yountville and ahead of you lies Domaine Chandon (1 California Drive, Yountville, CA 94559) where sparkling wine is made following the principles and rigid process dictated by the French methode champenoise. A wooden footbridge spans the creek-fed ponds and huge oak trees lead to the winery tucked back into the hillside. Complimentary tours are offered on the hour between 10 am and 6 pm. First you see the fermentation process in polished stainless-steel tanks and then continue on to observe the additional steps involved in making sparkling wine. In the cellar, bottles of sparkling wine are aged and riddled (turned). In the bottling room you see the process of freezing then disgorging the sediment, corking, cleaning, and labeling the bottles. A visit here shows French and Californian vintners sharing expertise and working side by side. After the tour enjoy a tasting of three to five wines for $8 to $12. Select your favorite and purchase a glass to enjoy on the adjacent terrace. There’s an elegant restaurant that tiers down the hillside and in sunny weather lunch is served on the patio. 707-944-2280, www.chandon.com.