Santa Ynez Valley is known for some of the finest wines in the country, and even in the world. While traditional reds and whites are the usual choice for tasting wines by tourists in the valley, there are many individuals who like to indulge in the sparkling wine varieties.
California Sparkling Wine, though made with the similar method champenoise, cannot actually be called Champagne. In central California, sparkling is produced by over 30 winemakers in Santa Ynez, Solvang, Buellton, Lompoc and Los Olivos. The wineries in Los Olivos make up a great percentage of wineries which serve both red and white sparkling wine.
Though more winemakers are getting into incorporating “bubbles”, not every winery rates well in the type. In Los Olivos, only a handful of wineries will serve you a great glass of sparkling wine on your wine tour, or offer one up for buying. Take a look:
Tessa Marie Wines
Specializing in award-winning red and white wines, Tessa Marie also offers a sparkling wine based on the Vermentino varietal. The winery offers tastings too; wine enthusiasts touring Los Olivos can make an appointment for their Monday – Thursday wine tastings, though their sparkling wine tastings are only offered seasonally.
Blair Fox Cellars
If you want to sample a classic Grenache Rosé with sparkling twist, then Blair Fox Cellars’ Foxy Bubbles is a perfect choice. Predominantly producing Syrah, Vermentino, Petite Sirah and Grenache, they source their varietals from several different vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley regions.
Malibu Family Wines
Offering a large selection of Saddle Rock red and white wines for both tasting and buying, Malibu Family Wines’ Los Olivos location also offers a bubbly tasting menu. The generous pours include a Rosé and a Brut. If a bubbly wine is what you would like to sample on your tour to Los Olivos, make sure to stop by here.
Roblar Winery and Vineyards
With a 40-acre vineyard surrounding a stunning estate, with grounds which also serve as wedding venue, Roblar Winery and Vineyards is a great stop on your wine tour in Los Olivos. In addition to a collection of reds and whites, their tasting room also holds a Sparkling Rosé of the Sonoma County; the wine bubbles add to the complex flavor of the blend.
At Artisan Excursion, we offer customized wine tasting tours Solvang and other parts of the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. Book a tour with us today at 805-734-7565 to sample the fine sparkling Californian wines yourself!