Napa and Sonoma Wine Tasting: "The Michael Jackson" Bubbles Lovers Tour

"The Michael Jackson"
(for those who love Bubbles)

Number of wineries: 5
Average rating: Unknown
Wine Route Rating: Beginner (100)
Likely highlight of the day: Schramsberg is supposed to have a great tour and tasting

Notes: I can only think of three people who have kept a chimpanzee as a pet: Clint Eastwood with his chimp Clyde in Every Which Way But Loose, the woman who's chimp ripped off her friend's face, and Michael Jackson with his special friend Bubbles. With such a rich history of human-chimp companionship, it's only fitting to name a wine tour after one of those couples. You'll notice barlinwine.com is light on reviews for these stops, being far more into Cabernet than Sparkling Wine, but for those of you looking for bubbly in Napa, this tour's for you.

Location	Start Time	Stop Time	Reservation?	Notes
Dean & Deluca (NR)	9:30	9:45	Not Needed	Pickup a delicious sandwich from the Dean & Deluca deli before heading to your first appointment
Schramsberg (NR)	10:00	11:15		A tour of Schramsberg's caves followed by a formal tasting of four of their sparkling wines
Frank Family (4.56)	11:30	1:00	Not Needed	Frank used to pour 3 champagnes at the start of the tasting, but they've trimmed things back. You can still get a sample of at least one as part of their Reserve Tasting. Ask for the Rouge! When you're done, enjoy your lunch at one of their courtyard picnic tables.
Mumm (NR)	1:30	2:30	Not Needed	No appointment required for a standard tasting on the patio at Mumm, but if you feel like splurging and the day is nice, make an appointment for their Oak Terrace Tasting.
Domaine Chandon (NR)	3:00	4:00	Not Needed	Enjoy a relaxed tasting in Domaine Chandon's tasting lounge or on their patio. Don’t leave without taking time to stroll through their art collection and grounds. As an alternative to tasting, Domaine Chandon also has the only fine dining restaurant within a winery in Napa, étoile (awarded 1 Michelin Star). They are open for lunch and dinner.
Domaine Carneros (NR)	4:20	5:30	Not Needed	Tasting at Domaine Carneros is more like enjoying some bubbly at a restaurant. They offer table service for all guests, allowing you to enjoy a glass or two of wine while you admire the late afternoon shadows from their patio.