The newest addition to our collection of Carneros vineyards, Entre Amis was planted in 2017, half to Pinot Noir and half to Chardonnay. Located on the Western end of Las Amigas Road, the vines look right out at the San Pablo Bay and gleefully absorb the bay's cool breezes that consistently blow through. These temperate breezes, along with the site’s Western sun exposure and gravelly soil form a trifecta of perfect Carneros growing conditions that result in silky pinot noirs and balanced, age-worthy sparkling wines.
Our Vineyards
We are winegrowers dedicated to crafting wine that expresses our unique Carneros terroir. Domaine Carneros farms 6 ranches in the Carneros AVA, and all of them are within 4 miles of the Chateau. Our Estate Vineyards now total 400 acres, 250 acres devoted to Pinot Noir and 150 acres planted to Chardonnay.
The Carneros, Spanish for ‘ram', spans the cool, southern ends of both Napa Valley and Sonoma county. Characterized by a long, moderately cool growing season sweetened by the breezes and lingering fog of the San Pablo Bay, temperatures in this American viticultural area (AVA) are slightly cooler than Burgundy, yet slightly warmer than Champagne. As such, Carneros provides optimum conditions for the slow, even ripening of and perfect balance in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes - the principal grapes in champagne and fine sparkling wine.
Situated in the very heart of the region, the Domaine Carneros estate encompasses 400 acres in six separate sites. We are the only sparkling wine producer to use Carneros grapes exclusively.
Entre Amis
Tula Vista
In 2011, our still wines winemaker TJ spotted this terrific site on Ramal Road right next door to Donum Estate. Tula Vista features a unique combination of heavy clay soils that retain nutrients, both West and Northern exposure, and slopes facing the windy Petaluma Gap, which funnels a consistent breeze onto the vines. We quickly concurred with our vineyard manager that this was an ideal site for both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and it has thus far produced fantastic vintages of California Chardonnay with bright flavors and fresh acidity.
Le Ciel Serein
We call it “Le Ciel Serein” – The Serene Sky – and it just might be the most picturesque ranch in Carneros. Certain generations of wine lovers may find these rolling hills alongside the Carneros Highway familiar – they were featured as the desktop for Windows XP for many years. This site was selected for its diverse exposure, and exceptional soils and was carefully planted to a wide variety of Pinot noir clones. Year after year it has proven itself by consistently delivering lush, aromatic, and exciting Pinot noir.
La Rocaille
The smallest parcel among our six vineyards is also among the first to have been purchased. Situated east of the winery on the south side of the Carneros Highway and marked by a line of pine trees, we selected this site in 1995 for its light soils, which have proven to be exceptionally fine for historic clones of Pinot Noir that go into our sparkling wines.
Pompadour
By 1991, Domaine Carneros was thriving and it was time to consider a second vineyard, joining the vineyards surrounding the Château. We found a perfect Carneros vineyard on the south side of the Old Napa Road. Driving from the winery to the town of Sonoma, you’ll recognize this vineyard for its unusual Y-shaped reservoir. Named for the famed Madame Pompadour who famously introduced champagne to the court of Louis XV, this vineyard is primarily planted in historic clones of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that we particularly like for our sparkling wines.
Domaine Carneros Estate
The vines surrounding our château were the first and only winery vineyard we had when Eileen Crane was hired as winemaker in 1987. The selection of clones and the quality of the planting (and perhaps the beauty of the site) were an inspiration to Eileen and led to the creation of Le Rêve and Famous Gate. Today, the vineyard is still appreciated for the wonderful production of both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.