A Historic Napa Estate

In 1862, German immigrant Jacob Schram planted vines on Diamond Mountain, just south of Calistoga, and his winery became one of Napa Valley's earliest. He and his workers dug caves into the mountainside to age the wine, among the very first in Napa. After Schram's death in 1905 and the arrival of Prohibition, the estate fell into decline. In 1957 it was named a California historical landmark. Then, in 1965, Jack and Jamie Davies bought the property with an audacious dream: to make world-class sparkling wine in California. For anyone looking to buy American sparkling wine online, Schramsberg is where the modern story begins.

America's First Craft Sparkling House

The Davies family restored the historic winery and released their first wine, a 1965 Blanc de Blancs, in 1967. Schramsberg calls itself America's first craft sparkling wine house, and its wines have been poured at the White House for decades. Jack passed away in 1998 and Jamie in 2008. Their youngest son, Hugh Davies, born the same year the family arrived and trained in enology at UC Davis, now leads the winery.

Caves, Patience and the Traditional Method

Schramsberg makes its wines in the traditional method, with the second fermentation in bottle and long aging on the lees in its historic caves. Fruit comes from cool-climate vineyards across California's North Coast, chosen for bright acidity and finesse. The family also preserves its commitment to the land: proceeds from its Querencia Rosé support a fund for protecting Napa County agricultural land.

The Brut Rosé

Schramsberg's vintage Brut Rosé blends Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from North Coast vineyards. It shows a pale salmon-pink color, aromas of strawberry, raspberry, cherry and citrus, and notes of brioche and toast from its time on the lees. The palate is crisp and lively, with fine bubbles and a clean finish that makes it as good with dinner as it is for a toast.

Why Schramsberg Matters Today

Schramsberg helped prove that America could make sparkling wine to rival France, and it remains family-owned and devoted to quality nearly 60 years later. For customers of Harvest Wine Shop San Diego, the Brut Rosé is a reliable, joyful bottle of classic California sparkling wine for any celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Who founded Schramsberg?

Jacob Schram founded the original winery in 1862. Jack and Jamie Davies revived it as a sparkling wine house in 1965.

2. Who runs Schramsberg today?

Hugh Davies, Jack and Jamie's youngest son.

3. Where is Schramsberg?

On Diamond Mountain in Napa Valley, just south of Calistoga.

4. What grapes are in the Brut Rosé?

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from California's North Coast. Proportions vary by vintage.

5. How is it made?

In the traditional method, with the second fermentation in bottle and extended aging on the lees.

6. Is Schramsberg Brut Rosé vintage-dated?

Yes. It is a vintage wine.

7. What are Schramsberg's caves?

Historic aging caves dug into Diamond Mountain, some dating to the 1800s and among the oldest in Napa Valley.

8. What does it taste like?

Strawberry, raspberry, cherry and citrus with brioche and fine, lively bubbles.

9. Is it dry?

Yes. It is a Brut sparkling wine.

10. What food pairs with Schramsberg Brut Rosé?

• Seafood: Salmon, shrimp, crab
  
• Poultry: Roast chicken, turkey, duck
  
• Starters: Charcuterie, bruschetta, fried appetizers
  
• Dessert: Strawberries, berry tarts
  

11. Has Schramsberg been served at the White House?

Yes. Schramsberg has been poured at White House events for decades.

12. Is Schramsberg family-owned?

Yes. The Davies family has owned it since 1965.

13. How should I serve it?

Chill to about 45 to 50°F and serve in a flute or white wine glass.

14. Where can I buy Schramsberg online?

You can buy it at Harvest Wine Shop San Diego, specializing in fine sparkling wine and California classics, with shipping to California and select states.