Korbel Champagne Cellars
Korbel Champagne Cellars has been producing California’s most beloved sparkling wines on the forested banks of the Russian River since 1882, making it one of the oldest continuously operating wineries in the state and the benchmark for affordable American sparkling wine made in the traditional methode champenoise style.
Tucked into the redwood forest along the Russian River in Guerneville, Sonoma County‘s Korbel Champagne Cellars occupies a piece of California wine history that few properties can match. Founded in 1882 by three Bohemian brothers who arrived from what is now the Czech Republic with an entrepreneurial spirit and winemaking knowledge, Korbel began producing sparkling wine in earnest after Czech-trained champagne maker Heck purchased the winery in 1954.
The Russian River Valley location is no accident. The Guerneville corridor receives morning fog from the Pacific that rolls up the river valley each morning, cooling the vineyards and creating the slow, gentle ripening ideal for the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes that form the backbone of quality sparkling wine. The same cool temperatures that make this region world-famous for still Pinot Noir also create ideal conditions for the base wines that feed Korbel’s methode champenoise production.
Korbel produces its sparkling wines through the traditional method, with secondary fermentation occurring in the bottle just as in the finest French Champagne houses. The Brut remains the flagship, offering crisp apple and citrus flavors at an accessible price that has made Korbel the wine of choice for American celebrations from family dinners to New Year’s Eve parties. The Blanc de Noirs, made from red-skinned Pinot Noir grapes, delivers a richer, slightly more red-fruited profile.
A visit to the Korbel estate in Guerneville offers one of the most distinctive experiences in California wine country. The historic stone building, draped in ivy and surrounded by old-growth redwoods, feels unlike any other winery in the state. The tour takes visitors through the cellar to see the riddling process and the large sparkling wine production line, and the tasting room offers flights across the full Korbel lineup alongside tours of the restored Victorian gardens.
Ready to explore more? Use our Wine Pairing Tool to match Korbel Champagne Cellars wines with your next meal, or take our Wine Personality Quiz to discover your ideal Sonoma style.
Frequently Asked Questions About Korbel Champagne Cellars
What is Korbel Champagne Cellars known for?
Korbel Champagne Cellars is known as America’s most popular domestic sparkling wine producer, making California Champagne by the methode champenoise (traditional method) since 1882. The winery is located in Guerneville in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County, surrounded by coastal redwoods, and produces several styles of sparkling wine including Brut, Extra Dry, Blanc de Noirs, and Brut Rose.
When was Korbel Winery founded?
Korbel Champagne Cellars was founded in 1882 by three Bohemian brothers who emigrated from what is now the Czech Republic. The winery was later purchased by Czech-trained champagne maker Franz Heck in 1954, who transformed it into a leading sparkling wine producer. The Heck family continues to operate Korbel today.
Is Korbel a real champagne?
Korbel Champagne Cellars uses the term “California Champagne” on their labels under a grandfather provision in US trade agreements that allows certain American producers to use the word champagne for wines made in the traditional method. Technically, champagne can only come from the Champagne region of France. However, Korbel does use the authentic methode champenoise, with secondary fermentation occurring in the bottle just as in French Champagne.
What AVA is Korbel Champagne Cellars in?
Korbel Champagne Cellars is located in the Russian River Valley AVA of Sonoma County, specifically in Guerneville at 13250 River Road. The Russian River Valley is known for its cool, foggy mornings and warm afternoons, which create ideal conditions for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes used in sparkling wine production.
What does Korbel winery tour include?
The Korbel Champagne Cellars winery tour includes a walk through the historic stone cellar, a view of the riddling process and sparkling wine production facility, tours of the restored Victorian gardens on the estate, and a tasting of Korbel’s sparkling wine lineup. The tour provides an inside look at how methode champenoise sparkling wine is made.
What is Korbel’s most popular wine?
Korbel’s most popular wine is their Brut California Champagne, known for its crisp apple, citrus, and light toast flavors at an accessible price point. The Korbel Brut has become the standard choice for American celebrations, particularly for New Year’s Eve. The Brut Rose and Blanc de Noirs are also very popular options in their lineup.
What food pairs well with Korbel sparkling wine?
Korbel Brut pairs beautifully with oysters, sushi, seafood, fried foods, fresh cheeses, and as an aperitif before dinner. The Korbel Brut Rose is excellent with strawberries, light charcuterie, and salmon. For brunch, Korbel sparkling wines are classic companions for eggs Benedict, smoked salmon, and fruit-based dishes.