Photo courtesy of Schramsberg
It is one of the most unforgettable wineries in the Napa Valley. A slow ascent up its winding drive presents a canopy of trees so tall their tops cannot be seen from cars. A tranquil pond, complete with lily pads, holds a whimsical sculpture of a smiling frog who is raising his glass skyward. A wall of photos in the vestibule reveals illustrious history, a testament to its role in commemorating some of the nation’s most important occasions. And a reverent walk through cool, dark caves that were excavated by hand over a century ago reinforces mounting suspicion: there is something magical about Schramsberg.
While any guest may taste the magic, serious wine enthusiasts can drink it down. Beyond the standard tour and tasting is an esteemed alternative for those with a penchant for sparkling: Camp Schramsberg. Offered just twice a year to a deliberate mélange of industry professionals and consumers, each session is structured to balance hands-on participation in seasonally relevant aspects of wine making with general education on the appreciation of sparkling wine.
The fall Camp(September 13-15, 2009) focuses on the harvest, inviting campers to gather grapes in the vineyards, taste freshly pressed juices and base wines, and learn how variables such as location, method, clonal selection and viticultural practices combine to create finished wines. The spring Camp(March 14-16, 2010) invites guests to blend, taste and evaluate base wines from the previous harvest, learn the art of assemblage, and return to the vineyards to take part in pruning while learning about the budding of the vines. Instruction for both camps is personally hosted by CEO and head of winemaking operations Hugh Davies, and is supplemented by cave tours and other glimpses into wine making methods and process.
Yet, no Schramsberg event would be authentic without indulgence in the finished product. From the kickoff reception and dinner on Sunday night to a Tuesday afternoon session on food and wine pairings at the nearby Culinary Institute of America, to lessons on the Napoleonic tradition of using a saber to uncork sparkling wine bottles, the bubbly will flow. And, as any Schramsberg devotee will tell you, it’s all about enjoyment.
For more information, visit the Camp Schramsberg web page, or call 800-877-3623.
Related Links:
Series: Five Things You Haven’t Done in Wine Country
Pairing Food with Wine: The Enoteca Signorello Experience
Playtime for Foodies: New Programs for Non-Professionals at Culinary Institute of America
Interactive Wine Education with Meadowood’s Master Sommelier
Petite Weddings at Auberge du Soleil
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