AIR TIMES: • November 30, 2009 4:30 AM EST

Sparkling Wines of California (311)
Nestled between the Sonoma Mountains and the Napa River, California's lesser-known county of Carneros is a small, sparkling jewel that creates some of the world's finest sparkling wines. The maritime influence of the Pacific Ocean and San Pablo Bay are overwhelming, bringing cool temperatures, fog and wind that increase the acidity of the Pinot Noir grapes — so necessary to produce a world-renowned sparkling wine with structure and finesse.

Join host Kevin Brauch, a.k.a. "The Thirsty Traveler," as he rides the rails to Carneros county and lights up the dark Champagne Caves with glass after glass of vintage sparkling wine.

Resources

Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves
www.gloriaferrer.com

Domaine Carneros Vineyards
www.domainecarneros.com

Iron Horse Vineyards
www.ironhorsevineyards.com

Get all the Thirsty Traveler recipes and more, plus tips for making marvelous meals with wine, beer and spirits from around the world in the new Road Recipes cookbook.   Order Road Recipes today!

Recipe featured in this episode is listed below.