Scharffenberger
ChampagneUSA
The most popular Scharffenberger sparkling wines are rated and compared to similar brands. A detailed description along with tasting notes are provided.
Scharffenberger Cellars was originally founded in 1981 by John Scharffenberger with an investment from the Pommery Champagne House. Roederer Estate purchased the winery from LVMH in 2003. The winery is currently under the Roederer Estate umbrella. Visitors are welcome at their serene Mendocino County winery.
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About
Scharffenberger Cellars primarily uses Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Vineyards occupy 120 acres in the Anderson Valley AVA, planted with the traditional grapes used to make French Champagne. They also have long term contracts with specific vineyards in Mendocino County.
Wine Tasting
Reservations are recommended for all wine tasting visits. The tasting room is open daily, excluding holidays. There is a small tasting fee which can be applied to bottle purchases. Wine can also be purchased by the glass or bottle. The tasting room is casual and welcoming. Local artwork is displayed and available for purchase. Visitors may also enjoy their wine on the porch or in the gardens.
Wine Club
Scharffenberger offers three wine club levels. All levels include discount rates on purchases, complimentary tasting for you and three guests at their sister wineries, Roederer Estate and Domaine Anderson, as well as invitations to winery events.
Annual Production
Annual production is about 35,000 cases.
Producer Style
Soft, crisp and fruit forward. Scharffenberger wines undergo malolactic fermentation for the most part, giving them subtle smoothness.
Producer Type
Scharffenberger owns about 120 acres of vineyards in the Anderson Valley and has long term contracts with specific vineyards in Mendocino County. Production uses traditional grapes used to make French Champagne.
People
Current Owner
Champagne Louis Roederer Group: The Rouzaud family owns Roderer Estate and Champagne Louis Roederer.
CEO/President
Frédéric Rouzaud, president and CEO of the Champagne Louis Roederer Group
Winemaker
Jeffrey Jindra has been Scharffenberger's winemaker since 2018.
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History
Scharffenberger Cellars was originally founded in 1981 by John Scharffenberger with an investment from the Pommery Champagne House. When Pommery became part of LVMH (Möet Hennessy • Louis Vuitton), Scharffenberger was transferred to the Veuve Clicquot external portfolio. John Scharffenberger left the company in 1996 to pursue property development and his chocolate company, Scharffen Berger. 1998, the winery retained the Scharffenberger name but switched the brand name to Pacific Echo. Roederer purchased the winery from LVMH in 2003 and changed the brand name back to Scharffenberger in 2004.