Korbel
Korbel is one of America's best-known producers of sparkling wine, based in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County, California. Founded in the 19th century by the Korbel brothers, the winery has become a household name for affordable, méthode champenoise sparkling wine made in the United States.
Because Korbel is produced in California rather than the Champagne region of France, it is labeled as 'California Champagne,' a term permitted under a longstanding grandfathered exception in U.S. labeling law. The brand is widely available and popular for celebrations, brunches, and everyday sparkling occasions.
Korbel is one of America's best-known producers of sparkling wine, based in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County, California.
Read more about Korbel
Korbel is one of America's best-known producers of sparkling wine, based in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County, California. Founded in the 19th century by the Korbel brothers, the winery has become a household name for affordable, méthode champenoise sparkling wine made in the United States.
Because Korbel is produced in California rather than the Champagne region of France, it is labeled as 'California Champagne,' a term permitted under a longstanding grandfathered exception in U.S. labeling law. The brand is widely available and popular for celebrations, brunches, and everyday sparkling occasions.
History and Origins
Korbel was established by three brothers — Francis, Anton, and Joseph Korbel — who emigrated from Bohemia (in what is now the Czech Republic) and settled in Northern California. The winery, located along the Russian River in Guerneville, Sonoma County, began producing sparkling wine in the late 1800s.
The winery has remained a fixture of California sparkling wine production for well over a century. Its historic property, including old-growth redwoods and a distinctive tower, has long been associated with the brand's heritage.
Korbel has been owned by the Heck family for much of the modern era, with the family continuing to guide the brand's sparkling wine production and its position in the American market.
Production and House Style
Korbel produces its sparkling wines using the traditional method (méthode champenoise), in which the secondary fermentation that creates the bubbles takes place inside the individual bottle. This is the same fundamental technique used in Champagne, France, and distinguishes Korbel from tank-fermented sparkling wines.
The house style is generally approachable, fruit-forward, and crisp, designed for broad appeal and easy drinking. Korbel offers a range of sweetness levels, from drier styles to sweeter cuvées, allowing consumers to choose based on preference.
The wines are made primarily from California-grown grapes and are crafted for consistency and value, making Korbel a common choice for large gatherings, toasts, and mixed drinks such as mimosas.
The Range and What to Expect
Korbel's lineup includes several cuvées at different sweetness and price points. Common expressions include Brut (a drier, versatile style), Extra Dry (slightly sweeter than Brut despite the name), Brut Rosé (with a pink hue and berry notes), and sweeter offerings like Sweet Rosé and Sweet Cuvée.
The brand also produces Natural, a drier style, and various seasonal or specialty bottlings. Availability of specific cuvées can vary by region and season, so check the current selection when ordering.
Korbel is positioned in the affordable, value-oriented segment of the sparkling wine market, making it a practical choice for both casual enjoyment and events where multiple bottles are needed.