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Back in May, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit California wine country. Since that trip, I’ve been turned on to Domaine Carneros sparkling wine (sometimes incorrectly called champagne — that comes from France, not Cali!). I spent some time at the Domaine Carneros chateau and got the opportunity to meet Eileen Crane, president and founding winemaker.

{Eileen Crane, founding winemaker and president of Domaine Carneros, has been making wine for more than 30 years. Photo Courtesy Domaine Carneros}

Eileen has been called “Napa’s Most Powerful Woman” by Forbes and carries herself with such sophistication and elegance that I couldn’t help but be awestruck with her. I had to know: What does Napa’s most powerful woman serve at her holiday happy hours?

Eileen was sweet enough to share some holiday entertaining recipes and a little inspiration with me. “Cocktail parties are all about festive drinks, spirited toasts, great bites and creating an atmosphere that makes everyone feel sexy,” she says. “Madame Pompadour once said ‘Champagne is the only wine a woman can drink and remain beautiful’ and I agree, so sparkling wine is the base of every cocktail I serve. Bubbles create instant holiday spirit and are a cheerful way to celebrate, all season long.”

Cheers to that. Now here’s an idea: Buy two bottles of Domaine Carneros sparkling wine; one for you, and one for a friend. Tie a beautiful raffia bow and attach a handwritten cocktail recipe around the bottle’s neck and serve your best friend who needs a break one of these delicious sparkling wine cocktails.

{Tis the season for colorful bubbly cocktails! Photo By Ravi Dhingra/Courtesy Flickr}

Harvest Moon
4 1/2 ounces chilled Domaine Carneros Brut Rosé
3/4 ounce Sonoma Sparkler Raspberry
3/4 ounce St. George Raspberry Liquer
1/4 ounce St. George Framboise
2 dashes Angostura Bitters

Add all ingredients except the Domaine Carneros Brut Rosé to a mixing glass and give them a quick stir to mix. Add enough ice to fill the mixing glass to the top, shake for 5 seconds and strain into a chilled martini glass. Carefully pour the Domaine Carneros Brut Rosé into the glass and then very gently stir to mix. Drop a very thin slice of persimmon on top of the drink and sprinkle with nutmeg and sugar to garnish.

Golden Ginger
4 ounces Domaine Carneros Vintage Brut
1 crystallized sugar cube
2 drops Angostura Bitters
Sprig of mint

Soak crystallized ginger cube with bitters. Fill a tall flute with chilled Domaine Carneros Vintage Brut. Top glass with a sprig of fresh mint.

Find more ideas for champagne and sparkling wine cocktails.

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