Los Carneros AVA

AVA since 1983 · Napa and Sonoma

Los Carneros, also called Carneros, is an American Viticultural Area in Napa and Sonoma counties, California, established on 18 August 1983.1 Two sparkling-wine estates founded by European families, Domaine Carneros and Gloria Ferrer, are located there.2,3

The AVA

Los Carneros was established by Treasury Decision ATF-142 (48 FR 37368) on 18 August 1983 and amended in 1987 and 2006. Both "Los Carneros" and "Carneros" are recognised as names of viticultural significance.1 The area lies across Napa and Sonoma counties.1

Like every AVA, Los Carneros defines geography only. It sets no rules on grape varieties, method or ageing for sparkling wine.1 The method used is the producer's choice, and both houses below work with the traditional method or describe it as their focus.

Notable houses

Domaine Carneros was founded in 1987 by the family behind Champagne Taittinger; according to the house, Claude Taittinger chose a 138-acre parcel for it.2 The house says traditional-method sparkling wine is its core focus and that its fruit comes entirely from 400 acres across six estate vineyards.2

Gloria Ferrer in Sonoma Carneros was started by José and Gloria Ferrer from Barcelona. According to the house, the first 50 acres were planted in 1984, the winery opened in 1986, and more than 300 acres are now planted.3

HouseFoundedEstate vineyards
Domaine Carneros1987400 acres
Gloria Ferrer1984 (planting), 1986 (winery)over 300 acres

Figures in the table are the houses' own.2,3

See also

United StatesRegionsAnderson Valley AVARegionsTraditional methodMethodsChampagneRegionsCavaRegionsPinot NoirGrapes

Sources

  1. eCFR (U.S. National Archives / TTB). 27 CFR 9.32 Los Carneros
  2. Domaine Carneros (official site). Our Story
  3. Gloria Ferrer (official site). Our Heritage

Facts checked on 2026-10-19