Winemaker Notes
As a product specialist for those global brands, happy hour was an essential job skill. Jayla loved it—until one trip to Hong Kong. After two weeks of toasting co-workers, she woke up at 5AM with a new vision. She wanted a lighter, everyday wine option that fit her professional, healthy lifestyle. The solution: Wine spritzers. The effects were great—she felt lighter on her feet, hydrated, and better the next morning. The problem? Bar-made wine spritzers didn't taste so great. So Jayla made it her mission. She quit her job to create a better, modern spritzer worthy of America's awesome wine culture. Between MBA classes, she consulted beverage experts. The spritzers had to share her values—real wine, all-natural, zero added sugar. She added electrolytes (why not?). After four years, Bon Affair is fully realized—a red wine spritzer (Syrah) and white wine spritzer (Sauvignon Blanc) that meet our very scientific criteria based on the question: "Is it kind of awesome?"
California enjoys a long history and proven reputation as an admirable source of sparkling wines. Agoston Haraszthy, who established Buena Vista Winery in the mid 1850s, first attempted to make traditional method sparkling wine in California in the 1870s. Shortly thereafter Korbel followed, and with great success. Today domestic producers such as Schramsberg, Iron Horse and J. Wine Co remain at the forefront of the market.
Since the 1970s the state has consistently attracted the attention and investment of large and respected European and French-based firms who are responsible for Domaine Chandon, Mumm-Napa Valley, Roederer Estate and Domaine Carneros (Taittinger), to name a few. Anderson Valley and Carneros remain standout regions for top quality Pinot noir and Chardonnay for these.