Where can you find sparkling wines from organically grown grapes in Sonoma County?
At Amista Vineyards, just outside Healdsburg, sparkling wine isn’t just something we make—it’s something we’ve reimagined from the ground up.
All of our sparkling wines are crafted from organically grown grapes from our estate, Morningsong Vineyards. In June 2024, our estate vineyards were certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF)—a milestone that reflects years of commitment to farming with intention and care.
Recognized for Organic Innovation
Wine writer Pam Strayer of Organically Sonoma took notice, highlighting Amista first among just three producers in her article “Sonoma’s Organically Grown Sparkling Wines—Yes, Virginia, There ARE Some.” She described the experience as “a fun romp through nontraditional sparkling wines,” best enjoyed with popcorn and vineyard views. We couldn’t agree more.
A Rhône-Inspired Approach to Sparkling Wine
Today, we offer seven sparkling wines, all crafted using the méthode traditionnelle—the same time-honored process used in Champagne. What makes Amista distinctive is our focus on Rhône varieties and our willingness to explore.
How It All Began
It all started in 2008 with a class project at Santa Rosa Junior College. The result? A vibrant, cranberry-hued sparkling rosé of Syrah—unexpected, unconventional, and an instant cult favorite.
Three years later, we released our first Blanc de Blanc from estate Chardonnay. Around that time, winemaker Ashley Herzberg joined us. A kindred sparkling spirit, she helped shape what would become one of our signature wines—crisp, fresh, and elegantly expressive.
Building a Sparkling Portfolio
By 2013, our sparkling portfolio expanded with three new wines:
• Grenache, which has become Ashley’s favorite
• Fusion, our first blend, combining Chardonnay with small amounts of Grenache and Syrah
• Our first vintage-dated Blanc de Blanc
In 2016, we pushed boundaries again with Sparkling Mataró, made from Mourvèdre—an uncommon but deeply rewarding choice. (Mataró is a traditional name for Mourvèdre, linked to the Catalan town of Mataró.)
Innovation in the Bottle: Amistará
For our 20th anniversary, we created something entirely new: Amistará.
Instead of a traditional dosage of sugar and grape juice, we finished this Blanc de Blanc with a dosage of still Chardonnay—fermented in a concrete egg from the same clone as the base wine. That small decision transformed the wine’s texture and expression in remarkable ways.
Even the name tells a story. “Amista” means “making friends” in Spanish. “Amistará”—the future tense—captures our belief that wine is about connection, and that our journey is still unfolding.
Why It Matters
Becoming the first sparkling wine house in Dry Creek Valley—and later achieving organic certification for our estate vineyards—was never about being first for the sake of it. It was about following curiosity, embracing Rhône varieties, and committing to a more thoughtful way of farming and winemaking.
If you’re looking for sparkling wines made from certified organic grapes in Sonoma, you’ll find more than just bubbles here.
And yes—popcorn, too.
You’re invited to Taste with Us! Explore our sparkling wines and Rhône reds surrounded by our organically farmed vineyards.
Still Thirsty?
If you want to learn more, here is a curated list of resources.
What is méthode traditionnelle (aka Méthode Champenoise)?
