by Fred McMillin for April 24, 1997 How to Have a Sparkling Passover Prologue: Born in Bohemia, Joseph was a gunsmith, Anton a locksmith and Francis a cigarmaker. The odds were a million to one as they sailed to America in 1850 that they would found a sparkling wine company with sales today of over a million cases a year, including their latest creation, the first Kosher American Champagne certified by the rabbinical Union of Orthodox Congregations. Here are some of the milestones along the way: Milestones: 1882—The three Korbel brothers built their winery in the Russian River Valley, which you can still see today. 1895—Fermented in the bottle as it still is, Korbel's American Champagne is gaining international acclaim. 1934—The first case produced after the repeal of Prohibition is sent by the second generation of Korbels to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. 1941—America's preeminent wine journalist, Frank Schoonmaker, writes: "Korbel Cellars is among the most picturesque of California, with great redwood stumps twenty feet across, still standing among the vines...it is the largest producer of good California Champagne." [Nestled among the giant redwoods, it is just as charming today...a great stop on your personal wine country tour.] 1997—With annual sales of over a million cases of seven different sparklers, Korbel adds an eighth. It's Kosher, made in a popular style...a touch of sugar...subdued yeast and acids...not too intense for the casual consumer. Kosher California Champagne "Fermented in This Bottle" Korbel Champagne Cellars Guerneville, Sonoma County, CA Contact—Margie Healy, Ph. (707)869-6715 $12 Category: Recommended for a sparkling Passover Postscript: In 1935, second-generation Tony Korbel knew a bargain when he saw it. He bought Northwestern Pacific's old railway depot for what would become a tasting room. The cost? $5! About the Writer Fred McMillin, a veteran wine writer, has taught wine history for 30 years on three continents. He currently teaches wine courses at San Francisco State and San Francisco City College and is Northern California Editor for American Wine on the Web. In 1995, the Academy of Wine Communications honored Fred with one of only 22 Certificates of Commendation awarded to American wine writers.

Welcome to WineDay, the electronic Gourmet Guide's daily update. Monday through Thursday, WineDay presents a wine profile. Then on Fridays we present the Winery of the Week to take you through the weekend Current WineDay January WineDays February WineDays March WineDays 04/23/97 A Fine Wine for Passover 04/22/97 A Seven-Vineyard Chardonnay 04/21/97 Drink the Gold 04/18/97 Winery of the Week Raymond Vineyard and Cellar 04/17/97 A Chardonnay That Came to Play 04/16/97 The Longest Name in the Valley 04/15/97 Raising Syrah to New Heights 04/14/97 Learn to say Vee-oh-nyay, For come what may It's here to stay 04/11/97 Winery of the Week Mirassou Vineyards and Winery 04/10/97 When Cape Mentelle Rang the Bell 04/09/97 Where to Grow Merlot 04/08/97 What's Hot, What's Not 04/07/97 An All-Pro Pinot 04/04/97 Winery of the Week How the Pope Coped 04/03/97 The Larsen Legend 04/02/97 The Blush Gold Rush 04/01/97 It's the Grapes, Stupid

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