Sierra Starr’s “Starr Bright” Champagne on Christmas

Surprisingly, a Sierra Foothills winery sells a champagne — Sierra Starr Vineyard in Grass Valley. We’re going to drink Sierra Starr’s “Starr Bright” Champagne on Christmas.

It’s a “bright sparkler with delightful melon flavors. It’s fresh, fruity and slightly sweet.” Sierra Starr’s motto with its sparkler: “We guarantee 68 million bubbles per bottle.”

We’ve enjoyed the sparkler at Sierra Starr’s summer music concerts at their vineyard, now expanded to include a new state-of-the-art winery facility.

Sierra Starr’s tasting room is at 124 West Main Street in Grass Valley. The tasting room is open daily from noon-5 p.m and until 8 p.m. on Fridays.

On Friday, December 27, from 12-8 p.m., Sierra Starr will host a “Three Bubbly Pairing” of its champagnes at its tasting room, and it is complimentary. “Come try our three bubbly wines paired with food and help get your New Years event squared away. Come try our Starr Bright Brut, Sparkling Peach and Sparkling Almond wines paired with fun foods.”

Sierra Starr’s wines are winning praise. Its 2011 Solstice Sauvignon Blanc received 88 points by Wine Enthusiast magazine, one of the highest scores for foothill Sauvignon Blanc.

“The 2013 growing season was long, warm and wonderful. We feel it will go down in the annuals as a great year for California wines, so be looking forward to that,” Sierra Starr’s newsletter said.