You could drink Champagne on New Year’s. Or you could opt for something made more locally—a bottle that has all the pomp, circumstance, and joy of Champagne but with an American accent.
During the day, James Spark crafts the cult-ish wines at Liquid Farm. But at night, he’s working on Kings Carey–his personal project. As such, his wines are joyful, inquisitive and personal. Which doesn’t mean they’re not serious. He focuses on single vineyards and single varietals, looking to find the purest expression of his home region in Santa Barbara.
The Grenache is richly complex and the Chardonnay is abundant and slick with almond oil and lily. But on New Years Eve, try opening this sparkling wine. Made in the Champagne method from all Pinot Noir—very French of them—grown in Santa Barbara County. It’s pure, elegant, expressive, and, appropriately fun. $70
Kate Dingwall is a sommelier and wine writer. Her work frequently appears in Wine Enthusiast, Eater, Forbes.com, Vogue, and Food & Wine, and she pours wine at one of Canada’s top restaurants.
