The Bubbly Girl's Sparkling Wine Goodwill Tour

So it's been a busy summer. Especially so since I'm working on gathering material and getting support from important people in the world of sparkling wine and Champagne for my book, The Bubbly Girl's Guide. I never even got to tell you about my fabulous trip to the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen!

In late July, I headed north to Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino counties with one goal: to visit every major sparkling wine producer in the area. Did I make it? You'll have to keep reading to find out...

My first stop was at my friends' home where we shared a simple welcome dinner of figs wrapped in prosciutto, a garden tomato salad with fresh herbs and goat cheese and grilled chicken breasts.

Our beverage? Bubbly of course. In this case, it was Iron Horse Vineyard's wonderfully creamy and refreshing Wedding Cuvee with a twist. The crystal flutes were filled with fresh blueberries first, which I'm told is one of Joy Sterling's favorite ways to enjoy bubbles. And don't you love Iron Horse's sexy new labels?