Out toward Guerneville along the Russian River is the destination winery of Korbel Champagne Cellars. Tucked in among giant redwood trees is a complete visitor center with a historic winery, fully stocked delicatessen and gourmet market, gift shop, picnic areas, a regular tour schedule and - yes - a whole lot of “California Champagne,” California varietals and dessert wines.

Three brothers from a small village in Southern Bohemia - which today is the Western Czech Republic - founded the winery in the late 1880s after successful occupations in the lumber, dairy and other businesses. They began experimenting with different grape varieties, including Pinot Noir, and soon were making sparkling wines using the traditional Méthode Champenoise.

The spacious tasting room in front of the old winery building contains a circular tasting bar, fireplace and crystal chandeliers. It’s a lively and popular place where you can taste sparkling wines, port, and sherry. There is an old railroad station on the winery grounds, where the Korbel Brothers’ own railroad line -- the Arcata & Mad River Railroad -- once operated.

The brick-built winery with the red tin roof has a festive European flair. Their extensive gardens feature over 1,000 varieties of plants and flowers, bulbs, perennials and annuals. More than 250 varieties of antique roses are displayed, with some dating back over 100 years.