Korbel

SPARKLING WINE LEGACY IN THE REDWOODS

Korbel is one of the Russian River’s most familiar names, rooted in Korbel Champagne Cellars, founded in 1882 by the Korbel brothers (Francis, Anton, and Joseph) near Guerneville. Born in a redwood-era landscape of mills, camps, and busy river roads, the winery grew into a signature California sparkling-wine producer, and “Korbel” became a recognized destination in the lower river corridor. During Prohibition, the winery was able to survive in part by legally producing wine for religious use, helping keep the operation alive until repeal. Today Korbel remains a classic Russian River stop—historic buildings under the redwoods, tastings and tours, and a long thread of local industry and hospitality woven into West County’s resort-and-river story.