The third winery on our sparkling wine review is the historic Domaine Chandon winery in Yountville. Several characteristics make Domain Chandon a favorite tourist spot. The winery was established in 1978 by the great French Champagne house of Moet & Chandon. An attractive and beautifully landscaped garden lead the visitor to the winery’s entrance. Domain Chandon also is the only winery in the Napa Valley that has a gourmet restaurant.
There are four levels of tours for the visitor to choose from, ranging from a 35-minute tour without tasting for $12 per person, to the Ambassador 35 minute tour for $30 per person that includes a tasting of 5 wines. Or, visitors can skip the tour and sit and sip some of Domaine Chandon’s various types of sparkling wines with appetizers. They also produce a line of still wines.
The E´tole Restaurant at Domaine Chandon is very exquisite and serves lunch and dinner. The prices are on the steep side, but the total experience is worth the price.
Sparkling winemaker Tom Tiburzi
As for the tasting wines, visitors are better off trying some of the limited releases of sparkling wine rather than the Chandon wines that are commonly found in most warehouse stores and wine stores. For example, the Riche, Chardonnay Brut, or the Pinot Rose are delightful choices. Sip slowly and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere provide by Chandon.
The Good: Great gardens, good tours, and very delicious sparkling wines.
The Bad: Weekends are very crowded, especially the summer months.