Domaine Chandon
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 9:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Private Lot
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: No
- Takes Reservations: Yes
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: No
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Good for: Dinner, Lunch
- Alcohol: None
116 Reviews for Domaine Chandon
One of Domaine Chandon's Favorite Reviews
I LOVE champagne (who doesn't, right?). Therefore, I love Domaine Chandon. We went on a weekday, so it wasn't crowded at all, and we got excellence service from a guy who looked like a winery was the last place he should be working. All first impression judging aside, he was extremely helpful and talkative. He also let us taste everything, even though we only signed up for the less expensive flight.
My favorite thing I tasted was their sparkling red. It really messes with your senses because it's bright red, but bubbly like champagne. I loved it.
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I was way to inebriated to have champagne after consuming 20+ different types of wine at the other winerys. I came here with a friend to walk the liquor off before dinner and ended up sleeping on the lawn. Great view and a tranquil atmosphere makes for a great place to take a nap.
Everything you need is in the parking lot. The nice lake, where you can cool off on any hot day is inviting. There are no lockers, but you can park very close by. I don't think there are any showers, but I never looked inside. The grounds around the lake are pretty.
DO NOT GO INSIDE. THE PLACE SMELLS OF A BAD MOTEL. THE SERVICE IS IMPERSONAL; WHICH MAKES SENSE BECAUSE IT GETS BUS LOADS OF TOURS. THIS IS TOURIST CENTRAL. DON'T GO.
For a real tour, service, and fine sparkling wine try Schramsberg, Mumm, or anywhere else.
On a company trip, this was the start of our trip, with many more to come. This place is elegant and clean. Their wines are good. The sparklings wines rise above the occasion.
The tours are nice and informative of the wine/sparkling process. More to come.
Domaine Chandon was the second stop of French founded wineries for the day. This visit was much anticipated considering the quality champagnes delivered from the house of Moet & Chandon.
This Napa Valley winery was easy to find literally right off Highway 29 with a large Chandon arch to lead the way. The grounds are anything but intimate, rather akin to a small scale state park with large walkways sloping out over the expansive property.
The usage of local art throughout the grounds lends some character to the otherwise sterile modern design. Out front, a sprawling rock garden mimics foot tall mushrooms precariously standing under a grove of trees. The main building is cleverly designed for ease of traffic with walkways that lead visitors up to the roof overlooking the lower entrance they initially entered from.
The tasting room showcases a boxed in area and a few scattered square tables. Although there is no table service, it is possible to carry selections back to the seating area rather than knocking elbows at the crowded bar. Visitors can pick up orders of appetizers(Hog Island Oysters on the weekends) at the adjacent bar. There is a sunny outside seating patio better suited to parties ordering bottles.
Flutes in hand, I retreated to a table to reflect on the selections. The Prestige Cuvee tasting offered the etoile Brut and Rose. The etoile Brut was as expected with a strong initial aroma and a smooth slightly caramel and very creamy body. The etoile Rose was a tad more interesting with a combination yeast and fruit nose. The light refreshing flavor of dark cherry contained a whisper of cocoa at the finish.
The Reserve tasting provided an overwhelming collection of Bruts that triumphed the etoile sparklers. The Chandon Brut Classic aged 2 years had a pleasant fruity aroma and strong apple and pear taste with a light spicy finish. The Reserve Pinot Noir Brut was the most interesting of the bunch with an oaky butter aroma followed by smooth dark plum mixed with a creamy toast flavor.
At $15 a tasting, the only added luxuries were the 2 souvenir flutes and very little personalized service. The last 2 tours had been cancelled for the day, so those will have to wait until another visit. Through the outdoor patio and down the steps, we found ourselves at the forefront of the building to peruse the gift shop a bit before departing.
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How you know it's your first visit to Wine Country: You pose with your glasses of wine.
That's according to my sister. I say I posed because this place has the vibe of Housewives of the OC. Bunch of ladies (not gals or chicks, but ladies) in nice dresses, holding glasses of champagne, with nicely styled blonde hair. Some generically attractive guys with collared shirts. Then there's us, four Asian girls in jeans posing for the camera.
I was enchanted just walking in from the parking lot: a sculpture of their star logo in the front (which reminded me of NBC's the More You Know PSAs...not so cute), rocks designed to look like mushrooms (very fairy-ish) My friends and I posed for pictures, pretending to sit on the mushrooms. A couple after us actually did, so I'd say they're pretty sturdy.
The entrance leads you into really nice art, restrooms. I think tours start there too; they were over when we arrived. Tastings are upstairs in the lounge. There are set tasting menus and little (expensive) sides such as bread. The wine can be tasted indoors or outside where there's a bunch of open space to stand around, sip, and look pretty (I'm stuck in Housewives mode).
I tried the classic tasting menu, 4 kinds. Sigh, champagne always disappoints me. I really liked it the first time I drank it but not so much subsequent times. I guess I like the idea of something alcoholic that's bubbly and mixable with fruity juices. Also, as DD I couldn't really drink, so I ended up swishing (and dumping) most of it. Whatta waste. But I got to keep the glass =)
Speaking of champagne, don't call it that. They call it sparkling wine. From my own repertoire of knowledge (meaning it could be false), champagne comes from a specific place in France. It's like Kleenex, trademarked but everyday people use for an entire class of objects.
Overall, a beautiful place to end a first trip to Wine Country.
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Domaine Chandon was the last winery we visited yesterday. We were a little wine-d out by the tastes we had at Beringer and V. Sattui, so we opted out of the tasting, but we still appreciated their tasting room and the overall grounds. The tasting room was definitely the nicest looking out of what we had seen and would have been a great setting for sipping some bubbly, especially if you had gone to the outside patio to enjoy the late afternoon sun.
Their pricing actually was fair- $15 for different levels of their wine. They also sell little appetizers, which would have been nice as you didn't have to think about what would have gone well with the different wines. I almost wish that I had skipped the free tasting at V. Sattui to try out the sparkling wines here instead. I would have liked to do the tour as well since champagne-making has always had such a mystique about it.
I liked seeing the little stone mushroom garden they have near the entrance of the tasting hall. It was very cute, just a little whimsical feature that you don't really expect to see. I also liked that they have a garden showing the grape vines at different ages and stages- it was educational for us all.
By the way, as an aside, Domaine Chandon does sell their sparkling wines at Safeway. I went to Pak 'n' Save today and found that their $22 wines were selling for $12.98 with a club card. At that price, I think I can just buy a couple of bottles and do a tasting of my own at home.
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One of my favorite Napa stops!! Love the tasting room and the champagne is great! Be sure to buy the cheese/bread plate!
First of all, another great vineyard - beautiful, nicely designed and tasting room very spacious.
Wine - Better than average, although not "impressive"
Staff - Very friendly, very approachable and very knowledgeable
Hour - they opened till 6pm.........yeah!
How do you spend a beautiful Sunday afternoon in what is supposed to still be winter? Going wine tasting, DUH.
So we arrived at Chandon and I was immediately intrigued by the tranquility of the place. Everything was so calm and warm, I felt totally at ease for my first wine tasting trip. Granted, it was SPARKLING wine, and to everyone who has seen me at DYL drinking anything with effervesents knows that I get super nom nom after about 2 glasses on an empty stomach.
We walked straight into the VIP area (hellloooo I'm ELITE 08 you better RECOGNIZE) and was helped by a very charismatic young man. Pinot Noir Brut for our free, first glass, and we ordered the Salmon and Creme Fraiche appetizer as well as the Cheese Plate.
Now, I'll let you all in on a secret--I don't like Salmon *el g4sp!* But when you prepare it in a way that even I will devour it--its good. The cheese was fresh and excited my palatte. Then again, my palatte is a whore.
After finishing the brut and eating, I was starting to get sunburn and heat stroke-ish, so we moved inside. Honestly, I don't like smelling like sunblock. It further reminds me a) that I'm whiter than Casper and b) that I can't flirt with anyone because I won't smell like pheramones, I'll smell like fucking SUNBLOCK. Find me someone who gets turned on by that and I'll give you a million dollars.
The Reserve tasting was fanTABULOUS. I've had some shitty sparkling wine/champagne before, and it was like a breathe of fresh alcoholism. I took out his camera and started snapping random shots, because when Panda gets buzzed and has access to a camera, suddenly she goes from being a lens attentionwhore to a snapfuckinghappy paparazzi.
I bought a bottle of the Pinot Noir Brut to continue such a heavenly feeling at home, and it's chilling in the fridge as I write this. Plus, they gave us the champagne flutes with their logo on it! My first piece of dinnerwear! Did I say that right? Do I care? Not really.
When I have the money, I'm going to get a membership here. That should say a lot to you people, because I am a stingy motherfucker.
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I've never really liked champagne. But then again, I've only drank that disgusting cheap crap they serve at cheap asian weddings.... or the cheap stuff they serve at "champagne brunch."
Now I understand why people like this stuff..... We went there and sampled our way through about 8 diff bubbly-s.... and walked out with two bottles chilling in the fridge right now. MMMmmmmmmm...... This stuff was GOOOD!
Tasting menu was vast and had plenty of variety. Unfortunately the appetizer menu for the drinking area was extremely limited.
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What started out as a five star is going to be a 2.5. I have been a wine club member since last May. Yes, that's what happens when a bunch of drunk girls getting together for tasting all whip out their pen to sign the dotted line. Then I get the postcard in the mail with "Your shipment is ready for pickup" - WTF? Anyway, I am a member at various wineries all over Napa and just don't have the time to pick up shipments. And no, I'm not paying for shipping. $40 shipping for 2 $18 bottles once -and that IS NOT happening again.
Anyway, beautiful grounds to wander and take pictures. Members only gets a private tasting area with comp 2 glasses on pickup. 20% off food and 20% off if you order by the glass or bottle, 30% off 3 or more bottles you buy downstairs. Complimentary bottled water otherwise it's $1.50. My husband and I love the exclusivity of being members but I had to make a game time decision last Aug. I emailed them to cancel and never heard back. I stupidly assumed it was done. WELL, I don't always look at my credit card statements and just pay but now last month --- I saw a charge from Chandon and called the number on the statement to cancel. After leaving a msg. No call back. Forgot the broad's name. Anyway, I am mentally minusing stars from Chandon and call their tasting room to talk to someone about this. I am finally routed to the right person who does not apologize for still charging my credit card. I am still liable for the wine and the charge is already on the card so pay up sister. He tells me I have to pick up my 9 BOTTLES at Chandon as they have been waiting since last year!!!!! WHAT THE FUCK! I got no postcard - nothing to come get my shit. I am now officially cancelled and the sorry is that I will get my membership pass card to get my 2 drinks on when I pick up my 9 BOTTLES. I will add the bottles to my all ready overflowing wine rack.
Here's where it gets hairy. We go that weekend to pick up the wine. My husband wonders if we need the handtruck and how and why do I always get myself into shit like this. Hence, he's not happy. He's missing a Laker game to handle my crap. I go to pick up and this skinny curley cue blonde woman helps me. I tell her pick up please and she looks for my name and highlights a shit load of shipments and says come back since they have to get it ready. Fair enough. Well, I ask my for my day pass (since they never sent me a fricken members card) and she looks my name up on the computer and says "Sorry, you cancelled, I can't give you anything". I explain to her that I tried to cancel 6 months ago that's the least Chandon can do is give me my 2 free drinks. I am only picking up 9 f-ing bottles. Plus, I had to drag my ESPN loving husband out to help me. After, quoting what dude said on the phone the other day, she reluctantly gave me the little paper card saying that it's my last one and that "I won't get it next time". NO SHIT SHERLOCK. It was like it was coming out of her paycheck.
Anyway, she was the crappiest customer service ever. We had really nice people (servers) upstairs so I think she was an exception. I will drink my 9 bottles and from now on will wait till they go on sale at Safeway. Too many other good wineries out there to act like that. I mean their stuff is good but not orgasmic where I am choosing that over an orgasm. NO.
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My favorite winery!!! They have a great tasting menu for about $15 a person!
You start off by choosing a menu of the type of wine you like to taste, I would recommend the Prestige Cuvee.... their etoile brut is soooooo delicious! I left with buying a bottle and every time I have a party to attend or a gift to give, I would buy this bottle and everyone loves it!
The people there are very friendly... I would recommend you taste your wine outdoors because the inside is just a large room but the outdoor view is beautiful!!!
You should definitely stop by here if you're on your way to some wine tasting!
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The Lovah and I took my mother-in-law here... isn't that what you do with the in-laws, bring them to wine country?
First, I love the rock mushrooms. I didn't take any pictures of people while we were out that day, but I took three shots of the rock mushrooms. They're my new most favorite assemblage of, you know, rocks.
It was a gorgeous sparkly Saturday, and we had a convertible something-or-other from Zip for the day. (How Bre describes cars: it was dark red. And it had wheels, and no roof. Heh. Um... SAND! *throws particulate matter and runs*) We took our time driving there, so Moms could enjoy the scenery and because we got lost. Mostly the second one. We'd had a decent breakfast, but then we spent hours holding maps upside down and other sitcom chicanery. We stopped at a little creamery for fortification, but I just wasn't feeling ice cream at that point. Then we rejected a whole string of wineries before ending up here. My point is, I was goddamn hungry by the time we cruised into Chandon.
And I was the only one. So, we traipsed the grounds for a while, which are surprisingly tranquil for a place so crowded. I, at least, was pretending to be some benevolent heiress who had generously opened her estate to the filthy rabble, but I suspect I was alone in that particular activity.
When I finally managed to drag my companions up to the tasting area, they were still largely uninterested in food. Cranky-hungry though I was, I didn't want to make a complete pig of myself. Thinking of the ice cream I had (stupidly) passed on earlier, I ordered up one of their orange creme brulee. Yes, for lunch. Bitch. We also ordered a bottle of the Brut Riche to share.
The brulee really surprised me, it was much better than I expected. So often, a place will throw some custard and sugar under the broiler, and the whole thing will be warm - shameful! But no, out came the blowtorch, and I got lovely cool custard and crackly sugar crust goodness. And the sparkling wine was wonderful too, fruity and (natch) rich with enough acidity to keep it from being too much; pairing it with a creamy, fruity desert probably wasn't the best idea, but you can hardly blame my cravings on the wine.
My husband was driving, so he only had one glass. His mom, it turns out, isn't so crazy about fizzy wine. Which left me to drink most of the bottle, on a mostly empty stomach (because two folks who weren't hungry sure changed their minds fast when they saw my delicious treat). Have I mentioned the effect sparkling wines have on me? Did anyone see that episode of Sealab where Sparks gives them all pills packed with fugu toxin? Well...
And so, Chandon, thank you for the opportunity to make a complete ass of myself in front of my mother-in-law with your yummy wine on your beautiful property.
And thank her for not making her son leave me there.
I went here to check out the lounge and do some tastings. I was impressed by the bubbly. Needless to say, I left with a couple of bottles.
However, I found the tasting bar to be too impersonal for my own preference and the atmosphere was slightly lacking in character. The scenery outside is very nice though.
I'd like to try out the restaurant sometime!
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There is nothing like lunch al fresco at Domaine Chandon! Enveloped by gorgeous scenery, it is a wonderful place to pass the time on a beautiful valley summer day --- even better with a glass of Domaine Chandon sparkling wine (yes, champage but, it can't be officially called that because it's not grown or cultivated in the French region of Champagne). My favorites are the Brut Classic and the Chardonnay Brut. Crisp, refreshing --- oh can we go now?!!?!?
Visit Domaine Chandon online at:
http://www.domainechan...
Having been a Private Cellar member for the past 2.5 years, I love this vineyard. I generally like their regular sparkling selection and I have a special appreciation for their etoile' variety. Liquid gold as some would say!!!
Try the Sparkling Red whenever in adventurous mood!!!
The still wine selection is also good especially the Reserve Pinot Noir selection.
Ignore the Brut Classic. This wine to Domaine Chandon as the C-class to Mercedes-Benz or the 3-series to BMW.
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It's a simple winery- nice views and setting. Would be great during the warm weather.
Luckily there was sun when I went so it was just gorgeous with the ray reflecting on the lake they had. A slight breeze as the sun went down.
I loveeed the bubblies! And for $10-$15 for the tasting, it was a great steal. You also go to keep the logo flute. The only thing that felt too much was the bread and cheese platter. $15 for that isty bit thing? No thanks; I'll run to the nearest Nugget or Trader Joes. Or better yet, bring your own picnic.
I really loved the Classic Collection that was $15. The classic brut was my favorite. Staff was extremely friendly and helpful.
I really wanted to try the Etoile Resturant. The food smelled so good!
I'd come hear again--esp. on a summer day; the bubblies were so refreshing. Very simple and hint of sweet taste to each one of them.
i'm not much of a wine guy, but this was fun. paid $20 dollars for a tour/tasting. learned a lot about sparkling wine and what goes into it. the tasting was ok. the actually winery was beautiful. yea not much to say because i'm more about the food than the drink!
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Domaine Chandon is a large winemaker that produces a great deal of champagne. There were really nice and pretty grounds leading to the vineyard and upstairs patio. They also serve champagne cocktails and appetizers and have a restaurant. For California champagnes in this price range, my favorite is Scharffenberger, but I like the Cuvee M pink champagne from here - the rose nature pairs perfectly with dryness to produce a delicious taste. The place was a little corporate and disorganized though.
Of course there is going to be a little bit different etiquette at a champagne vineyard, but a tasting is more like a sip here. Both times I've been here the staff seems disinterested like they have somewhere better to be. And they won't even comp the tasting fee if you buy multiple bottles. I think I got 10% off if I bought 3 or more bottles. Save your money and buy them at half price from your grocery store when they're on sale. I enjoy their sparkling wines, but not their tasting experience. The property is beautiful I must say.
one of my favorite wineries. i know there are a lot of haters (says it sold out to the so cali vibe) but it's definitely my cup of tea. the riche is to die for! i can't find it here in southern california. the domaine chandon grounds are beautiful. you should definitely take a looksee when you come up to napa.
A must stop in your far North Bay travels. Tasting is well worth the price...then you get the bubbly of your dreams to take home!!
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this was my first winery ive ever visited on my trip to napa. im not even going to lie...this place is absolutely beautiful. coming here on a warm summer day is a must. i loved the tour. seeing all of the barrels on wine made me wanna take one home. to bad it were to big. during the tour i swear in one of the main room the smell of wine was so strong that i thought i was getting a quick buzz. no joke.
the staff are very nice. yea, the staff are friendly and the tour was great but lets be real...i was here for the tasting. i love champagne and these bubbles were very good. i walked out of there with a several bottles for myself and some for the friends and family. this is a must visit during a napa trip trip but if its to far you can find damaine chadon at your local grocery or bevmo! locations.
It's less of a winery and more of lounge. I'd enjoy coming here with a group of girlfriends at night, and the grounds are really lovely, but it's not the best place for a true winery experience.
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If you're touring the area, I would recommend stopping by. Picturesque surroundings and interesting sculpture like the rock mushroom garden definitely encourages picture taking. Place is known for their sparkling drink selection, so come if you like champagne.
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i was not impressed. the tasting room looks like a conference room and doesn't have any character. if you want to do a sparkling wine tasting in wine country, i would recommend going to either gloria ferrer, mumm, or domaine carneros.
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Wow! It's been 5 months since I wrote up a Yelp review. Sorry, Yelp! Been a bit busy lately...
But here's a nice comeback review:
My birthday happens to be New Year's Day and instead of doubling up for my birthday with New Year's celebrations. I wanted to spend my birthday on its own day so January 2nd it was. I told my bf that I wanted to have my birthday dinner at Ad Hoc since I've been wanting to try this place forever and I thought it would be fun to go for a drive to the Napa Valley on top of it. I had made reservations at Ad Hoc for 5:30pm and we arrived in Yountville around 4pm so we had some time to kill before our reservation so decided to check this winery out. I've been to Yountville numerous times but for some reason had never stopped by this place before.
I was very surprised by this visit. It was the day after New Years and still the tasting lounge was packed. I must first mention that the grounds are beautiful and quite romantic. I agree with all the reviews about the amazing architecture and natural art throughout the grouns. Those gigantic rock mushroom sculptures ... so cute ! :)
Our favorite was the Chandon Reserve wine. Very dry and very nice. We purchased a bottle for a friend's birthday coming up.
They said it was unusually busy for the day after New Years but I enjoyed the vivacious atmosphere.
What a sweet way to start off the evening!
Five stars because everyone in here at 6 PM on a Sunday was WASTED.
There were grandmas hiccuping, middle aged men propositioning me, children running amok because Mom and Dad were making out under a tree. Pure chaos.
I even saw a Marina chick fall on her ass in front of the ENTIRE bar. Literally everyone standing at the bar waiting to be served saw her eat shit as she was walking inside.The best part was her friend who was next to her completely bailed and just left drunk girl on her ass.
As I sit here typing, I am still chuckling to myself. It was classic.
Despite the clientele, the actual place itself is quite classy. The tasting room has a loungy thing going for it. The grounds are well kept and perfect for grabbing a bottle of bubbly and laying out with your lover or friends... or both.
Also, they have a great 1/2 off "Bubble Hour" from 6 to 7. It's probably just Sundays through Thursdays, but would be well worth it if you're playing hooky from work on a gorgeous sunny day.
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This is the best vineyard to visit in Napa.
They are laid back, know how to party, and have a great membership... if you are so inclined.
I joined the Chandon Private Cellar membership last Saturday (see below for details). They have other memberships- but my calculations made this the most attractive- especially if you visit a few times a year. In the summer- they have a DJ night every weekend and they stay open until 2AM.
Now- last Saturday- I am sitting there enjoying some wonderful food and drinking champwn... er, sparkling wine, like water.... and then a porn actress and her entourage show up in fishnet dresses, dude with spiked cod piece (whose name is Damien)..... pimps... to celebrate her birthday. It was awesome. Half the vineyard left in disgust leaving behind only the cool crowd.
So I ask Damien- So do you wear this outfit all the time, or is it just for today?
Damien: What do you think?
Me: I think you rock that too hard for it to be just today..
Damien (busts out the quote of 2007): Let me put it this way- We party like rockstars and sleep like pornstars (with a wink)... excuse me I have to pee.
Me: Yea man.. cool :D
They invited us up to party with them- and it was a fun half hour or so until they moved on...
but that's why I like this vineyard- they totally welcome this kind of stuff. They completely encourage people to enjoy themselves. It's a far cry from the typical stuffy vineyard where you get small weak tastes while listening to some old boring retiree name drop vineyard owners that I've never heard of while getting huffy about me asking for bigger tastes than a small child would barely appreciate.
The food is very good... I had a great heirloom tomato salad, and some very good smoked salmon. The sparkling wine is fantastic as well.
Just be careful going home!
Membership details:
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http://www.chandon.com...
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Domaine Chandon serves nice sparkling wines and foods..The tasting room looks more like a lounge than a winery, but the grounds are really lovely. There is a beautiful mushroom (made of rocks) garden in front of the winery. A nice place to take some pictures.
The cost for wine tasting is $15 and there are between 3-4 wine selections. One of their best wines I liked & tasted was the Domaine Chandon rose wine. Although their foods (salami, cheese & bread) are way over-priced.
It's really nice to go here around 5pm-6pm because the whole winery is lit up with lights, which makes the view so beautiful.
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OK. I like their sparkling wines, but don't love their winery.
Their tasting room is like some slick lounge. They're playing techno music, there's flat panel TVs all over the walls, and the decor.... well, it's all a bit much. Maybe it's a signal that they're classified under nightlife.
The people there were loud and pretty drunk. Not really what I'm looking for when I go wine tasting...
We walked in and walked out.
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The grounds here really are beautiful and they have a back patio where you can take a glass or 12 of champagne (okay, sparkling wine) and enjoy the sunshine. The people conducting the tastings can be pretty hit or miss. Some are great, friendly, and really know their stuff. Others could care less that you are there.
This tasting area gets REALLY crowded on the weekends and the clientele will not slide over even an inch to give you room at the bar. Not Domaine Chandon's fault, but nonetheless it effects the atmosphere. Food is a bit over priced too. I think it's a great way to start your day in Napa, but if you miss going here, don't be heartbroken.
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Nice vineyard with a variety of $15 tastings. Their Champagne is decent, but I have had better....you probably pay for the lounge/club feel of the tasting room. Your can pair your tasting with overpriced food pairs....$22 platter of cheese, salami and bread....NO THANK YOU!
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First winery I visited. Got a tour and wine tasted at the wine lounge. The scenery was perfect; tranquil trees, the kind sun, and pond. Bought some wine bottles for friends. I like their Etoil Brut Classic the best. If you're new to Napa, try this one first.
"Champagne for the People! Champagne for the People!
...oh, excuse me...Sparkling Wine for the People! Sparkling Wine for the People!"
Domaine Chandon is an essential stop on any trip to the Napa wineries, either as the harbinger of things to come or as the summation of a day well spent. I think the expansive grounds are such that it can withstand the constant invasion of white-bread Bermuda shorts and over-sized sunglasses and still be pleasant enough for the rest of us - yes, you know US ...the disenfranchised who lurk in the shadows hoping one of the little silver-top cafe tables will open up just for us, so we the sweating proletariat can rise against your oppressive wealth and power with our calloused hands.
But I digress. On this bright Saturday afternoon, the place was especially crowded due to overzealous Bastille Day activities. But nothing that a couple of glasses of Brut Classic, just $4 a piece, can't cure. It's also nice just to get some duck pate, a few water crackers, and a ramekin of marinated olives ...then you're pretty much set until dinner. Walking around is worthwhile. There's the odd rock mushroom garden where the more overweight tourists look like they want to lay eggs for photo opportunities. There's also the foreboding corporate building that looks like a Scientology institute.
Parking is generally a cinch...the lot is pretty large. And unlike other wineries, you can easily get on and off Hwy 29 since it is off the Yountville exit, probably the only overpass in this two-lane stretch. But it's the champagne you come for...I mean the sparkling wine....because face it, you need to get your drink on to tolerate the loud-mouthed tourists elbowing for their flutes. Power to the masses!
CHAMPAGNE...I MEAN SPARKLING WINE - 5 stars...essential refresher
AMBIANCE - 4 stars...bucolic in a corporate way
SERVICE - 4 stars...crowd control is the chief talent displayed here, but pouring is done dexterously, too
TOTAL - 5 stars...Robin Leach wants us all to have champagne wishes and caviar dreams...I say we comply
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Cute, clean vineyard. Definitely enjoy the rocks and fountains at the front by the small bridge. Staff was very friendly but took a while to get out refills.
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This place is amazing, the staff is amazing...it's.. AMAZING..
When you walk up to the tasting bar, it doesn't even feel like you're in Napa anymore. High ceilings with a slight breeze, it was the perfect day..
There is a small walk from your car to the building, but it is like you're entering heaven. The lady at the front will ask you what you're looking for - tasting/restaurant..etc.. and up the MAGICAL STAIRS you goooooo...
The rest...you'll have to find out by yourself...
Classic Collection...mmmmmmm
Tasting - $15 dollars
Flute - Free
Plastic baggie to hold it in - Free
Stumbling out giddy - PRICELESS
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A very laid back sparkling wine tasting experience. I visited with my girlfriend and had a great time despite the lackluster service. The tasting is held in a bar/lounge area with indoor and outdoor seating. Our server rushed through the pour and description of each tasting, and even spilled some on my girlfriend! I saw another server do the same thing to another customer. It was not even that busy, so there was no excuse.
We were never asked to pay for the tasting and were left wondering who to pay. Eventually I tracked down another server to pay for our tasting.
The wines were good but not spectacular enough to overcome the poor service and flat atmosphere.
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Remember that urban legend about the SCUBA diver they supposedly found in the charred remains of a forest after a fire?
The story goes that there was a big forest fire, and the fire helicopters had gone over to the nearby ocean to scoop up water in those big barrels to put the fire out. Only in the process, they scooped up a diver and unceremoniously dumped him onto the fire from a thousand feet above. Poor bastard.
Well, there must've been a fire in the woodsy environs of Yountville, because it looks like a fire chopper went a-scoopin' in the Marina and dumped its catch on Domaine Chandon. Sun-in, self-tanner, cork wedges, camisoles, tube tops, striped shirts, cargo shorts, flip flops, bachelorette tiaras, backward baseball caps and the attendant wretches that are to be found in those items - all found sprawling in the winery's public areas, calling it "Champagne" when it's not.
This is a shame, because Domaine Chandon is classy and beautiful. From the wooded entrance to the rock mushroom garden, the super-sleek visitor center to the sunny terrace - it's a beautiful place to enjoy a great California sparkling wine, or better yet, one of their winery-exclusive bottles of Pinot Meunier. Typically a grape that's used as a very tiny percentage of Champagne-style sparklers, on its own it's a remarkably smooth, flavorful, delightful red that's magnificent with a cheese plate, fruit, or an entire meal.
Don't get me wrong. I'll definitely go back to Chandon. I'm hooked on the wine and the estate is stunning. Only next time, I'm driving a dumptruck. That way I can take the crowd home to the Bubble Lounge where they belong.