I recently embarked on a culinary adventure at Chandon by booking the Culinary Journey pairing experience for myself and a friend. Chandon is known for creating joyful experiences and our afternoon certainly lived up to that reputation. The service was top notch, the scenery was stunning, and the food and wine was extraordinary!
Upon arrival, our gracious host led us through the newly renovated epicurean hub, offering panoramic garden views, before we settled into our private table. During this introduction, our host shared the rich history of Chandon and set the stage for an unforgettable 90-minute experience. We could tell from the start we were in for an incredible afternoon.
The Culinary Journey is an exquisite voyage through a five-course tasting menu, meticulously curated to complement the limited-edition sparkling and still wines from Chandon’s renowned cellar. At the heart of this culinary odyssey is the expertise of Chandon’s culinary team. Their dedication and skill shine through in every bite, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. The menu reflects a commitment to excellence, showcasing the team’s ability to transform the freshest farm-to-table ingredients into works of culinary art.
First Course and Second Course
Our experience started with the Los Carneros Vintage Brut 2016 paired with Local Spot Prawn Ceviche. The Carneros Brut expresses the juicy richness and signature balance of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier grown in Chandon’s flagship estate vineyard. The pairing with the Spot Prawn Ceviche was, spot on!
The second course, was served with the first, allowing us to experience the two wines side by side which makes for a fun and educational tasting experience. The second course featured the Yountville Vintage Brut 2016, paired with a Cured ham carpaccio which offered the perfect blend of salty and umami flavors. The Yountville Vintage Brut showcased the ripe softness and refreshing brightness of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown in Chandon’s warmest vineyard location. Yountville is Napa’s northern limit for growing exceptional sparkling wine grapes and is also home to the Chandon winery and visitors center.
Third Course
The third course was a pairing of the Étoile Tête De Cuvée 2014 (a personal favorite) with The Ultimate Egg. This dish was reminiscent of Oeufs en gelée, with a fresh modern twist. The combination of Crème Fraîche, seasoning and the most perfectly cooked egg was delicious. French for star, étoile embodies Chandon’s commitment to crafting the finest sparkling wine in America. étoile Tête de Cuvée, which literally means “head of the blend” is the shining star of their portfolio, made only in the best vintages.
Fourth Course
The Fourth course featured the Cabernet Sauvignon, Mt Veeder 2019 expertly paired with Grilled Wagyu Beef with chimichurri sauce. Cabernet Sauvignon on Mount Veeder receives softer morning and mid-day sun, growing grapes that capture the vineyards minerality and brightness. This wine is powerful and nuanced yet delicate and elegant, in a very limited production. The Wagyu was perfectly prepared and paired with fresh seasonal vegetables, seasoned to perfection.
Fifth Course
The Final Course, was certainly a showstopper! A perfectly created “Pink Lady Apple” featured a base of apple cake paired with a delicious cream. It was featured with a side by side of Reserve Pinot Noir Rose & Reserve Demi Sec. A favorite among the winery-exclusive reserve collection, the richly concentrated Reserve Pinot Noir Rosé bursts with aromas of plum, pink peppercorn and Fuji apple notes supported by luscious baked red apple, black cherry and strawberry flavors. The Reserve Demi Sec featured notes of mango, crystalized pineapple and marzipan. Round and textural on the palate, with creamy dried fruits and an impeccable balance between sweetness and acidity.
As our final bites were savored, our host extended an invitation to explore Club Chandon benefits, including access to the Club Chandon Lounge and exclusive wines. The prospect of continuing this exceptional experience convinced us to join Club Chandon.
A Memory to Linger
The synergy of seasonal cuisine and superlative Chandon wines transformed our visit into a memory that will linger. Each sip and bite attested to the passion infused into every aspect of this experience.
Chandon invites you to enjoy The Culinary Journey pairing experience. Immerse yourself in a world where exceptional cuisine meets unparalleled winemaking and let your senses revel in the symphony of flavors that await. Indulge, savor, and create lasting memories at Chandon. Cheers to an unforgettable culinary journey!
The Culinary Journey is available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for parties from 1 to 10. The experience is $155 per person. Book your experience today for an unparalleled adventure in Yountville.