True to a pioneering spirit focused on new possibilities, Chandon California paved the way as the first champagne-led sparkling house in the United States over 50 years ago. Dedicated to seeking out the best terroirs, Robert Jean de Vogüé’s vision currently operates on four continents; it’s no surprise that Chandon has long had deep—and sustainable—roots in Northern California.
Built from the ground up, founding president John Wright selected premier vineyard sites, including Yountville, the perfect location for a home. A home thoughtfully established, one with nature, and recently transformed into a sparkling connoisseur’s paradise.
Tradition Meets Innovation
Amidst Yountville’s Ideal Growing Conditions
Grounded in traditional champagne practices established centuries ago, the process of creating sparkling wine continues in Yountville with Chandon. A skilled team led by Winemaking Director Pauline Lhote provides inspiration and innovation for a unique expression of the terroir to delight one’s senses with the intensity of flavors and aromas from sun-kissed California fruit.
Optimal climate conditions and a unique microclimate are Yountville hallmarks for wine growing. A cool fog rolls in from San Pablo Bay every morning, bringing temperatures ideal for growing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier. As the day unfolds, warmer temperatures in the afternoon allow for the slow ripening of Cabernet Sauvignon. Chandon harvests grapes under the stars in the cool of night for maximum freshness.
Yountville soils are mainly deep, well-drained alluvial sediments with gravelly loam and sand, allowing vines to establish deep root systems and produce fruit with concentrated flavors. Chandon wines crafted in Yountville reflect this careful balance between climate and soil—embodying a full-bodied character with profound aromas that capture the unique regional qualities.
Chandon’s Yountville Signatures
Today, guests come from far and wide to be immersed in their story at Chandon Home. While tasting award-winning elegant sparkling wines, they learn about production that follows the renowned méthode traditionelle known for secondary fermentation taking place in-bottle, resulting in splendid bubbles.
As for varietal composition, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes contribute 50% each to Chandon’s Yountville Vintage Brut, crafted only in the best years, such as 2016. In the glass, this sparkling wine is easy on the eye, displayed in vibrant hues of straw gold. Served with fruit and cheese or wonderful when paired with a wide range of cuisines, its ripe fruitiness with balanced freshness also stands beautifully on its own.
Beyond bubbles, one of the outstanding Chandon still red wines is produced from the Yountville estate vineyards. Here, the cool valley floor’s low elevation, devoid of mountain influence, is constantly exposed to fog and wind, with plenty of sunny days. Hand harvested in 2019, an exceptional vintage, Yountville Cabernet Sauvignon showcases quality via its powerful fruit-forward expression with intense dark notes such as cassis, Burgundy plum, blackberry jam, clove, and licorice.
