Melbourne Trip 2019 ~ Domaine Chandon Australia @ Yarra Valley
I love good wine but unfortunately I’m not a wine connoisseur. Heck, I don’t even know what is old world wine and new world wine. All I ever know is most of the good wineries usually comes with very picturesque vineyards.
Tasting great wine while Instagramming at this pristine vineyard is the activity that I most look forward to-do when I’m at Melbourne. Victoria state is home to mostly small regions that craft elegant, cool-climate wines. One of Australia’s best wine region, the Yarra Valley boasts 300 vineyards and 160 wineries with the region’s cooler climate lending itself to the production of Chardonnay, aromatic Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Pinot Noir.
Established in 1986, Domaine Chandon Australia is a winery that open to public based in Melbourne’s stunning Yarra Valley which is only an hour drive from Melbourne. Wholly owned by the famous grand Champagne producer Moët & Chando (itself owned by LVMH, or Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy) , Domaine Chandon Australia provides the opportunity to experience one of the largest ranges of premium, méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines in the country, along with a dynamic wine tourism.
Our visit was started with videos of the history of this award-winning winery.
As one of the biggest wineries in the Yarra Valley, their terrace with uninterrupted view of row upon row of vines and gently rolling hills indeed a sight to behold. We spent so much time strolling the meadow, enjoyed the good weather and of course took a lot of photos. (✿◠‿◠)
Lunch was at their restaurant with surrounded glass panels which offers 270-degree lush greenery view of the vineyard. It’s a very comfortable atmosphere partnered with clean and elegant setting. I like how the whole space was filled with natural light, very welcoming and pleasant at sight.
The à la carte menu was peerlessly compact (choices of Entrée: sourdough bread with butter, oysters, terrine, soup, scallops & tarte fine, Main: beef cheek, potato pave, ocean trout, duck leg confit & lamb loin, desserts and cheese ) and there was two-course set lunch menu that we opted for which comprised Entrée & Main. It can be paired with wine (AU$65/person) or without wine (AU$45/person).
Entrée: Charcuterie Board (à la carte AU$30)
Platter of assorted cured pork, chicken liver parfait, pickled vegetables, seasonal fruit, wholemeal lavosh and sourdough.
Main: Aylesbury Cross Duck Leg Confit (à la carte – AU$38)
Sit on bed of braised red cabbage, dressed with Xeres caramel and garnished with shredded pear and rocket leaves, the duck leg confit wasn’t really big in size but nicely cooked with crispy skin and succulent flesh. The braised red cabbage with Xeres caramel was tasty with sweet end note.
Main: Pan Roasted Ocean Trout (à la carte – AU$38)
The Ocean Trout was cooked beautifully with crispy skin and the flesh remained moist and tender. Paired with Du Puy Lentils, braised fennel and Pancetta Vinaigrette dressing. I did some research on the Du Puy Lentils when I was writing this. They are grown in the Auvergne region of France and the term may only be used to designate lentils that come from the prefecture of Puy which is also called ‘the caviar of lentils’. The Du Puy Lentils have a pleasant nutty flavour and the texture of it was not as mushy as the usual lentils even after braised.
Jerusalem Artichoke Soup (AU$18)
We also ordered three dishes from the à la carte menu. Hubby wanted to have some hot soup to warm his body and tummy and this was the only soup option in the menu. With the addition of mushroom and truffle duxelle, the soup was had a lovely earthy flavours and texture.
Victorian Lamb Loin (AU$43)
Initially we got this for my mom but she complained that the lamb flavour was too gamey to her liking but we found it okay (~_~)
It was a thick slab of lamb loin laid atop pool of pearl barley and sauteed assorted mushrooms. The pearl barley gravy was sufficiently bold in flavour with delightful earthiness and smokiness accentuated from the mushrooms. However the doneness of the lamb loin missed the mark. It was slightly overcooked rendering a rather dry texture.
Salmon (AU$18)
Ice Cream (AU$7.50)
Both dishes were from the kid menu and Sam enjoyed them immensely because both Salmon (especially with crispy skin) and ice cream are her favourite! (´▽`).。o♡
After the lunch, we did another round of self-guided tour included exploring the schmick interactive displays regarding everything from picking to fermenting, riddling to disgorging sparkling wines.
Riddling Hall
Tasting Bar – AU$12 per person for 6 types wines.
The retail boutique
Tastefully designed lounge bar overlooking the outdoor terrace with a magnificent view of the Yarra Ranges.
Guests who join wine sampling session can get discount to purchase wines, as a wine lover as per I mentioned earlier, I didn’t miss the opportunity to get a bottle for myself. {♥‿♥}
Chandon Cuvee Riche (AU$35)
Photography time before leaving the winery. The photogenic garden where taking pictures should be compulsory for all visitors.
♥Verdict: One of my most anticipated activities for this Melbourne trip and it was indeed an enjoyable experience.
Domaine Chandon Australia
727 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream, VIC 3770
Tel: +61 3 9738 9200
Website: https://www.chandon.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chandonaus
Melbourne Related Posts
Melbourne Autumn Trip 2019 – Summary
Melbourne Trip 2019 – Airbnb & Visa Application
Melbourne Trip 2019 – I Love Pho 264 @ Richmond, Melbourne
Melbourne Trip 2019 – Philip Island
Melbourne Trip 2019 ~ Breakfast Time!
Melbourne Trip 2019 ~ Lune Croissanterie @ Fitzroy
Melbourne Trip 2019 ~ Hosier Lane
Melbourne Trip 2019 ~ Great Ocean Road
Melbourne Trip 2019 ~ Lorne Central & Apollo Bay Bakery @ Great Ocean Road
Melbourne Trip 2019 ~ Brighton Beach
Melbourne Trip 2019 ~ Brother Baba Budan
Melbourne Trip 2019 ~ Old Melbourne Gaol
Melbourne Trip 2019 ~ Juicy Bao @ Little Bourke St
I don’t appreciate wine but would take in the scenery and enjoy the food!
PH, lovely scenery + good food, great combo too!
that’s true, vineyards can be such beautiful places. i know it’s a lot of hard work, but it would be nice to work in a vineyard 😀
Sean, my relatives worked in a vineyard several years ago and they told me, not as easy as we think =.=”
I too want to go! Now that AUD is much lower than before too!
KY, but considering the recent COVID-19, you have to postpone your travel plan 🙁
Pingback: Famous Hot Pot & BBQ @ Lt. Bourke Street, Melbourne – Mimi's Dining Room
Pingback: Industry Beans @ Fitzroy, Melbourne – Mimi's Dining Room
Pingback: Collingwood Children’s Farm @ Melbourne – Mimi's Dining Room