Sparkling Wines with a French Flair, Napa Style
Domaine Chandon is a sparkling wine house under the LVMH umbrella. The environment is incredibly beautiful, with a sense of serenity that hits you the moment you drive in. While the scenery isn’t as meticulously curated as some places like Kenzo Estate, which excels in Japanese-style precision where every corner feels like part of a designed landscape, Chandon still offers a French elegance. The design of the estate is expansive, with a modern yet classic French touch. It’s very elegant and well thought-out.
As for the wine itself—while I’d certainly return for the overall atmosphere, and the sparkling wine is enjoyable, Chandon doesn’t hold a special place in my heart. I tend to prefer sparkling wines with a honeyed flavor rather than the more typical “baked bread” fermentation notes, which is characteristic of many champagnes. That said, if you’re into that traditional dry, yeasty taste, you’ll probably find it appealing.
One thing that struck me as odd was that the wines served for tasting were not exclusive to the estate. You can find the same bottles at nearly any wine store across the U.S., and the winery marks up the prices quite a bit, which was interesting to see. In fact, some of the wines they offered during the tasting were of lower quality than the bottles you can find on shelves, which felt a bit disappointing.
One thing that stood out was their sparkling red. Now, sparkling red is something you rarely come across, but this one… well, let’s just say it reminded me of flat Coca-Cola mixed with cheap wine. Not exactly a winning combo! What made it even funnier was that they had food pairing suggestions listed under the tasting notes, recommending it with barbecue. I couldn’t help but think, “If I’m having barbecue, I’ll just grab a Coke directly!”
If you’re looking for a romantic date spot or a relaxing day out, it’s worth visiting for the atmosphere alone. But if you’re a champagne aficionado looking for a truly high-quality tasting experience, you might want to eye other spots—we are in Napa, after all!
P.S. I noticed some private tents set up that gave off major glamping vibes. It looks like they’re reserved for special bookings or group activities, and honestly, if someone were to take me there on a date, I wouldn’t mind spending some time in one of those tents. Definitely something I’d love to experience if the opportunity came up.

Chanel’s Napa Gem
After visiting Chandon, which is now under LVMH, it was a delightful surprise to discover that my next stop, St. Supéry, is owned by Chanel. This winery offered an elegant and refined experience that felt much more personal and intimate, especially in comparison to larger estates.
The building is beautifully adorned with ivy-covered walls, giving it a serene, picturesque feel as you approach. I couldn’t help but compare it to the cozy outdoor seating areas at the MET museum, where guests can sit back and take it all in. Stepping inside, the space is small but impeccably designed—clean, elegant, and high-end, like an intimate boutique experience. It exudes a refined, upscale atmosphere. One charming touch I noticed was the use of camellia flowers in both the garden and the indoor décor. This subtle design choice likely reflects the influence of Chanel, which recently acquired the winery, bringing in elements of their signature style without a full renovation.
One standout was the exceptional service. Despite being owned by such a prestigious brand, the staff at St. Supéry were incredibly attentive and knowledgeable. It felt like a boutique experience—intimate yet highly professional. I had a lovely conversation with the sommelier, who shared an interesting point: instead of just following wineries, some people prefer to follow specific
winemakers, which gave me a whole new perspective thinking about wine and appreciating wine.
A unique feature of their winemaking process is that they avoid adding sulfate, which can cause allergic reactions like flushing or redness for some people. It was fascinating to learn that you can still enjoy a rich, flavorful wine without worrying about those reactions. Their white wines were refreshing, but it was their red wines, particularly the 2018 Élu, that truly stood out for me.
What first caught my attention about the Élu was its packaging—the label features a charming illustration of a nun, which added an unexpected, alluring touch to the experience. But beyond the aesthetics, it’s what’s inside that really made an impression. With a James Suckling rating of 93 points, this wine shows intense notes of crushed berries and chocolate. As soon as I took the first sip, I could immediately taste the vibrant burst of crushed berries layered with rich chocolate undertones. It was delightful and complex.
This got me thinking about the wine rating system itself, which is such an interesting cultural phenomenon. It’s fascinating how so much of the industry is shaped by the palates of just a few critics. A massive industry, yet its standards and prestige are largely dictated by the taste buds of a select group. This thought led me to reflect on a wine I had a few months ago: a 2005 Château Mouton Rothschild. It was one of the best wines I’ve ever tasted and had received three separate 98-point ratings, including one from Robert Parker.
Before trying it, I read Parker’s review, which described it as having “unabashed, flamboyant notes of Christmas cake, plum preserves, and chocolate-covered cherries.” As I tasted it, I could certainly identify the plum, the chocolate, and even a hint of eucalyptus. But the “Christmas cake” Parker had mentioned—something he put at the forefront of the description—remained elusive. It left me wondering where exactly that flavor was, and that sense of curiosity lingered throughout the tasting. It made me realize just how subjective and abstract the art of wine tasting can be.
It’s a curious world, one seemingly ruled by the palates of a few older men. I couldn’t help but think—if that’s the case, someone better send me in for a taste too! 😉
If I visit again, I would love to experience their dining options and fully immerse myself in the charm of the estate. I only wish I had read their website beforehand, as I later found out they have an upstairs gallery with an exhibition—something I definitely plan to check out next time. It’s a reminder that, much like having a pleasant experience with a provider, you can’t fully appreciate an experience without diving deeper into her websites and social media. The more I thought about it, I realized the parallels between this and enjoying a high-end provider experience. Just as you’d want to explore a fine wine’s flavor profile, understanding a provider’s essence requires diving deeper into her website, her culture, and her world. You wouldn’t rush through a wine tasting, right? It’s about savoring the experience and discovering those subtle layers over time.
St. Supéry is a must-visit for anyone looking for a more refined, boutique-style winery experience in Napa. I’ll certainly be back to upgrade my visit and savor the moments I might have missed. And gentlemen, consider this your invitation—you never know what indulgent experiences await! 🌿✨

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