Domaine Chandon Wine Tour Melbourne: Sparkling Without the Designated Driver

Domaine Chandon hop on hop off wine tour Melbourne: here's the one stop where nobody has to be the designated driver.

Domaine Chandon has the kind of backstory that makes you feel slightly more sophisticated just by drinking there. French champagne house Moët & Chandon planted the first vines on this old dairy farm site back in 1987, chasing a cool climate that could do proper méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine outside of Champagne itself. Nearly forty years later, it's one of the most recognised names in Australian sparkling.

What you're actually tasting

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier, the same trio used in Champagne, go into Chandon's sparkling range, alongside a growing list of still wines. If you've ever wanted to understand why people get precious about sparkling wine versus "just prosecco," this is a pretty good place to start finding out.

Domaine Chandon Wine Tour Melbourne: The Hop It Angle

This is genuinely one of our favourite examples of why hop on hop off wine touring makes sense over the alternative. Nobody in your group has to nominate themselves as the sober one for the day, and nobody has to stress about missing out on the tasting because they're driving. Just hop off, taste, hop back on.

Other things to do

Take it to the next level and book lunch in their restaurant or you might be lucky enough to spot some kangaroos hopping between the vines. Chandon also offers seasonal experiences such as Fondue + Bingo, High Teas and Picnics during the warmer months.

Booking notes

Booking is required as this is one of the Yarra Valley's most-visited cellar doors for a reason, and walk-in tables aren't guaranteed, particularly around lunch.

Grab your Red Route ticket and make Chandon your no-driving-required sparkling stop.