Not all those who wander are lost – JRR Tolkien
Not a truer phrase said by those attending Domaine Chandon’s annual Secret Garden Party. With bubbles a plenty and delicious epicurean food, in the lush surroundings of the beautiful Domaine Chandon winery estate, the event was the perfect day out for those wanderers with a purpose!
After last year’s sell out event, this year’s unique soiree was one to remember. The lush lawns had been turned into a pretty garden with white bird houses and a pretty gazebo housing delicious desserts.
Party goers enjoyed tastings direct from Domaine Chandon’s cellars, paired with gourmet canapes made by Domaine Chandon’s very own Greenpoint Brasserie. The tastings, each located at different points of the lush lawn, included delightful garden pots that looked like they had been plucked out from the vegetable garden. Deceptively, the “dirt” was a wonderful mix that included black olives, and each little pot had a baby vegetable from Domaine Chandon’s own veggie patch. This tasting plate was matched perfectly with Domaine Chandon’s Vintage Brut.
Another tasting included Domaine Chandon’s very own Cuvee Riche peach sorbet. Wow. If you ever come upon this wonderfully delicious ice delight then make sure you don’t pass it up. Matched with the Chandon Cuvee Riche, it was the perfect way for your palate to finish the day.
As a lover of sparkling wines, the Secret Garden party provided me with the perfect opportunity to test out some of Domaine Chandon’s most popular sparkling wines, as well as learn which ones worked well with savoury versus sweet dishes.
The relaxed party atmosphere provided the perfect ambiance to enjoy the afternoon. Helped along by a beautiful string orchestra playing not so classical music, who knew Lady Gaga’s Let’s Dance sounded so good played by string instruments, the afternoon was the perfect balance of fun and subtle frivolity, all wrapped up in the beautiful grounds of Domaine Chandon winery.
If you’ve never visited Domaine Chandon, make sure you put it on the top of your list when you visit the Yarra Valley. I promise you that the winery and the scenery are unforgettable.
Domaine Chandon, 727 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream VIC 3770
For more information on the winery and tastings visit www.chandon.com.au
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