September 2008 - Chandon Partners with DKNY to Celebrate DKNY's 20th Birthday
August 2008 - étoile at Domaine Chandon Debuts Wine Inspired Garden Menu
August 2008 - Chandon Celebrates Premiere of "Bottle Shock" Movie With the Cast
June 2008 - Domaine Chandon shines at Napa Valley Wine Auction
May 2008 - Domaine Chandon Brings Mixology to Napa Valley
May 2008 - Chandon Chosen as the Preferred Sparkling Wine at Prestigious Entertaining Venue, The White House.
January 31, 2008 - Chandon Announces Winner of the Savvy Entertainer Contest.
November 7, 2007 - Chandon Rosé Served at the White House.
October 1, 2007 - Chandon Searches for the Savvy Entertainer.
September 13, 2007 - Chandon Launches 187ml Chandon Rosé Sparkling Wine.
July 1, 2007 - Domaine Chandon Unveils Stylish New Tasting Room.
April 1, 2007 - Domaine Chandon Announces New Varietally Labeled Reserve Brut Wines.
August 9, 2006 - Domaine Chandon Announces Futures Program for Consumers.
September 29, 2005 - Domaine Chandon, Inc. Restructures Winemaking Team.
November 26, 2003 - Chandon Introduces New Sparkling Style, Chandon Sparkling Red.
April 22, 2003 - POP A CORK! Domaine Chandon Celebrates 30 Years.
April 22, 2002 - Chandon Launches a New Sparkler - Chandon Riche.
March 27, 2002 - Scintillating but not Sparkling, Introducing a New Style from Domaine Chandon. 

CHANDON PARTNERS WITH DKNY TO CELEBRATE DKNY'S 20TH BIRTHDAY
Two Decades of American Style to be Toasted Nationwide with Release of Custom Sparkling Wine
Yountville, CALIFORNIA - September 4, 2008. Domaine Chandon, the leading sparkling wine producer in the Napa Valley, is proud to announce its collaboration with DKNY to celebrate the brand’s twentieth anniversary. In 2009, DKNY will toast their twenty years with a custom sparkling wine created specifically for the occasion by Chandon. Aptly called “Twenty Year Cuvée” in honor of this milestone, the wine will feature a DKNY-designed label featuring the brand’s signature New York skyline imagery.

The partnership of these two strong American brands is fitting. Guided by similar philosophies, Chandon and DKNY both communicate a confident yet approachable style that appeals to today’s savvy consumers. In their respective arenas of fashion and wine, each brand has not only kept up with changing trends over time, but often leads the way in its category. Both brands are respected, versatile and offer accessible luxury. DKNY creates clothing appropriate for all occasions, from jeans to eveningwear. Likewise, Chandon sparkling wine has been served at events ranging from impromptu neighborhood dinner parties to formal occasions at the White House.

Founded in 1989, DKNY attributes its twenty years of success to constantly innovating while remaining true to the founding vision of Donna Karan. Chandon celebrates 36 years of innovation and style in 2009. A pioneer of the Californian wine industry, Domaine Chandon was founded in 1973 by the French house Moët et Chandon and crafts superior quality sparkling wine based on centuries-old méthode traditionnelle. The art of blending plays an integral role in the creation of Chandon’s highly-rated wines, supported by an extensive library of reserve wines. To create this custom cuvée, Chandon winemakers drew on this resource by incorporating library wines spanning two decades, representing DKNY’s 20 years. By using top quality materials with an artistic touch, Chandon has created a beautifully balanced and seamless wine that exhibits grace and elegance – a fitting tribute to the iconic American designer.

“Twenty Year Cuvée” will debut as a gift to 800 attendees of DKNY’s show during New York’s Fashion Week on September 7th, serving as a preview to DKNY’s birthday festivities in addition to their spring fashions. The approachable, soft wine with appealing apple and pear flavors and a lingering finish will be poured at various DKNY birthday events throughout 2009. It will also be available for sale at the winery and at chandon.com starting in 2009 (SRP $50/bottle).

To showcase this celebratory cuvée in style, the designer will produce commemorative accessories specifically designed for their special wine in 2009. When the spring clothing line is available in stores, DKNY will reveal a custom tote that is designed to hold four mini (187ml) bottles of this Chandon-created sparkling wine. Savvy consumers can bring this ultimate portable luxury to the beach, a picnic or wherever they would enjoy a miniature bottle of bubbly. For the 2009 holiday season, DKNY will create a custom gift to accompany a standard 750-ml sized bottle of bubbly.

“We are pleased to help DKNY celebrate this milestone with a custom cuvée,” says Ryan Harris, VP of Marketing and Business Development for Domaine Chandon. “Like DKNY, the Chandon brand is genuine and represents approachable quality. A seamless blend of reserve wines, “Twenty Year Cuvée” is fitting for one of America’s top designers as it both offers and celebrates great taste.”

For a sample bottle or images, please contact Lara Abbott, or 707-204-7620.

For more information about DKNY, please contact Aliza Licht, or 212-789-1618

About Domaine Chandon Domaine Chandon, Inc. is the leading sparkling wine producer in the Napa Valley. Founded in 1973, Domaine Chandon was the first American sparkling wine venture established by a French Champagne house (Moët & Chandon). Chandon crafts a range of sparkling wines that reflect California’s vibrant regional character yet remain true to the practices of méthode traditionnelle. In 2002, the winery expanded its portfolio to include premium still wines made from Champagne varietals. A leader in viticulture as well as winemaking, Domaine Chandon is at the forefront of sustainable farming practices and continues to replenish, control, and in many cases restore the natural habitat. Domaine Chandon was selected “Winery of the Year 2005” by the California Travel Industry Association.

About Donna Karan International Donna Karan International is one of the world’s leading fashion design houses. It designs, markets and distributes collections of women’s and men’s apparel, sportswear, accessories and shoes under the Donna Karan and DKNY brand names. The Company has selectively granted licenses for the manufacture and distribution of beauty and beauty related products, jeanswear, activewear, men’s furnishings, men’s tailored clothing, hosiery, intimate apparel, coats, children’s apparel, watches, eyewear and home. Since November 2001, Donna Karan International has been a part of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world’s leading luxury goods group.

 

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étoile AT DOMAINE CHANDON DEBUTS WINE INSPIRED GARDEN MENU
Culinary Team Collaborates on Estate Grown Garden
Yountville, CALIFORNIA - August 26, 2008. More than grapes are growing at étoile restaurant at Domaine Chandon with an extensive chef’s garden. This Labor Day weekend, the restaurant will debut their Garden Tasting Menu highlighting estate-grown fruits and vegetables. The new Napa-native menu of fresh and local food and wine will be offered Sunday, August 31st and Monday, September 1st, and every Sunday for lunch and dinner through September 28th.

As the only fine dining restaurant located at a winery in Napa Valley, étoile is long famous for their sparkling and still wine selection and wine inspired cuisine. But there’s more growing on their Yountville property than wine grapes. Since the restaurant’s inception, it has taken advantage of the property to bring truly local produce to the table. étoile’s Pastry Chef Francisco Enriquez planted a bitter orange tree when he arrived in 1979, and when in season, the fragrant fruit from this tree contributes to their intensely-flavored Bitter Orange crème brûlée and house jams. This time of year, estate harvested honey complements Brillat Savarin cheese, lemon cucumbers add crunch to tea-smoked duck and garden thyme tops yellow peach tarts.

Some of the peak-flavor ingredients shaping the menus will include multiple varietals of heirloom tomatoes, patty pan squash, baby carrots, Japanese eggplant, melons, Armenian and lemon cucumbers, German butter ball potatoes, tomatillos, stone fruit, Kaffir limes and an array of herbs.

The chefs at étoile have ventured outside the kitchen to personally design, plant and maintain the garden - it is a true chef’s garden. The culinary team including Perry Hoffman, Ryan Favini and Enriquez all work together to determine what to plant and how to use it on their menus. The garden is ripe with promise and is inspiring our chefs.

For the next month, these fresh from the earth ingredients will be featured in a fixed price Garden Tasting Menu, five courses at lunch and seven courses at dinner. Each week’s offering will be completely different, featuring different proteins and grains to highlight the most ripe and seasonal gems ready to eat from the garden. As always, a meal at étoile begins with a complimentary glass of bubbly and an enticing amuse bouche, highlighting their expertise in the interplay of wine and food, setting the stage for an unforgettable food and wine experience. From there, the chefs will lead diners through a bounty-driven, haute country culinary experience, complete with the restaurant’s fresh hot rolls and house-made flavored butters, such as shallot Blanc de Noirs and Meyer lemon Pinot Noir. Optional wine pairings are always available, as suggested in the sample menu.

As the only fine dining restaurant within a winery in Napa Valley, étoile, the restaurant at Domaine Chandon delights diners with innovative wine inspired cuisine. In a romantic setting overlooking the lush gardens, étoile sets the stage for the ultimate wine country experience.

étoile is located at 1 California Drive, Yountville, CA 94599
Phone: (888-CHANDON)
Lunch: Thursday - Monday 11:30am - 2:30pm
Dinner: Thursday - Monday 6pm - 9:30pm
Open Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

 

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CHANDON CELEBRATES PREMIERE OF "BOTTLE SHOCK" MOVIE WITH THE CAST
Celebrated Napa Valley Winery Toasts the Release of "Bottle Shock": the Movie that Tells the Story of the Event that Changed the California Wine Industry.
Yountville, CALIFORNIA - August 6, 2008. Domaine Chandon, the leading sparkling wine producer in the Napa Valley, celebrated the anticipated movie release of Bottle Shock with a pre-release event in New York’s upscale Hamptons community.

On August 3, Malcolm Dunbar, CEO of Domaine Chandon, hosted an advance movie screening of Bottle Shock at the United Artists Southampton Cinema for 160 influential guests including the movie’s cast members Alan Rickman, Bill Pullman, Freddy Rodriquez, Eliza Dushka and Rachel Taylor. Attendees then enjoyed a three-course dinner at the trendy Savanna’s restaurant specifically designed to pair with Chandon wines.

The Bottle Shock movie is based on the story of the legendary Judgment of Paris tasting held in 1976 where California wines triumphed over the great French wines in a blind tasting. This event marked a turning point for California wine, granting credibility to the wines of Napa Valley and establishing their rightful place among the world’s top wines. The movie’s official release date is today.

“Founded in 1973, Domaine Chandon was among the first wineries to help put Napa Valley on the map during this industry-building era. Interestingly Domaine Chandon’s first release was in 1976; coinciding with the pivotal Judgment of Paris event,” said Malcolm Dunbar, CEO of Domaine Chandon. “Being British, working for a French company and heading up its Californian wineries, I did enjoy seeing this story told on the big screen. I believe that Bottle Shock will increase awareness and interest in quality California wine which is a great thing.”

At the time of the Paris tasting, the fledgling industry was comprised of about 40 wineries. Today Napa Valley boasts over 300 wineries and is renowned for producing world-class wine. Domaine Chandon remains one of the most popular winery destinations in the region, reinforced by its California Travel Industry Association honor of “Winery of the Year”.

This movie debut provides a fitting occasion to toast the achievements of the California wine industry – ideally with a glass of Chandon.

 

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DOMAINE CHANDON SHINES AT NAPA VALLEY WINE AUCTION
Contributes $126k of the $10.35 million raised for local charities
Napa Valley, CALIFORNIA - June 2008. The annual Auction Napa Valley raised $10.35 million for local charities this year, a 5% increase over last year despite a challenging economic environment. As a leading winery in the valley, Domaine Chandon contributed to this near-record figure by offering e-lot, barrel lot and live auction items. These lots fetched a combined total of $126,151 marking our greatest level of participation—and success— to date. Over the past three years of participation, Domaine Chandon has generated over $344,000 to help our Napa Valley neighbors in need.

This year’s Auction festivities kicked off on Thursday night at Domaine Chandon’s second annual Bubble Ball. One of 20 “open house” events throughout the Valley, Chandon opened its doors - and wine bottles - for 450 people who enjoyed our sparkling wines, small bites from étoile restaurant and live DJ beats until almost midnight.

Friday’s “Taste Marketplace” captured the essence of this legendary wine region, showcasing the Valley's renowned hospitality to 3,000 visiting wine lovers (including first-time-attendee Oprah Winfrey). 200 Napa Valley wineries and 60 restaurants offered samples; étoile restaurant’s chefs provided tastes of green gazpacho which was paired with étoile brut; perfect for the hot summer’s day.

Inside the cool of the cellar, the Barrel Auction action heated up with 128 producers offering select barrels of wine. The samples were pulled right from the barrel by the winemakers amidst the fun-filled atmosphere. Domaine Chandon’s barrel (one of only four Pinot Noirs) raised over $6,000 – $50 average case price higher than last year’s offering. Total Barrel Auction revenue was nearly $1.4 million.

The e-auction also closed on Friday afternoon. A perennial favorite, this year Domaine Chandon’s was the highest lot raising nearly $20,000. Ron Seward paid $19,736 to have our Chef and Winemaker bring their four-star cuisine, superb Chandon wines and Napa Valley hospitality to his home in Burke, VA. This is the third year in a row that Mr. Seward has snatched this prize. For the past two years he “re-gifted” the prize to the Gala fundraiser of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation that he supports in the Washington DC. Upon winning this year’s prize, Seward claimed that he may keep this one for himself.

Also on Friday, Chandon principals hosted and light-hearted game of croquet followed by a multi-course dinner as one of the vintner-hosted private dinner parties. Winemakers Tom Tiburzi and James Kress along with Vineyard Manager Rick Aldine and VP of Marketing and Business Development Ryan Harris hosted the event for sixteen full-package guests who came from as far afield as Vancouver, BC, Ohio and Texas.

The 4-day extravaganza culminated with Saturday’s Live Auction at Meadowood. Comedian Jay Leno got the party started with a rousing monologue poking fun at politics, current events and pop culture and stayed on stage to help auction the first few lots. Chandon offered an Antipodean Epicurean Experience with similar activities – balloon ride, dinner and behind-the-scenes winery visit - at Domaine Chandon in both the Napa Valley and Yarra Valley, Australia. A Napa-based couple paid $100,000 for this unique opportunity.

 

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DOMAINE CHANDON BRINGS MIXOLOGY TO NAPA VALLEY
Shake It Up with Sparkling Wine Cocktails at Domaine Chandon
Napa Valley, CALIFORNIA - May 2008. The sparkling cocktail craze is shaking up the country, and this summer Domaine Chandon—the winery that first brought fine dining to Napa Valley more than three decades ago—breaks out their own signature sparkling wine cocktails.

Simply put, there’s nothing savvier than a sparkling cocktail. Sparkling wine livens up any mixed drink recipe with a light, refreshing effervescence that’s perfect during the warm summer months. Today’s versions go far beyond Mimosas and Kir Royales, and have become go-to choices at nightlife hot spots all over the world. Now, in the Tasting Salon at Domaine Chandon, our expert mixologists have introduced delicious new twists that feature Domaine Chandon sparkling wines and the freshest summer ingredients. It’s a natural choice. The balanced, fruit-forward flavor profiles of Domaine Chandon sparkling wines taste much better in today’s hippest tipples than the austere and acidic French bubbly counterparts.

On Thursday, May 8, Chandon introduced four delicious cocktail recipes at an evening soirée. Simon Weston, expert mixologist from Bamboo Restaurant and Bar in London, and local bartending impresario Marco Dionysus of San Francisco’s Tres Agaves Tequila Lounge served up sparkling cocktails for nearly 300 people and entertained the crowd with tips on how to maximize taste and flavor sensations.

The sparkling wines of Domaine Chandon aren’t the only cocktail party players. The bright fruit flavors of Domaine Chandon Unoaked Chardonnay and Unoaked Pinot Noir Rosé also make delicious bases for refreshing cocktails.

With the introduction of our new drinks, available in the Tasting Salon Monday through Friday, Domaine Chandon has become the world’s only winery to feature sparkling and still wine cocktails in additional to regular wine tasting.

Visit the winery for a taste, or try out one of our dazzling cocktail recipes:

CHANDON BRUT MOJITO
2oz Chandon Brut Classic
1oz 10 Cane Rum
½ oz simple syrup
7-10 mint leaves
Juice from quarter of lime
Directions: In a cocktail shaker, muddle mint leaves with simple syrup and lime juice. Add rum and shake with ice. Strain into glass filled with ice. Top with Chandon Brut Classic and stir. Garnish with mint sprig. Suggested Glassware: Rocks

 

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CHANDON CHOSEN AS THE PREFERRED SPARKLING WINE AT PRESTIGIOUS ENTERTAINING VENUE, THE WHITE HOUSE
Chandon Blanc de Noirs to be served at all receptions; Chandon Rosé, étoile Rosé have also been enjoyed by Heads of State
Napa Valley, CALIFORNIA - May 2008. Domaine Chandon, the leading sparkling wine producer in the Napa Valley, is proud to announce that it is now also the leading sparkling wine at the White House. Chandon sparkling wines have been chosen by White House staff to be served at gatherings where a toast of sparkling wine is in order and have been enjoyed by multiple Heads of State in recent months.

Chandon's quality and approachability have been named as factors for their selection according to White House Assistant Usher Daniel Shanks. In November 2007, President Bush served Chandon Rosé to accompany the dessert course of the dinner honoring French President Nicolas Sarkozy. In an age where symbolism abounds, serving premium California sparkling wine to the French President is particularly poignant.

On February 14, the romantic wine chosen to celebrate Valentine's Day in the White House was none other than étoile Rosé. étoile Rosé was also served on St. Patrick's Day (March 17) to welcome the Prime Minister of Ireland.

"Chandon being enjoyed in the White House is an excellent coup, since the President showcases the best that America has to offer to his guests," says Ryan Harris, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for Domaine Chandon. "I'd love for Chandon to be served by savvy entertainers in all American homes. The White House, or Executive Residence, is a great start."

As the first American sparkling wine venture established by a French Champagne house, Napa Valley's Domaine Chandon offers premium méthode champenoise sparkling wines with well-developed fruit flavors and structure that come from California's premium winegrowing regions. The Chandon range of wines has earned critical acclaim by wine journalists including "Best Buy" and "Editor's Choice".

With inclusion at the President's dinner table, Chandon wines are fittingly placed among other esteemed wines that have been worthy of the highest ranking international visitors to White House, including Newton Vineyard and Dominus.

 

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CHANDON ANNOUNCES WINNER OF THE SAVVY ENTERTAINER CONTEST
Goddard Takes Home $25,000 and Gains a Broader Platform to Share Her Entertaining Tips
Yountville, CALIFORNIA - January 31, 2008. Domaine Chandon, Napa Valley’s premiere sparkling winery, partnered with the Fine Living Network to find the next Savvy Entertainer. Based on entries received from across the United States, Joanna Goddard of New York City emerged as the winner and now holds the title of Chandon’s “Savvy Entertainer of the Year” for 2008.

“Chandon is all about savvy entertaining, about bringing people together, enhancing the enjoyment of food with wine and entertaining with style,” says Ryan Harris, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for Domaine Chandon. “We were impressed with Goddard’s clever tips for bringing a party to life, including a bubbly bar complete with recipe cards. We believe that she embodies the Chandon spirit when entertaining and we’re proud to have her as our official ‘Savvy Entertainer of the Year’.”

For Joanna Goddard’s savvy portrayal of herself as an accomplished hostess and for incorporating thoughtful and personalized flair throughout her video, she won $25,000 and the opportunity to throw a party for the town of Yountville in the heart of the Napa Valley to kick off the 2008 holiday season.

“Thank you! It was really fun to put together!” exclaimed Goddard on receiving the news. “As soon as I read about the contest on glam.com, I knew I was entering. It is such a natural fit for me; I love to host parties and am currently planning a last-minute Valentine’s Day gathering. We got to enjoy a lot of Chandon sparkling wine to make my winning entry and had a great time!”

Goddard is an editor for Bene Magazine and throws parties “whenever possible” in her Manhattan apartment. As the Chandon Savvy Entertainer of the year, she will share her tips and insights throughout the year to Club Chandon members and on www.savvyentertainer.com. Visit www.savvyentertainer.com to view her winning entry and to pick up or share your tips on how to entertain with ease and style.

 

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CHANDON ROSÉ SERVED AT THE WHITE HOUSE
NAPA VALLEY, Calif. – Domaine Chandon, the leading sparkling wine producer in the Napa Valley, is proud to announce that Chandon Rosé was served last night in the White House. President Bush chose Chandon Rosé to accompany the dessert course of the dinner honoring French President Nicolas Sarkozy. The French leader was visiting the United States to foster better international relations between the countries.

“A Californian Sparkling Rosé being served to the French head of state is an excellent coup for Chandon, yet not surprising based on current market trends. Both sparkling and rosé style wines have exploded in popularity as American consumers discover their versatility with food,” says Ryan Harris, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for Domaine Chandon.

Chandon Rosé combines the best of both with a sparkling rosé delicious with a variety of cuisines from around the globe. The well-developed fruit and structure of this wine make it a perfect partner with many dishes, ranging from intensely flavored to more traditional fare.

With inclusion in last night’s dinner, Chandon Rosé is fittingly placed among other esteemed wines that have been worthy of the highest ranking international visitors to White House, including Newton Vineyard and Dominus.

ABOUT DOMAINE CHANDON: Domaine Chandon, Inc. is the leading sparkling wine producer in the Napa Valley. Founded in 1973, Domaine Chandon was the first American sparkling wine venture established by a French Champagne house (Moët & Chandon). Chandon’s principal achievement has been to craft a range of sparkling wines that reflect California’s vibrant regional character yet remain true to the practices of méthode traditionnelle. In 2002, the winery expanded its portfolio to include premium still wines made from Champagne varietals. A leader in viticulture as well as winemaking, Domaine Chandon is at the forefront of sustainable farming practices and continues to replenish, control, and in many cases restore the natural habitat. Domaine Chandon was selected “Winery of the Year 2005” by the California Travel Industry Association.

CHANDON SEARCHES FOR THE SAVVY ENTERTAINER
Contest Winner Takes Home $25,000 and Opportunity to Host Holiday Party for the town of Yountville
YOUNTVILLE, Calif. – If friends and family think of you as the hostess with the mostest or the host they should toast, then put together a plan and get the camcorder rolling.  Domaine Chandon, Napa Valley’s premiere sparkling wine company, has partnered with the Fine Living Network to find the next Savvy Entertainer.

“Chandon is all about savvy entertaining, about bringing people together, enhancing the enjoyment of food with wine and entertaining with style,” says Ryan Harris, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for Domaine Chandon.  “We know there are a lot of clever people with great ideas for entertaining in a special way. We want to recognize the person who embodies the Chandon philosophy and can bring all of the elements together to create a memorable event.”

For nearly 35 years, Chandon has been entertaining thousands of guests at its Yountville property in the Napa Valley. These individuals take Chandon’s love of wine, food and entertaining home to share with their friends and family. Now, Chandon is asking its consumer’s to share their savvy entertaining ideas with the world.

To that end, Chandon has partnered with Fine Living to present a consumer challenge where individuals are asked to submit a two-minute video that displays their savvy style and interesting approach to holiday entertaining. 

The winner will receive $25,000 and the coveted title of “Savvy Entertainer of the Year” for 2008.  He or she also will implement their winning concept during the 2008 holiday season at Domaine Chandon’s picturesque property in the Napa Valley. 

The contest commences on October 1, 2007 and runs through January 4, 2008. For complete rules, visit www.savvyentertainer.com.

CHANDON LAUNCHES 187ml CHANDON ROSÉ SPARKLING WINE
New size offers more options to enjoy rosé sparkling wine
NAPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA Domaine Chandon, the leading sparkling wine producer in the Napa Valley, today announces the release of its popular Chandon Rosé sparkling wine in a convenient, new single-serve size. This 187ml bottle offers this popular wine in an accessible and portable package, making it perfect for picnics, by the glass offerings in restaurants, or anytime consumers want a fresh flute of sparkling wine. “Rosé is one of the fastest-growing wine segments in the wine industry - for both still and sparkling wines - and the single-serving size is also gaining in popularity. With our Brut Classic 187ml becoming the fastest-growing split in the market, it seemed like a natural progression for us to provide our sparkling Chandon Rosé in this convenient size,” says Ryan Harris, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for Domaine Chandon. Chandon Rosé, launched approximately 12 months ago, has been very well received due to its lively color, approachable fruit-driven style and high quality craftsmanship. “When I was creating Chandon Rosé, I thought of how it would be enjoyed – taken on summer picnics or consumed poolside. It would be the perfect accompaniment to shrimp with fruit salsa or Jamaican Jerk Chicken or Pork – just hold the habaneros,” says winemaker Tom Tiburzi. The domestic single-serving (187ml) sparkling wine market is experiencing double-digit growth, according to IRI Research. This bottle size encourages consumers to enjoy sparkling wine more often with a convenient single serving as opposed to having to open an entire bottle. Since it is lightweight, small and easy to tote, it is excellent for traveling. The attractive packaging also makes it perfect for gifting. In a restaurant setting, a 187-ml offering ensures that customers enjoy a fresh flute every time they order wine by the glass and ensures that restaurants don’t waste an open bottle that could go unfinished. With this new format, a flute of Chandon Rosé can serve as an excellent alternative to a pre-dinner cocktail or a great pairing with almost any dish throughout the meal. For a product sample or photography, please contact Lara Abbott on 707-204-7620 or lara_abbott@chandon.com

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DOMAINE CHANDON ANNOUNCES FUTURES PROGRAM FOR CONSUMERS
Pinot Noir; Pinot Meunier pre-sold in response to overwhelming demand.
NAPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA - August 9, 2006. Domaine Chandon winery announced today that it completed its first sale in a new program created to accommodate consumers clamoring for its Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier bottlings.
“We have experienced unprecedented demand for these wines, and are sold out of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier at the winery,” explained Vice President of Marketing and Business Development Ryan Harris. “We hope by offering these varietals for sale prior to release we’ll avoid disappointing our most avid Pinot fans.”
As the first French-owned sparkling wine producer in Napa Valley, Domaine Chandon was a pioneer of the two red varieties traditional for Champagne in Carneros, and remains the appellation’s largest grower of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The winery had both the vision and the vines for a still Pinot Noir, which Domaine Chandon began to produce in boutique quantities in 1996. In 2001, recognizing the growing interest in the varietal from an increasingly sophisticated wine consumer, the winery launched its first national release of Domaine Chandon Carneros Pinot Noir.
To take the Chandon still Pinot Noir program to the next level, in 2005, Domaine Chandon appointed James Kress, a graduate of the Master of Viticulture and Enology program at Davis, as its first still winemaker. Kress, who previously had made wine in several of California’s premier appellations, was assigned to develop Chandon’s still Pinot Noir program to accomodate a more knowledgeable and discriminating wine consumer. In addition to Carneros, Kress began exploration of other top Pinot Noir appellations such as Russian River and Santa Rita Hills, working on sourcing and expanding the portfolio, developing ultra-premium new blends now aging in the barrel for future release.
While Domaine Chandon anticipated the trend early on, nobody predicted a motion picture called Sideways, about the sensual pleasures of Pinot Noir, would capture the imagination of America and suddenly drive demand sky-high. “Now, there simply is not enough Pinot Noir to go around.” commented Kress, citing a varietal that’s said to have been cultivated since the 4th century AD. The demand created a boon for the winery—and challenge in terms of supplying its loyal consumer base.
Pinot Meunier as a still wine was pioneered by Domaine Chandon, who first produced it in 1989 to pair with dishes prepared at its landmark winery restaurant, étoile. The varietal has achieved a cult following among fans of the grape, which is rarely vinified into still wine. Although no Academy-Award nominated film has driven its success, this exotic, food-friendly varietal appeals to an increasingly sophisticated consumer, well-versed on the subject of food and wine pairing, and interested in new wine discoveries. Domaine Chandon Pinot Meunier is consistently sold out from vintage to vintage.
To address demand for both these varietals, Domaine Chandon decided to implement a futures program in August 2006. As a gesture of appreciation and in the tradition of European futures, the winery is extending a modest discount to consumers who pre-purchase their wines through the program. Futures for 2004 Domaine Chandon Russian River Reserve Pinot Noir, 2005 Domaine Chandon Carneros Pinot Noir, and 2005 Domaine Chandon Carneros Pinot Meunier are now available at the winery or www.chandon.com.
Future Releases now available for purchase
2004 Domaine Chandon Russian River Reserve Pinot Noir
Regular Price $50.00
Futures Price: $45.00
Available September 2006
2005 Domaine Chandon Carneros Pinot Noir
Regular Price: $35.00
Futures Price: $31.50
Available February 2007
2005 Domaine Chandon Carneros Pinot Meunier
Regular Price: $35.00
Futures Price: $31.50
Club Chandon wine subscription members receive an additional discount.