The passion project by former Grossi Florentino head chef Louis Naepels and life and business partner, sommelier Tess Murray, serves classic fare for up to 20 people out of a quaint heritage-listed sandstone in the heart of the wine town.

Assign a designated driver and strap in for the great-value long lunch, built around four seasonal courses inspired by the local farm haul. The ever-changing spread by French-born Naepels may see you start with feather-light Comte gougeres, terrine made with McIvor Farm pork from about 20km up the road, or the juiciest rockmelon you’ll ever try with creamy ajo blanco.

Or maybe you’ll get a taste of tiny pesto-coated cavatelli nibs hatted with a blizzard of parmesan, and finish with a decadent chocolate mousse countered with salt flakes.

Murray works the floor, lending her global and local wine know-how while splashing Jasper Hill back vintages or grand cru Champagne into your glass. Everything about Chauncy is prim and proper – white walls, linen tablecloths and Wedgwood crockery will have you feeling oh-so fancy. And it’s sure cheaper than a plane ticket. 

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