26 Mar Please The Palate Pick of the Week: Winery Tour and Tasting at Jordan Winery

Located in the Alexander Valley in the northern part of Sonoma, Jordan Winery was established in 1972. For fifty years they have focused on just two grapes, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, and make only two wines from those grapes. But the third focus of Jordan Winery is hospitality. When it comes to hospitality, Jordan Winery is at the top of their game and the Please The Palate pick of the week. From the moment you arrive at Jordan, you will be awed by the elegance. After driving up a long, tree-lined road, you will arrive at the French-inspired Chateau that houses the winery, kitchen, dining room, tasting library, wine cellars, offices, and guest suites. Sitting on 1200 acres, there are 120 acres of grapes planted, as well as 16 acres of olive trees, and a one-acre garden. There are two lakes and several grazing pastures and 900 acres of the land remains wild. There is an apiary for beekeeping, a chicken coop filled with hens that supply eggs, and cows and goats that eat unwanted grasses and unused parts of harvested vegetables. Then their manure is incorporated into compost and added back to the soil for natural fertilizer. A certified sustainable winery, Jordan Winery has received numerous green business and sustainable winery certifications. Jordan offers a number of experiences, from tastings to tours to food pairings. The basic experience is the Winery Tour & Tasting, which costs $75, which is what I did on my recent visit. But there is nothing basic about the experience. We were greeted by a personal guide who welcomed us with a glass of Jordan Chardonnay and then took us through the winery and barrel room. We then went into the library for our first bite paired of tuna tartare paired with the 2019 Jordan Chardonnay. We then moved into the private cellar room for a seating food and wine pairing with two vintages of the Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon. Jordan Winery has a a dedicated chef at the winery. Taking a sustainable approach, Executive Chef Todd Knoll sources local ingredients, many found on the Jordan property, and forages wild plants and herbs. His selections to pair with the elegant Cabernet Sauvignon were harmonious. The visit was heightened with an overnight stay in one of the Jordan suites. Available to Gold and Platinum members of the Jordan Estate Rewards loyalty program, the luxurious suites are a mix of old-world style and modern amenities. Each suite has a king bed, a sitting area, and a fireplace. But it is the little touches that stand out. The large elegant bathrooms have heated floors. A complimentary continental breakfast is delivered at the designated time in the morning. And, when we wanted to go to Healdsburg, a courtesy shuttle was provided. Every moment of our tasting, and visit, was organized perfection, highlighting Jordan Winery’s flawless hospitality. It was a lovely visit that I would recommend to anyone.