October, 2019
Leaving Napa County, lets head a little farther northeast to the Alexander Valley located in Sonoma County. Sonoma is not only for wine lovers, but offers sun-kissed vine covered hills, a dramatic coastline, and sweeping redwood forests. It offers a laid-back carefree vibe, with just the right amount of indulgence. Outdoor and adventure travelers can hike amongst the redwood trees, kayak, hike the coast, or even bike the wine trails.
Now I can’t tell you where to stay in Sonoma, where to eat or what is best to explore apart from wine, but what I can tell you is where to taste! We wanted to take a day within our trip to Napa and added in a winery in Sonoma County. We got up early and drove to Alexander Valley enjoying the winding roads, the redwoods and the rolling vineyards along the way. Leave yourself extra time for this drive as it will take longer than you think, with all of the twists and turns paving the way to this French-inspired winery experience in California!
Jordan Winery must be added to your tasting and experience list. Producing three wines; a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Chardonnay and a Champagne – The Estate Tour & Tasting is the perfect pairing for these wines. Imagine starting your day with some bubbly and freshly baked warm chocolate chip scones, oh la la! I told you the experience would be French-inspired and this is just the beginning of this luxurious tour.
You will experience the scenic 1200 acre estate, learning about the history of the vineyard. Stop for a tasting of the extra virgin olive oil produced at the estate amongst the olive groves, overlooking the lake sipping Chardonnay. How divine. You will have the opportunity to wander through the chef’s garden while sampling figs, strawberries, raspberries, and persimmons. Pause to admire the beauty of the vibrantly colored flowers throughout the flower beds. Who doesn’t love the smell of fresh flowers and freshly hand-picked fruit?
As if you hadn’t been spoiled immensely up until this point, you will conclude your tour on what feels like the top of the world viewing the vineyards, the county and estate. Here you will experience the Cabernet Sauvignon, inspired by the finest Bordeaux, and paired with the most delectable food prepared by Jordan’s own chef, using locally farmed ingredients and herbs from the garden you strolled earlier. This is the ultimate pairing of small plates and wine, where the nuance of the vintage, flavour, body, acidity, tannin and treatment of the wine is scrupulously balanced against the acidity, flavouring and complexity of the tapas. Combine this with the view of the picture-perfect vineyards rolling over the golden hills of California and you have an afternoon etched in your memory forever.
