JORDAN ESTATE MOMENTS

Picture Perfect Rewards for Loyalists

by Bonnie Carroll

Savvy wine lovers who join the Jordan Estate mailing list are automatically enrolled in Jordan Estate Rewards, a unique new program that enables members to earn points they can redeem for exclusive hospitality, culinary and event privileges on the Jordan Estate. Among these privileges is an overnight stay in one of the Jordan guest accommodations, which include three one-bedroom guest suites, located on the second story of the winery chateau, as well as a two-bedroom guest cottage nestled in the woods of Jordan Estate. The winery has their own security office, and provides daily transportation to and from Healdsburg.

The guest cottage is actually an exquisite state-of-the-art fully equipped and totally private home with two bedrooms overlooking breathtaking views. The “cottage” was originally built for the Jordan's daughter, and it's doubtful you will find any spot on earth where you will get a more peaceful nights sleep than in this charming hide-a-way. A beautiful breakfast tray is prepared and delivered to guests at their requested time each morning by members of the Jordan staff.

Waters, fresh fruit, juice, a bottle of Jordan wine and a keurig coffee maker with condiments are complimentary, as well as tasteful guest bath amenities, including a toothbrush and razor, in the event you've forgotten your own. Overnight visitors can also enjoy the luxury of a leisurely jacuzzi bath with a view after a day of touring in Healdsburg. The cottage is air conditioned in summer, and has a beautiful wood burning fireplace for cooler weather. Walks on the Jordon Estate property present some amazing photography opportunities.

Guests are welcome to enjoy the Harvest lunch, a family style luncheon on the terrace that is paired with Jordan wines, to celebrate the annual grape harvest on weekdays for 4-5 weeks in September and October using reward points. In 2014, Jordan began hosting dinner parties for the public. It’s the first time that tickets can be purchased for meals at Jordan. This will continue in 2015 with their first Valentine’s Dinner at Jordan available for purchase or for points.

The luncheon on the terrace is prepared and served family style, with grace and taste! Recipes contain delicious items from the Jordan farm, paired with Jordan wines. The terrace becomes a flower filled tribute to the best in Jordan hospitality, featuring unique recipes by Estate Chef Todd Knoll, beautifully presented by the Jordan staff. John Jordan, who was born on the day his parents bought what was to become Jordan Winery, was our charming host during our lunch and was happy to share information on future plans for Jordan.

“The pleasure of food and wine pairing planted a seed that grew into Jordan Vineyard & Winery. Our recipes are inspired by the bounty of Jordan’s garden, my culinary experiences and our elegant wines. Blending Asian and French techniques with local ingredients, including our estate olive oil, I strive to present flavors with purity and balance, creating harmony between food and wine,” says Chef Knoll. The menu we enjoyed during our stay included a milieu of original recipes created by this talented chef, and for copies of the recipes please visit www.jordanwinery.com.

Todd Knoll joined Jordan Vineyard & Winery in 2003 as chef de cuisine, working under the direction of Executive Chef Udo Nechutnys. He was promoted to executive chef in 2007 and today oversees the entire Jordan culinary program, which includes preparing little tastes daily for tour and tasting guests, cooking meals for trade guests and special events, managing the estate garden, crafting Jordan Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil and directing the kitchen staff.

Born into a military family in 1969, Chef Knoll was raised in Hawaii, and draws inspiration from his childhood home, as well as Asia, when creating menus for the Jordan dining room. Jordan’s house style, balanced wines with bright fruit, soft tannins, nice acidity and low alcohol, allows Chef Knoll to push the envelope with counter-intuitive ingredient selections. His cuisine utilizes seasonal produce from the Jordan garden and orchard, located on a hillside behind the kitchen, as well as local growers and artisanal purveyors.

The Jordan buffet lunch on the terrace included a collection of exceptional recipes overflowing with fruits and vegetables from the Jordan garden, paired with their Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. A highlight of this lovely afternoon gathering was an introduction to Rob Davis, winemaker for Jordon Winery. Davis said he is delighted that the commitment to quality the Jordan's and the winemaking team have lived by since the inaugural 1976 vintage is firmly intact and will continue to guide the Jordan team for years to come.

In July and August of 2015 Jordan will present the first-ever 4:30 to sunset dinner party at Vista Point, the highest hilltop on the Jordan Estate, that offers panoramic views of Alexander Valley's rolling hills and mountains at sunset. The $200 per person dinner will begin with a reception at the beautiful new Vista Point pavilion to be followed by a seated, dinner amongst the grapevines, paired with Jordan wines. The MGM views from Vista Point create a synergy of the senses for guests who are savoring fine Jordan wines, outstanding cuisine and the unquestionable beauty of the Alexander Valley.

A tour of the winery, followed by a tasting in the library, is given by Jayson Blakeley and begins with champagne in the garden. A full tour of the winery is concluded with a collection of small bites and wine in the elegant Jordan library. On occasion guests have had the unexpected opportunity to savor a sip of a rare Jordan vintage at one of these events and we had this amazing treat. When visiting the Jordan Winery don't forget to stop at the gift shop, where you will find a collection of great wine related books, unique gift items, and handsome wine boxes.

It is nearly impossible to convey the true beauty of the Jordan Estate, and the Alexander Valley, but I hope reading this story may peak your curiosity and inspire you to visit their site, become a member and possibly have an unforgettable one-of-a-kind experience at Jordan Estate Winery. http://www.jordanwinery.com.