Jordan Estate Tales - Volume 9, 2014 - 11

GettinG started

The tour, which started formally just before the 2013 harvest,
is a three-hour excursion that brings guests (in a luxurious
Mercedes Sprinter van) into some of the most remote parts of
the property, introducing them to the rugged land, vistas and
other natural habitat that define Jordan's Alexander Valley
property. Along the tour, guests stop at four destinations to
enjoy Jordan wines, olive oil and farm-fresh food prepared
by Executive Chef Todd Knoll, as well as some of the most
magnificent views in Sonoma County.

The journey begins in Bacchus Courtyard, just outside the
reception area at the main chateau. Here, under a natural
canopy of Big Leaf Maple trees, guests receive their first taste
of the food for which Jordan has become famous; they start
their day with a continental breakfast of fresh fruit from the
Jordan garden, house-baked scones, homemade jam, freshsqueezed juice and infused water.
As members of the group get to know each other, the Estate
Tour host prepares them for what they are about to see,
regaling visitors with a colorful history of the Jordan family,
a contextual history of the Alexander Valley (see page 14)
and a natural history of one of the largest private ranches in
northern Sonoma County.

After a hiatus for winter, tours are scheduled to begin in April,
and guests are booking appointments quickly for good reason.

Group members are ushered aboard the Sprinter then descend
through the woodlands.

First, the Jordan Estate never has been open to the public; this
is the first time since the Jordan family bought the property
in the early 1970s that consumers have the chance to explore
and experience all its breathtaking beauty (only Jordan Estate
Rewards members could enjoy Jordan Lake and vineyard
tours before now). The Estate Tour & Tasting also features
new outdoor and open-air tasting spaces, affording guests
the opportunity to enjoy Jordan's renowned hospitality and
exceptional wine and food service out in the wild, surrounded
by nature-an uncommon offering in wine country.

Just beyond Jordan's red barn, guests meet the resident
miniature donkeys, Maverick and Goose, who were adopted
by John in 2013. Here, while looking out on a chicken coop
and a pasture for grazing Longhorn and Black Angus cattle,
guests learn about how John has focused on diversifying the
agriculture of the estate to include cattle for beef, chickens
for eggs and more.

Finally, more than three-quarters of the Jordan Estate is
dedicated to natural habitat for countless birds and wild
animals to roam; vineyard blocks are nestled between the
woodlands and planted around the towering trees. The Jordan
Estate Tour & Tasting experience is the only way to see this
beauty first-hand.

The host then leads guests to the foundation of Jordan's
culinary program: the garden. This is the birthplace of
every dish that Chef Knoll cooks, the place where he gets
his inspiration. Guests begin by strolling through a lush
acre filled with more than 50 different varieties of fruits,
vegetables and herbs, as well as colorful flowers for the
winery's floral arrangements. The garden visit culminates
with a sampling of whatever produce is ripe at the time, such
as juicy Mission figs, handpicked from the tree.

11
Jordan Estate Tales - Volume 9, 2014

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Jordan Estate Tales - Volume 9, 2014
