Kendall-Jackson Winery Tasting
Kendall-Jackson is one of the more historic wineries in California.
In many ways, it set the tone for the classic flavor of “California Chardonnay” most of us enjoy today.
In the late 1970s, Jess Stonewall Jackson – then a successful attorney – bought some vineyard land for family weekends.
As he learned more about vineyards, grapes, and winemaking he decided to make his own wine.
By the early 1980s, he had access to grapes from various regions of Northern California, as well as (expensive) French oak barrels.
His plan was to make a Chardonnay wine in the style of classic Burgundy from France, yet at an affordable price.
Challenges For Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay
So in the early 1980s, Jess Jackson had created the quintessential affordable, delicious Chardonnay. The challenge at that point in time was distribution.
A natural salesman, Jess Jackson had a stroke of luck when visiting the Oyster Bar restaurant in New York’s Grand Central station.
He offered the wine buyer a taste, and it was well received.
This bit of good luck eventually resulted in nationwide distribution. It paved the way for the multi-million dollar Kendall Jackson brand.
Kendall-Jackson Winery Tasting – How to Prepare
When it comes to your Kendall-Jackson Winery Tasting, you have many options.
Regardless of which way you plan to visit, please print out or write down the “essential” list of how to prepare for wine visits.
If you are driving to Kendall-Jackson from San Francisco or another city, consider investing in the audio recording of the book about Jess Jackson called “A Man and His Mountain.” That way, when you arrive you and your friends or family will know more about Mr. Jackson than any ambassador or guide can tell you.
Kendall-Jackson Winery Tasting – Options
1. Kendall-Jackson Winery Tasting Without A Reservation
If you are reading this as your party is speeding along the highway to Kendall-Jackson in Sonoma (5007 Fulton Road, Fulton CA 95439 707 571 7500) the first thing you should know is that the hours of the tasting room are 10am to 5pm daily (holidays not included).
And no worries if you do not have a reservation. You may be able to taste at the bar. At the time of this writing, you have a choice of two different tasting experiences. One is $15 and the other is $20, with the difference being the quality levels of wines you will taste.
This said, even if you are in transit you may still be able to take advantage of the two-for-one tasting coupons available at the Kendall-Jackson website that are sometimes available.
Also inquire if the tasting fee can be waived if you buy bottle(s) of wine. The policy changes every so often so be sure to ask.
2. Kendall-Jackson Winery Tasting : The Food and Wine Pairing Experience
Kendall-Jackson has many different food and wine pairing experiences that change with the seasons. Some are “small bites” paired with small pours of Kendall-Jackson wines.
The classic food and wine experience is a lunch, that you can book on opentable.com. This is typically a five course meal of fresh “farm to table” food” from the gardens of Kendall-Jackson, and local purveyors.
For example, on a recent visit the food and wine pairing experience happened in the outdoor patio. The menu included smoked trout, duck breast, Akaushi beef, and buttermilk pie, Vegetarians may be able to ask for a substitute, yet ideally this is done in advance.
A host will pour your Kendall-Jackson wine and explain the wines as well.
In my opinion, this is the most relaxing way to enjoy the Kendall-Jackson experience. True, it is more expensive than the bar tasting. Yet the food is fabulous and you have the undivided attention of your host.
On beautiful days, the outdoor patio is a wonderful experience.
If you are lucky, your host may also take you to see the gorgeous Kendall-Jackson gardens
Special Event Dinners
A few times a year, Kendall-Jackson offers some VERY special dinners. My favorite is the dinner involving all-you-can eat Dungeness crab and family style side dishes paired with Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay.
Though this is basically for wine club members, savvy non-members can attend but you need to buy your tickets fast! Contact Kendall-Jackson for details 800 769 3549 or email [email protected]
Throughout the year you can also choose from many farm-to-table wine and food pairing experiences. These are open air feasts in the stunning Kendall-Jackson Estate Gardens. You will sit at a shared table including the KJ team of wine experts, culinary staff, and the master gardener.
The family style dinner experience includes fresh produce from the day’s vegetable harvest and local purveyors. Dinners are usually sold out so book as soon as possible.
A few times a year, Kendall-Jackson also offers very special events, such
Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
5007 Fulton Road, Fulton CA 95439 707 571 7500
