Sonoma, California: Visiting Kendall-Jackson

One Winery Worth a Visit

Updated 4/2021

Since I, along with my husband, own a small home-based business, we tend to work most days with very few breaks.   It can be exhausting.  As one of our most busy seasons, we are beginning to feel stressed.  So, what’s a Californian to do??  Go cheese and wine tasting! 

No Matter Where You Are, a Winery is Nearby

In our part of the Golden State, Davis is surrounded by vineyards.  We are 40 minutes from Napa and an hour from Sonoma.  Here, some of the finest wines in the world are made.  Typically, we would focus only on tasting these lovely wines.  However, with our limited time (only two days) we decided to alter our focus onto enjoying the lush countryside, taste grand cheeses and perhaps sneak in a wine tasting.   (Please read my review of these creameries and their cheeses)

We Visit Another World

Staying at an accommodating DoubleTree (review) in Rohnert Park, we were perfectly positioned to explore the fertile farmlands that lead to award-winning cheese.  After a full day of cheese euphoria, we had just enough time for wine tasting.  Since we were driving and we had truly little time, we chose Kendall-Jackson.  This choice was a no-brainer.  The wines are always amazing, and the winery is near Santa Rosa, right off Highway 101.

Driving onto the grounds is like journeying to a distant land—one that focuses on delighting the senses and all things delicious.  The estate is surrounded by vineyards, a high-yield vegetable garden and fruit trees.  Visitors may explore.   

Stepping into the winery, I was on sensory overload.  Besides its appealing décor laden with ceramics, cutting boards, fabrics...just about anything wine and cheese related, I was in home-cook heaven.  The smells wafting from the chef's kitchen paired nicely with the goods and the wines we were about to sample.  

At the End of the Day, KJ Exceeds Expectations

Our pourer was an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, young lady named Savannah.  Mentioning that I wrote a book on wine etiquette and teach a variety of related classes, she excelled at creating a unique and special experience for us. 

She poured four wines, all excellent.  (Tasting notes below) Then, offering a generous pour of KJ’s Grand Reserve Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre, she took us on a tour of the kitchen and grounds.  All the while, she informed us of all the winery events and a bit of history.   We must partake of KJ’s wine and food tastings on our next visit.  All the fare looked scrumptious and smelled divine. 

Overall, stopping at Kendall-Jackson was an amazing experience.  I heartily recommend it to wine and food lovers.  Even those who abstain should find the estate and grounds worth the visit. 

Note: Please check the CA Covid Map before visiting.  Also, check the business’s website.  Most, like KJ, require a reservation.

The Wines and My Tasting Notes

Savannah started us off with a 2013 Grand Reserve Rose, which I found to be slightly sweet and spicy.  With its light rosy pink color, fruity nose, and slight taste of strawberries, I found it the perfect barbecue wine. 

The 2013 Kendall-Jackson Avant Sauvignon Blanc was a surprise.  This one reminded me of a nice French Graves, but a citrus-grassy forward.  I enjoyed it immensely and at $14 a bottle, I felt it was an exceptional deal.

The 2012 Jackson Estate Camelot Highlands Chardonnay was the hands-down winner in my book.  For me, it was sunshine in a glass with its tropical fruit flavors, caramel, and hints of minerals.  The acids balanced this big wine making it a better food pairing than most Chardonnays.  We left with a bottle of this grand wine.

Many California Pinot Noirs—in my opinion anyway—are too heavy and don’t reflect a true Pinot character.  The 2012 Jackson Estate Outland Ridge Pinot Noir is not one of them.  It is lighter-bodied but well structured.  It should hold up in the glass.   With a bit of bramble bush—deep, earthy, and fruity—all Pinots should taste this good.

Our touring glass of wine was the bold 2012 Grand Reserve Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre.  This is a fruit-forward, but well-balanced wine.  I noted cherry and chocolate.  As a Grenache lover, I was thrilled to have a chance to taste it.

Please Read

Sonoma California: Touring Creameries

Sonoma, California: DoubleTree Sonoma

Road Trip to the Albion River Inn on the CA Coast