Magnificent gardens, ornate statuary, grand water features and an incredible backdrop of Sugarloaf Ridge greet guests at Chateau St. Jean Vineyard & Winery. Just outside of Kenwood in Sonoma County, this heavenly estate is reminiscent of a turn of the century French manor, surrounded by 90+ acres of vineyards.
Chateau St. Jean was constructed in 1920 as a summer home for the Goff family, who were iron magnates from Michigan. Today, the home has been listed in the National Trust for Historic Preservation and is open to the public. Parlor-style tasting rooms on the upper level are available for private tastings and events.
Winemaker Margo Van Staaveren has handcrafted over 30 vintages for Chateau St. Jean. An early pioneer of single vineyard grape sourcing, it is Margo’s belief that “great wines are grown”.
Varietals grown on the property include Chardonnay, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Other grapes are sourced from single vineyards in the Alexander Valley, Sonoma Valley and the Russian River Valley.
Chateau St. Jean’s tasting menu offers something for everyone. There’s a 2012 Pinot Blanc Robert Young Vineyard which emits pretty floral notes with a crisp green apple acidity and a 2011 Chardonnay Durell Vineyard which will tantalize your senses with undertones of roasted nuts, baked apples and creme brûlée.
Red wine lovers will appreciate the 2012 Malbec Alexander Valley, deep garnet in color with an exotic floral nose of plum and bright boysenberries or the revered 2011 Cinq Cepages Sonoma County, an amazingly smooth Bordeaux style blend, which is perfectly fitting for the chateau setting. For private wine tasting or charcuterie plates, call ahead to reserve a spot in the garden tasting room. www.chateaustjean.com