My Latest in Wine Business Monthly Magazine:
DTC Spotlight: Jordan Vineyard and Winery Celebrates 50 Years of Hospitality
by L.M. Archer
Now available in the July 2022 issue:
JORDAN VINEYARD & WINERY celebrates their 50th anniversary in 2022 with a robust DTC program and revamped Healdsburg estate.
Named the most popular wine brand and number one Cabernet Sauvignon in the Wine & Spirits’ 31st annual Restaurant Poll of 2020, Jordan Vineyard & Winery focuses on three things: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and hospitality. They also operate one of the wine world’s most innovative direct- to-consumer (DTC) programs.
The multi-faceted Jordan Winery Rewards Program combines old world standards, new world innovations, sustainability, social responsibility and a strong digital presence to craft world-class food and wine experiences for loyal members.
Old World Standards
Founded in 1972 by Tom and Sally Jordan, the winery estate comprises 1,200 acres. Estate vineyards total one-tenth of the estate, 120 acres planted to
Bordeaux grapes delineated within 20 individual blocks. Varieties include about 88 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, 24 acres of Petit Verdot, 4 acres of Merlot and 3 acres of Malbec.
A portion of the estate vineyard soils resembles those of Bordeaux’s clay- rich Right Bank. Other mineral-rich parcels located mid-slope resemble the well-draining soils of Bordeaux’s Left Bank. Christened “Côte de Jordan,” these vineyard slopes and benchlands produce red wines reminiscent of Bordeaux Grand Cru Classé blends in balance, complexity and composition. Jordan also sources Chardonnay from Sonoma’s Russian River Valley AVA to craft Burgundy-style Chardonnay wines.
With this emphasis on rigorous French standards, Jordan Winery enlisted legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff in 1974. Top UC Davis grad Rob Davis joined the winemaking team in 1976, taking over from his mentor when Tchelistcheff died in 1992. After 43 harvests, Davis appointed Maggie Kruse head winemaker in 2019 but he still consults for the winery.
“Although we’ve focused on making just one white wine and one red wine since the 1970s, we believe every vintage should be better than the last, and we spare no expense in that pursuit,” said Kruse, who joined Jordan Winery in 2006. “Finding new ways to improve our wines year after year, while maintaining our signature style, is quite the challenge and keeps things fresh and interesting.” READ MORE HERE.