Jordan Chardonnay – give back with every sip

2018 Jordan Chardonnay, Russian River Valley

As we started to move into “white wine season” during these difficult times, I knew what wine I needed to open without needing to browse my collection. I’m drinking Jordan Chardonnay and I’m recommending it here, not just for the attributes that give this Russian River Chardonnay its stellar reputation but for the fact that this winery pulls out all the stops in times of trouble.

Jordan Vineyard & Winery is a business committed to community

Jordan Vineyard & Winery is known for stepping up to the plate when the local community is in need. By establishing the John Jordan Foundation, named after the winery’s leader, this brand is tireless in their efforts to make fabulous wine, create memorable experiences and finding ways to support the people of Sonoma County.

When the winery had employees lose homes in the 2017 fires, John Jordan immediately gave each victim a significant cash amount so that they could start to piece their lives together without the fear of being unable to pay for day to day expenses. This time the John Jordan Foundation reaches farther in the unprecedented catastrophe that has affected those in the hospitality industry in a huge way.

Sonoma Family Meal, a food charity founded by local food writer, Heather Irwin, to feed those suffering from and those first responders on the front line during the last two major fires in Sonoma County wine country. Facing this new and unknown for, SFM has pivoted to employ at least twenty restaurant and 100 employees back to working preparing at least 100,000 meals over the next three months.

In an email, Jordan Winery’s Director of Marketing & Communications, Lisa Mattson, noted, “these are the types of innovative programs that the John Jordan Foundation seeks out and supports in other areas of health and education. That’s why John donated $150,000 to jump-start the new Sonoma Family Meal Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund.”

Sonoma Family Meal believes they will need $300,000 to keep the programs going through the end of the coronavirus crisis and, therefore, the John Jordan Foundation will match all donations up to $150,000. Here is how you can help.

Donation page:

https://sonomafamilymeal.networkforgood.com/projects/96348-jordan-foundation

Blog:

https://blog.jordanwinery.com/sonoma-family-meal-coronavirus-charity-restaurant-fund/

My review of Jordan Chardonnay

These are the kind of private, unprompted giving that is heartwarming in the face of struggle. It also makes a good reason to buy a bottle of the 2018 Jordan Russian River Chardonnay and help support those who truly care about humanity. Jordan has made Chardonnay since 1979–an eternity in California winemaking history. (Keep in mind that although wine has been made in northern California since the mid-1800’s, the industry didn’t really take off until the 1980’s.)

At $35 the Jordan Chardonnay is value wine for the balanced acid, crispness and Burgundian winemaking approach. Crafted by winemaker Maggie Kruse, the wine is continue’s Jordan’s legacy for making Chardonnay that is a true marriage of Burgundian winemaking with Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley fruit.

Want a recipe to pair with Jordan Chardonnay? Check out this Spring & Summer Vegetable Tempura

And check out the other offerings on Jordan’s website, winemaker Maggie Kruse’s highly regarded Cabernet Sauvignon and a gorgeous Champagne collaboration with boutique grower A. R. LeNoble in France’s Champagne region.

Tasting Jordan Chardonnay in person

Once we are out of lockdown, jump on one of Jordan’s vineyard hikes for an exploration of their extraordinary Alexander Valley vineyards, while sampling Jordan’s wines and nibbles from chef Todd Knoll who sources his produce from Jordan’s gardens. Jordan also has a variety of farm animals including cattle, donkeys, chickens and goats. There is a surprise around every corner at this special corner of Sonoma County.

Want more wine recommendations? Check out all of our Wines of the Week

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Barbara Barrielle

Barbara Barrielle is a freelance food, wine and travel writer and guidebook author living in the heart of the California Wine Country. She is the Editor-in-Chief of Palate Press and a member of the Society of American Travel Writers. Barbara is also the producer of the California wine country documentary CRUSHED. Follow her on Instagram, @barbarabarrielletravels.

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