EAT 

We all know any great wine will stand on it's own, but when paired with food it will open up like a fresh flower in the spring.

KENDALL JACKSON ESTATE - SANTA ROSA, CA

We started our adventure fresh off of the airplane at 12:10pm. We took a very quick detour to Walmart in Santa Rosa, CA. Which was very easy to find, and caused little to no stress at to grab what we needed and go. (Red Bull, Dry Shampoo (batiste), Water, Spray Bottle for Kyle's hair, and a bag of Chips) After a quick change in the car and a little refresh of my makeup and hair, we were good enough to show up at the finest establishments Sonoma had to offer us. 

Kendall Jackson is located conveniently close to the Santa Rosa Airport and it really set the tone for the remaining portion of our trip. I happen to know a few folks who work for Jackson Family Wines, and they were kind enough to set us up with a reservation. We were greeted by a couple of nice gentleman who sorted out our reservation and led us back to their Wine & Food pairing dining hall with a glass of their 2017 Rosé of Pinot Noir in hand. It was light, crisp,  and refreshing with a hint of dryness. I liked the light pink/salmon color of it. It reminded me a lot of home.

five course wine & food pairing at kendall jackson

There was no way for them to have possibly known that I have a slight obsession for Oysters, but when I was immediately served two fresh Oysters sourced from close to home, I knew I liked the place.

Although there are several experiences like this at home in Oregon, I was blown away at both the quality of the courses, with the price point. This entire experience is valued at $55 per person, and less for Wine Club Members. We have similar experiences with less portions for higher prices.

The flavor profiles of the food matched the wine quite nicely, and the Chef was full of energy in all the right ways. He was quirky and engaging, and quite educational as well (which I always enjoy). Personally, there's no better experience than to be enjoying wine while eating a meal. At least not to me.

I was so in love with their gnocchi that I didn't get a photo of it that I saved on my camera roll, but you can see it on my Instagram story highlights under Food & Drink!

Wines to Buy: I highly recommend the Rosé, the Hawkeye Mountain Cabernet, and the Late Harvest Chardonnay. It was my first Chardonnay dessert style wine and I loved it. I typically end up with wines I had never had or seen previously. 

Current Spring Menu (as of April 29th)

2017 Grand Reserve Rosé*

West Coast Oysters with Strawberry-Rhubarb Mignonette

2016 Jackson Estate Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay

Farmer T's Field Mix Salad, with Toasted Pine Nuts, Herbs, Flowers and Verjus Viniagrette

2015 Jackson Estate Outland Ridge Pinot Noir

Yukon Gold Potato Gnocchi, Estate Pumpkin, Mushroom, Bacon, and Tart Cherries

2014  Jackson Estate Hawkeye Mtn. Cabernet Sauvignon*

Akaushi Beef Flat Iron, Estate Braising Greens, Potato Purée, Green Garlic Salsa Verde

2015 Late Harvest Chardonnay*

Creme Fraîche Cake, Vanilla Mousse, Poached Rhubarb

Candid Marcona Almonds, Lime Meringue, Lime Caramel Sauce

Cannelés de Bordeaux

lunch at shed in healdsburg, ca

I kid you not when I say that this was one of (if not THE best) lunches we have ever had. The atmosphere was wonderful and inviting. There was lots of natural light, a nice market to explore, a fermentation bar, and the kitchen was right there for you to view. 

We started our meal off with their fresh Fermented pro-biotic shots. I got the spicy celery and Kyle got the Fermented Sauerkraut. I loved both of them. They were very refreshing and similar taste to a Gazpacho, but a little more salt, and "juiced". I opted for Coffee with my meal, which was a very wise decision. It was amazing, i'm still trying to figure out why my espresso machine won't make coffee as good as they do, or how to buy their beans! We checked out their market afterwards and I'd personally like to order a little bit of everything online when we move. Until then I highly suggest you check this place out. We can't wait to come back for other meals, I can't imagine what dinner would be like!

Here's what we ordered for lunch:

MHB&B Bread 4 |  Olive Leaf Hills Olive Oil or Whipped Butter  

Heirloom Beet Salad 14 |  Vadouvan Vinaigrette, Yogurt, Pecans, Fava Leaves, Kumquats

*not listed on current menu online - Pork Shoulder with kumquats, fresh mint leaves, and arugula salad on toast.