Russian Dancers, Ballerinas and Caviar Enrapture Guests at Jordan Winery’s Holiday Party

I always enjoy receiving an invitation to visit Jordan Winery in the Alexander Valley AVA of Sonoma County. Not only is it one of the oldest wineries in the region, with an impressive gate and curving driveway which leads to a golden ivy-covered building designed in the French chateau style, but they are known for their very innovative events.

This time it was an invitation to attend their Tchaikovsky Christmas Party tasting to highlight their new Jordan Cuvée Champagne made in partnership with AR Lenoble in France. This is a true Champagne made near Epernay, France and aged for 4 years on the lees. It has the telltale chalky minerality and crisp acidity that I crave in Champagne, along with hints of pear, lemon and brioche.  It is quite sophisticated and pairs well with the caviar that Jordan is now selling.

As soon as we approached the winery, we were greeted by a small group of ballerinas who were there to entertain the guests with exquisite dances from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. As we entered, we were handed a glass of the Jordan bubbles and invited to help ourselves to a lavish spread of oysters on the half-shell, salmon, shrimp, multiple types of caviar, and many other delectable dishes including a huge table of desserts and Russian petit fours. Ice sculptures and Russian backdrops were arranged amongst the wine barrels, and Russian music was playing in the background. In addition to Champagne, we were also offered Jordan’s very classic chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon, which paired well with the multiple cheese and meat courses.

One of the highlights was a troup of Russian dancers who jumped and spun in the barrel room, delighting everyone with their gymnastic style dancing. It was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon in California wine country.

Prior holiday celebrations at Jordan included a Hawaiian Christmas theme, Halloween parties with vampires and pirates, and Belle Époque Spring Celebration. Jordan Winery is also famous for its fun YouTube video parodies featuring winery employees, such as the recent Despacito Embotellado.