5007 Fulton Rd., N of town, in Fulton, (866) 287-9818, (707) 571-8100. Tasting daily 10-5, $15-$25; food pairings $25-$55; garden tour at 11, 1, 3, check re. fee.
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exterior of tasting room at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens
in Fulton, California |
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Wine Sensory Gardens at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens
in Fulton, California |
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| tasting room at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens in Fulton, California |
Set amidst a mature walnut orchard and surrounded by 120 acres of vineyards, this château-like tasting room features new releases often not yet available in retail outlets. At Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens four international gardens are planted with herbs and vegetables representing Asia, South America, France, and Italy. They demonstrate the diversity as well as the similarities of these cultures. The unique Wine Sensory Gardens permit visitors to wander, wine glass in hand, sniffing and tasting the various vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers that compose wine-tasting descriptors, and a Viticulture Exhibit permits a self-guided tour of a 1-acre vineyard identifying 26 distinct types of grapes and illustrating the 19 grapevine trellising systems most commonly used in California.
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Wine Sensory Gardens at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens
in Fulton, California |
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Sauvignon Blanc grapevines in Wine Sensory Gardens
at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens in Fulton, California |
Additional expansive gardens--which are not certified organic but which use organic practices--grow most of the ingredients for on-site cooking, and extra is grown for all four three-star Michelin restaurants in San Francisco as well as some other restaurants.
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| gardens at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens in Fulton, California |
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| gardens at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens in Fulton, California |
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Master Gardener Tucker Taylor in gardens
at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens in Fulton, California |
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Master Gardener Tucker Taylor tends bees in gardens
at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens in Fulton, California |
An experience here not to be missed is a paired tasting, which in good weather is done on their expansive back patio. Select cheese, chocolate, or food. I opted for the food pairing, which was a delight and easily passed for lunch. It is so special to have a wine selected to enhance each dish, and to have each wine and food item described in delicious detail. Almost everything was grown on the winery estate, and the chef himself brought out each of five courses.
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paired tasting set-up at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens
in Fulton, California |
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Chef Matthew Lowe delivers first course of paired tasting
at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens in Fulton, California |
1. first course: toasted bruschetta that was “drug through the garden for us” and topped with fromage blanc, estate strawberries, shaved fennel, and fine herbs. Served with an exclusive 2017 Grand Reserve Rose made just for the tasting room.
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colorful bruschetta is part of paired tasting
at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens in Fulton, California |
2. second course: house-smoked trout cured for three days and a Yukon Gold potato salad with horseradish and caviar. Served with a 2016 Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay.
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house-smoked trout is part of paired tasting
at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens in Fulton, California |
3. third course: duck breast with roasted beets, pickled dark cherries, and mushroom nage (a puree). Served with a tasty 2016 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir.
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Chef Matthew Lowe delivers duck breast course for paired tasting
at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens in Fulton, California |
4. fourth course: well-marbled, Texas-grown Akaushi beef served with charred leeks, Tokyo turnips, and grilled Little Gem lettuce with a Balsamic reduction. Served with a 2014 Hawkeye Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon--a bold red featuring soft tannins.
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Akaushi beef at paired tasting at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens
in Fulton, California |
5. fifth course: Buttercup’s buttermilk pie with peach jam, Estate honeycomb candy, and candied almonds plus caneles de Bordeaux. Served with a 2015 Grand Reserve Late Harvest Chardonnay.
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buttermilk pie and caneles de Bordeaux are desserts at paired tasting
at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens in Fulton, California
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Additionally, in summer elaborate Farm-to-Table dinners are offered in the garden.
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images © 2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
Thx for the wonderful post, Carole. The Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens really looks like a venue that I would enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI love Kendall-Jackson wines. So nice to read about and "see" the source!
ReplyDelete26 distinct types of grapes and 19 grapevine trellising systems, paired tastings, and farm-to-table dinners! Kendall-Jackson Wine estate & Gardens is just 1.5 hours from my daughter's home in Livermore so I think I can visit this strip of heaven!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely visit you had at the Kendall Jackson Vineyard. The food looks fabulous, and is served in such a peaceful setting. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWell! That looks fun! Great to learn more about K-J than from a picture of the label.
ReplyDelete