Wine Country Destination: Chateau St. Jean

Photo courtesy of Chateau St. Jean

Resting quaintly along State Route 12, in the heart of the Sonoma Valley, the Chateau St. Jean estate is home to a quintessential Sonoma Valley experience. Visitors imbibe an exquisite 250-acre property of breathtaking vineyard views, Mediterranean gardens and courtyards surrounding an historic 1920's chateau accompanied by a host of 90+ point wines.

The historic chateau, nestled under Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in Kenwood, was originally a summer home for a Michigan family who amassed a fortune in the iron industry and sits at the heart of an impeccable property which initially grew white wine grapes and then walnut and prune trees before opening as a winery in 1973. Chateau St. Jean was born in 1973, conceived, according to their website as, "a true fine wine estate in the European style." This vision, history reveals, was quickly actualized, with the wines gaining almost instant industry praise, capped off in 1990 when they were the first Sonoma winery to win Wine Spectator's highly coveted "Wine of the Year" award for their 1996 Cinq Cépages Cabernet Sauvignon.

Krstic.ruzica [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], from Wikimedia Commons

The splendid grounds of Chateau St. Jean are Mediterranean themed, a "taste of South France in Sonoma Valley," and among the most beautiful in Sonoma Valley. The land is thriving with countless exotic trees, water features, and hedges winding through a series of garden parterres, fountains and flower gardens. The chateau's patio provides a perfect place for tastings and overlooks the manicured, lush tasting lawn.

The elegant tasting rooms feature a host of award-winning wines in a brilliant ambiance. Guests can chose a variety of rooms and atmospheres to taste, including the "Unlock the Chateau" Escape Room Experience – a way to taste while unlocking clues which encourage and allow the guest to explore the brilliant mansion.

The summation of views and experience at Chateau St. Jean prove a choiceworthy venue for private events and weddings. Known for not only their spectacular backdrop and stunning views, but also for gracious hospitality and an expert event team, Chateau St. Jean provides a perfect location for the intimate engagement or festive celebration alike and subsequently plays host to numerous weddings and events each year.

For more information on Chateau St. Jean and its many offerings, visit www.chateaustjean.com