GrapeRadio.com Interview with Winemaker

The chateau at Chateau St. Jean was originally a summer home for industrialist Ernest Goff. Today it is the headquarters for one of the premiere wineries in Sonoma Valley. Under the direction of winemaker Margo van Staaveren the winery has produced a number of memorable wines from the region. “Only the finest -- that says it all," she explains. "From grapes to glass, Chateau St. Jean doesn't compromise on quality, and it shows in the wines."

It also shows in the magnificent gardens that lay between the tasting room and winery operation. Inspired by formal estate gardens in Italy and the Provence region of southern France, the estate grounds are a peaceful place to stroll and relax. As you wind your way through the paths, you are surrounded by colorful flora and lush groundcover punctuated by rare palms and citrus trees. The paths will lead you to one of their two lavish tasting rooms. Be sure to check out the fountains on your way, one situated in front of a nineteenth-century zinc sculpture of St. Jean, the winery's namesake.

Inside is a spacious tasting room with tile floors, wood-beamed ceilings, gourmet food items, a deli, an extensive gift center and a long tasting bar. Across the courtyard sits the Chateau that houses the Reserve Vineyard Room, a smaller space for tasting some of their older wines. There are a number of tasting programs available in addition to their two conventional samplings. There is a Sensory Class, a Wine and Food Pairing Experience, a private VIP Riedel Tasting and the Cinq Cepages Blending Seminar. These programs are for an additional fee and require an appointment.

In addition to the winery’s own vineyards, fruit is sourced from a number of Sonoma Valley vineyards, including the Robert Young Vineyard in Alexander Valley, and independent growers farther south in the Russian River Valley. Wines made include Pinot Blanc, Fume Blanc, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and the Grand Cabernet Sauvignon.