Great Sparkling, Pinot Noir,Dessert Wines
Jetteo, Champaign
At J Winery you have the option of doing a reserve tasting or a regular tasting, both are deliciously paired with freshly prepared appetizers. A single tasting includes 2 of each appetizer, as sharing one tasting is common. The tasting room is often very crowded on weekends, but the tasting is worth it. The normal tasting starts with their sparkling wine and usually ends with a Pinot Noir. The reserve room is a separate room with comfortable couches to lounge on. You have a choice of flights, both involving Pinot Noir. J Winery’s winemaker/owner is the daughter of the Jordans, of the famous Sonoma winery - Jordan Winery. I am a big fan of wineries that do food and wine pairings. J obviously employs a talented culinary staff, because the appetizers are excellent. The wine is very good as well. The thing I can’t understand is with talent in the kitchen and talent in the tasting room, why can’t they make the pairings work? The last 4 times I was there, the food did nothing to improve the wine, and in several cases the wine was better without the food. Be sure to always taste the wine first, then the food, then the wine again, in any food and wine tasting.