The journey of life is a mysterious experience. When we follow our intuition and pay attention to the signs that guide us along the way, the road often leads us to enchanting moments that take our breath away. You could say that’s how I ended up in Sonoma Valley a couple weeks ago, or at least that’s what the romantic side of me believes anyway.
It all started back in December of 2023 when I was planning a delightful weekend getaway to Sonoma Valley’s bucolic wine country. Aside from booking a relaxing spa treatment and planning a few fine dining excursions, I knew I wanted to go wine tasting at a picturesque winery with outstanding vistas and an impeccable setting. So, naturally, being the avid researcher that I am, after reading multiple travel and food & wine magazine articles, I stumbled upon a glowing review of Chateau St. Jean Winery, which raved about the incredible estate property and award-winning wines. During my visit, I was captivated by the charming atmosphere, delicious wines, and inviting ambiance.
Set amid rolling hills and breathtaking vineyard views, Chateau St. Jean offers one of the most idyllic settings in Sonoma Valley. The estate’s European-inspired architecture, including elegant statues, bubbling fountains, and manicured gardens, creates a serene, almost storybook-like atmosphere, making it a beloved destination for visitors seeking an elevated wine-tasting experience. Recognized for its exceptional portfolio of wines—several of which have earned critical acclaim and prestigious awards—Chateau St. Jean remains a benchmark for excellence in the region. With every visit, you’re transported to a world that combines the beauty of nature with the artistry of winemaking.
While I didn’t initially plan on returning to Sonoma Valley so soon, after receiving an unexpected email a few weeks ago from the winery’s PR team about harvest season events, the next thing I knew, I was making preparations to head up north once again, but this time – to attend an intimate winemaker dinner by Chateau St. Jean Winery called the Annual Cinq Cépages Celebration, which pays homage to the evolution of the brand’s flagship wine, the award-winning Cinq Cépages.
While the winery hosts this popular wine pairing dinner party every year, this year’s event marked a notable turning point for the brand, as it honored the appointment of the new Winemaker, Lisa Evich (pictured below), who recently was brought on (as Foley Family Wines & Spirits acquired the winery a couple of years ago) to transform and elevate the portfolio of wines.
Alexandra O’Gorman, VP Guest Experience says, “At Foley Family Wines & Spirits and Chateau St. Jean, we create memorable experiences that connect our wine club members and deepen their appreciation for our wines and estates. Throughout the year, our events—ranging from intimate tastings to large celebrations—foster a sense of community and allow guests to engage with our wines in a meaningful way.”
Held at the winery’s historic estate in Kenwood, California, on October 5, 2024, the Cinq Cépages Celebration brought together wine enthusiasts and wine club members for an immersive culinary and wine experience, introducing the highly anticipated 2021 Cinq Cépages—a symbol of a new beginning for the winery under Lisa’s leadership. The evening began with a welcome reception on the estate’s scenic patio, where we enjoyed a glass of wine alongside a selection of gourmet hors d’oeuvres, including shrimp kabobs, puff pastries, and other passed bites.
Following the welcome reception, along with the 50 guests, we walked across the lawn over to a beautifully set dining area perched under the covered pergola, featuring two long, elegantly adorned tables. With ornate linens and meticulously appointed place settings, lush seasonal floral arrangements, vibrant fresh fruits (including grapes from the winery’s vineyards) as decor, and glimmering candlelight, the ambiance set the perfect stage for a multi-course dinner crafted by Chef Jesse Mcquarrie of Bay City Catering.
For the first course, we were treated to a glass of 2013 Cinq Cépages Cabernet Sauvignon paired with Foraged Mushroom Pâté in Golden Pastry with Porcini Beurre Rouge. This course was a masterful start, pairing the earthy notes of foraged mushrooms with the bold structure of the 2013 Cinq Cépages, resulting in a perfect balance between wine and food.
For the second course, the winery served 2018 Cinq Cépages Red Blend and 2021 Cinq Cépages Red Blend alongside Prime Beef Short Rib Pavé with Black Garlic Marchand de Vin, Potato Cloud, and Crunchy Herb Salad. The 2021 vintage—enthusiastically introduced by Lisa (as it symbolizes her influence on the new direction for the wine label)—reflected the winery’s evolution, offering bright fruit notes and elegant tannins. Paired alongside the 2018 vintage, this course highlighted the complexity of both wines, complementing the richness of the beef short rib and creamy potato cloud.
Finally, for the third course, guests were served a glass of 2012 Cinq Cépages paired with Sonoma Lamb Rack Chop with Ratatouille and Olive Caramel.
As dinner came to an end, we were invited to stroll over to the chateau patio for a delightful dessert station, where the evening concluded with sweet pairings alongside a final glass of Cinq Cépages. At the dessert station, we were treated to plum tartlet with Earl Grey chocolate ganache and a huckleberry financier dusted with chocolate snow. Under the soft glow of candlelight, the patio transformed into a cozy, intimate space where guests lingered over desserts while gazing at the twinkling stars above.
Throughout the multi-course wine pairing dinner, we enjoyed jubilant conversations with other attendees, some of whom are Sonoma Valley residents and wine club members. Between the lavish tablescapes and cheerful atmosphere to the live music, decadent dishes, and delectable wines, the ambiance created a warm and vibrant setting that truly epitomized the magic of harvest season.
Lisa exclaims, “The Cinq Cépages Celebration is not just a tribute to our flagship wine; it symbolizes the legacy of Chateau St. Jean in elevating Sonoma County to a premier wine region for more than 50 years. Since its inaugural 1990 vintage, Cinq Cépages has earned acclaim from critics and consumers, showcasing the elegance of the five classic Bordeaux varieties. On the heels of being appointed as the new Winemaker, I am excited to usher in a new chapter focusing on innovative techniques and sustainable practices to enhance our expression of this iconic blend. This evolution reflects our commitment to quality and innovation, and I’m thrilled to celebrate its enduring impact on the wine world.”
With the debut of the 2021 Cinq Cépages and the introduction of a new winemaker at the helm, Chateau St. Jean showcased its iconic legacy while ushering in a fresh chapter of innovation. Lisa’s passion and vision for the winery were evident throughout the evening, signaling that this was only the beginning of what was to come under her experienced leadership.
The memorable evening left us not only savoring the incredible food and wine but also enthusiastic about the winery’s promising future. This year’s dinner was more than just a celebration of culinary mastery and winemaking excellence—it marked the beginning of a bold new chapter for the brand, signaling a dynamic evolution for Chateau St. Jean Winery.
To discover more inspiring destinations and places to visit, check out the Travel section on Inspirations & Celebrations.
[Disclosure: Event access provided by Chateau St. Jean. All opinions are my own.]
