View all newsletters
Latest in Luxury - Sign up to our weekly newsletter
  1. Travel
  2. Travel News
May 28, 2008updated Feb 08, 2013

J Vineyards & Winery Unveils Visitor Center Events On The Eve Of Winemaker George Bursick’s First Fully Executed Varietal Releases

By Pardhasaradhi Gonuguntla

Healdsburg, CA – J Vineyards and Winery, located at 11447 Old Redwood Highway in Healdsburg, CA, is inviting the public to share in the excitement of the release of Winemaker George Bursick’s first fully executed vintage of Pinot Noirs and Chardonnay with the May 17th and 18th Spring Varietal Release Weekend. The event will run both days from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person, and may be purchased online at www.jwine.com.

Bursick is considered by many to be among the winemakers who have shaped the current era in California’s wine industry and who brought it to the forefront of the international wine world. The Weekend offers the public a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet the veteran winemaker as he releases the most highly anticipated vintage of his career.
“Everything we’ve done over the last two years, in the vineyards and in the winery has prepared us for this occasion,” comments J’s Founder and CEO, Judy Jordan. “In 2006 I assembled a team that matched my vision of creating a luxury icon that honors the elegance and excellence of Russian River winemaking. I persuaded my dear friend and lauded winemaking expert George Bursick to join my team with one mission – to stake our claim in the Russian River Valley while making nothing less than exceptional Pinot Noirs and Chardonnay. I’m proud to reveal the 2006 varietal wines during this fabulous Spring Release Weekend.”

In keeping with Judy Jordan’s belief that wine is best enjoyed with food, J has also scheduled several culinary events throughout the year which are tailored to compliment J’s new releases. Past and future book signings include authors such as Sandra Bernstein, Joyce Goldstein, John Ash, Evan Goldstein and Karen MacNeil, and product tastings and demos from food producers such as Charles Chocolates, O Olive Oil, Dry Creek Olive Oil, Bellwether Farms and Terra Sonoma.

J has long led the way in enhanced winery experiences. When the Visitor Center first opened in 1999, it was the first Sonoma winery to offer wine and food pairings. Under the direction of Executive Chef Mark Caldwell, J continues to innovate with food and wine tasting options in their luxurious Bubble Room and outdoor Terrace, as well as their recently launched Essence Tasting, a full day experience featuring a seven-course wine and food pairing, rivaling the experience of top dining establishments. J’s Signature Bar, which is backed by a striking floor-to-ceiling metal and glass installation by artist Gordon Huether, offers year round tastings of J’s cool-climate Russian River Valley wines, and is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

2008 J Visitor Center Events Calendar

O Olive Oil
O Olive Oil product demo May 10th, 11:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Come taste the difference that the original maker of organic California citrus oils has made in the world of olive oil since 1995. You’ll learn how fresh olives & citrus fruit are crushed together, handcrafted one batch at a time in Northern California by artisans of O Olive Oil. You’ll really enjoy tasting these delicious, award winning, hand crafted olive oils and vinegars made by this local company. O Olive Oil products have become a favorite of home cooks and star chefs alike and have been featured in publications across the country.
Spring Varietal Release Weekend May 17th & 18th, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Taste J’s new 2006 Russian River Valley wines at their spectacular Spring Varietal Release Weekend. Meet award-winning Winemaker George Bursick as he unveils his exquisitely produced, cool-climate Pinot Noirs and Chardonnay. Savor expertly paired artisanal foods by Executive Chef Mark Caldwell and his culinary team. Wander the elegant outdoor J Terrace and enjoy live music and J’s signature hospitality.

Evan Goldstein
Evan Goldstein Book Signing June 7th, 1:00-2:30 p.m. This San Francisco native is one of the most important people of the wine and food industry. As the son of chef and author Joyce Goldstein, Evan began his career at a young age in the kitchens of some of the most highly regarded restaurants of the bay area and beyond. In 1987 he became the youngest person ever to pass the Master Sommelier examination and his wine lists have received countless awards. His extensive abilities and thorough knowledge of the wine and hospitality industries have allowed him to lead educational seminars all over the world. He’ll be signing his very popular book, Perfect Pairings, so be sure to stop by to purchase a copy!

Dry Creek Olive Oil Company July 19th, 1:00-4:00 p.m. Dry Creek Valley is not only known as wine country and it’s also known as olive country. Connoisseurs worldwide have recognized that some of the best olives and olive oil come from this valley! Dry Creek Olive Oil Company was established in 2006 and their focus is the resurgence of olive oil production. Their passion and commitment to a natural, authentic approach has resulted in a tantalizing product. It takes a discerning palate to reach the perfect balance of fruitiness, pungency and bitterness and they have reached their goal with great success.

Terra Sonoma product demo August 16th, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Meet the owners of Terra Sonoma Food Company, creators of VerJus, a beautiful ingredient which adds depth and richness to cooking. VerJus, which means “green juice” and dates back to the 14th century, is an unfermented juice of semi-ripe wine grapes. Karin Warnelius will be on hand to take you through a culinary adventure that adds zest and flavor to marinades, dressings or reduction sauces.

Content from our partners
Sky High Gourmet: Qatar Executive's Impressive Dining
The Best Family-friendly Vacation Destinations in Spain
W New York - Times Square: "We Do Things Differently"

Bellwether Farms September 13th, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Bellwether Farms Dairy was established about 20 years ago along the Sonoma County coast. The focus is sheep’s milk cheeses as well as cow’s milk cheeses and the Callahan family is dedicated to traditional methods and high quality. These cheeses are represented in some of the finest restaurants across the country and have been featured in the NY Times, Sunset Magazine, Martha Stewart, as well as many other gourmet publications. You’ll have a chance to taste and purchase some of these delicious and award winning products. Don’t miss the chance to meet Diana and Liam Callahan!

Bellwether Farms October 4th, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Bellwether Farms Dairy was established about 20 years ago along the Sonoma County coast. The focus is sheep’s milk cheeses as well as cow’s milk cheeses and the Callahan family is dedicated to traditional methods and high quality. These cheeses are represented in some of the finest restaurants across the country and have been featured in the NY Times, Sunset Magazine, Martha Stewart, as well as many other gourmet publications. You’ll have a chance to taste and purchase some of these delicious and award winning products during our Fall Sparkling Release Weekend. Don’t miss the chance to meet the Diana and Liam Callahan!

Fall Sparkling Release Weekend October 4th & 5th, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Taste J’s new Sparkling wines at this fabulous Fall Sparkling Release Weekend. Meet our award-winning Winemaker George Bursick as he introduces new releases of the J Cuvée 20, J 2000 Vintage Brut and 1998 Late-Disgorged Brut. Savor expertly paired artisanal foods by Executive Chef Mark Caldwell and his culinary team. Wander the elegant Bubble Room and outdoor J Terrace and enjoy live music and J’s signature hospitality.

John Ash
John Ash book signing October 25th, 1:00-2:30 p.m. Come to J and meet John Ash, nationally acclaimed food and wine educator and the founder of John Ash Restaurant. He is currently on the faculty of the Professional Wine Studies Program at the CIA Greystone. He is dedicated to organic and sustainable cuisine and he travels all over the US, teaching culinary classes to professional chefs as well as home cooks. He’ll be signing two of his books: From The Earth to The Table-John Ash’s Wine Country Cuisine and John Ash Cooking One on One.

O Olive Oil product demo Dec 13th, 12:00-3:30 p.m. Come taste the difference that the original maker of organic California citrus oils has made in the world of olive oil since 1995. You’ll learn how fresh olives & citrus fruit are crushed together, handcrafted one batch at a time in Northern California by artisans of O Olive Oil. You’ll really enjoy tasting these delicious, award winning, hand crafted olive oils and vinegars made by this local company. O Olive Oil products have become a favorite of home cooks and star chefs alike and have been featured in publications across the country.

** Events, vendors and dates are subject to change.

About J Vineyards & Winery
Founded by Judy Jordan in 1986 and expressed through George Bursick’s winemaking, J Vineyards & Winery produces site-specific, cool-climate Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, as well as the highly lauded J Cuvée 20, J Vintage Brut, J Brut Rosé and J Late-Disgorged Brut. Considered a pioneer in Sonoma County for the enhanced Visitor Center experience, the winery offers award-winning varietal and sparkling wines at its Signature Bar as well as sumptuous food and wine pairings in the Bubble Room and on the outside J Terrace, paired to perfection by Executive Chef Mark E. Caldwell. Located at 11447 Old Redwood Highway in Healdsburg, CA.

For more information about J Vineyards & Winery go to www.jwine.com or call 1.800.JWINECO.

Topics in this article :
Select and enter your email address Be the first to know about the latest in luxury lifestyle. Get the latest news on hotel openings and in-depth travel guides. Get insider access to exclusive promotions and special offers from our luxury partners.
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
Thank you

Thank you for subscribing to Elite Traveler.

Websites in our network