Exploring Jackson Family Wines: Iconic Wineries and Michelin-Star Pairings.
Recently, Dutch importer Verbunt Verlinden hosted a tasting of Jackson Family Wines (JFW), paired with a lunch at Rotterdam’s two Michelin-starred Restaurant Parkheuvel.
This exclusive event offered a unique opportunity to discover the diversity and craftsmanship behind Jackson Family Wines’ renowned estates: Kendall-Jackson, La Crema, Gran Moraine, and Freemark Abbey.
Following the lunch, we sat down with Dimitri Mesnard (International Brand Ambassador for JFW and Chairman for the European Court of Master Sommeliers) and Jessica Bryans (JFW Division VP Europe) to dive deeper into the stories of these iconic wineries, each playing a key role in shaping the family’s lasting legacy in the global wine world.
Kendall-Jackson: Where the Legacy Began
Kendall-Jackson is the beating heart of Jackson Family Wines, not only because it was the family’s first venture into winemaking but also because it revolutionized American wine culture. Founded by Jess Jackson in 1982, Kendall-Jackson’s success was propelled by a serendipitous event: a stuck fermentation that left residual sugar in its Chardonnay. What could have been a mistake turned into a signature style that appealed to the American palate, which at the time certainly favored sweeter wines over its dry counterparts.
This initial success allowed Kendall-Jackson’s Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay to gain a cult following, earning the title of America’s best-selling Chardonnay in 1992, a distinction it holds to this day. Kendall-Jackson’s growth laid the foundation for the family’s global wine empire, which now spans 50 wineries across six continents.
A key to Kendall-Jackson’s enduring success is its access to prime vineyard sites in California’s coastal regions. By sourcing grapes from diverse climates within the state—from Sonoma to Monterey—the winery can produce wines that consistently exhibit freshness and complexity. This blending from different AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) ensures a balance of ripeness and acidity, capturing the best of what California’s coastal terroir has to offer.
La Crema: Capturing the Coastal Essence
La Crema, established in 1979, was one of the earliest wineries to focus on cool-climate varietals like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, long before the potential of regions like the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast was fully realized. When Jess Jackson acquired La Crema in 1993, he saw the opportunity to highlight the regional diversity of California through these two noble grape varieties.
La Crema’s wines are a study in terroir, showcasing the distinct personalities of California’s coastal AVAs. From the bright, citrusy Chardonnays of Monterey to the more structured, mineral-driven Pinot Noirs of the Russian River Valley, each wine offers a clear expression of its origin. As the winery continues to grow, it has expanded its focus to include wines from as far north as Oregon’s Willamette Valley, further emphasizing its commitment to regionality.
Gran Moraine: Oregon’s Rising Star
Gran Moraine represents Jackson Family Wines’ commitment to exploring new frontiers. Located in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Gran Moraine is part of the family’s broader mission to create world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in one of the world’s most exciting cool-climate regions. Oregon’s Willamette Valley, known for its Burgundian-like climate, has become a powerhouse for producing some of the best Pinot Noir outside of Burgundy itself.
Gran Moraine is a testament to the potential of Oregon’s terroir, with wines that are known for their precision, bright acidity, and complexity. Winemaker Shane Moore, who has overseen the estate’s production for years, crafts wines that emphasize purity of fruit and a keen sense of place. The Chardonnay, in particular, stands out for its mineral-driven profile, offering a refreshing contrast to the richer styles often associated with California.
Freemark Abbey: A Napa Valley Pioneer
Freemark Abbey is one of Napa Valley’s most historically significant wineries, and its inclusion in the Jackson Family portfolio adds a layer of gravitas to the family’s collection. Founded in 1886, Freemark Abbey was the first winery in the United States to be run by a woman, Josephine Tychson, who pioneered many of the practices that would later define Napa Valley winemaking.
Freemark Abbey gained international fame after its participation in the 1976 Judgment of Paris, where its Cabernet Sauvignon was one of the few American wines to challenge—and beat—some of the best wines from France. This pivotal moment cemented Freemark Abbey’s reputation as a world-class winery, and it continues to produce wines of remarkable consistency and depth.
Freemark Abbey is also the proud custodian of the Bosché vineyard in Rutherford, owned by the Bosché family. Acknowledged as one of California’s premier vineyards for Cabernet Sauvignon it is the source for their single vineyard Cabernet Bosché. One of the best Cabernet’s we tasted as of late.
Lunch at Michelin-Starred Parkheuvel, Rotterdam
The tasting event culminated in a spectacular lunch at the two Michelin-starred Restaurant Parkheuvel in Rotterdam. The culinary team crafted a menu that was expertly paired with Jackson Family Wines, each course elevating the wines while showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to creativity and quality.
Amuse: Curry Ice Cream | Macadamia
Wine Pairing: Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay
The amuse bouche, featuring a surprising and refreshing curry ice cream with macadamia, was paired with Kendall-Jackson’s Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay. The wine’s creamy texture and subtle oak matched the richness of the macadamia, while its tropical fruit notes beautifully complemented the mild spice of the curry. The bright acidity of the Chardonnay kept the dish in balance, making for a delightful opening to the meal.
1st Course: North Sea Crab | Peach | Nectarine | Tonka | Hazelnut
Wine Pairing: Gran Moraine 2019 Chardonnay, Willamette Valley
This delicate dish of North Sea crab was paired with the Gran Moraine 2019 Chardonnay from Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The wine’s vibrant acidity and minerality enhanced the sweetness of the crab and the stone fruit elements of the dish, while its subtle oak aging added a creamy complexity that complemented the richness of the hazelnut. The wine’s focus on purity of fruit and bright, fresh finish made this an outstanding pairing.
2nd Course: North Sea Turbot | Oxtail | Pearl Barley | Beurre Noisette
Wine Pairing: La Crema 2021 Pinot Noir, Monterey
The second course, a stunning preparation of North Sea turbot with oxtail, was paired with La Crema’s 2021 Pinot Noir from Monterey. This cool-climate Pinot Noir brought forward flavors of ripe red fruit—cranberry, cherry, and pomegranate—accentuated by a delicate earthiness and subtle spice. The wine’s silky tannins and bright acidity cut through the richness of the beurre noisette and oxtail, while its lighter body allowed the turbot’s delicate flavors to shine.
3rd Course: Deer | Beetroot | Vanilla | Almond | Umeboshi
Wine Pairing: Freemark Abbey 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
A bold and flavorful dish of deer with beetroot and umeboshi was paired with the Freemark Abbey 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine’s robust structure, with its dark fruit, black currant, and hints of tobacco, stood up to the rich, gamey flavors of the deer, while the velvety tannins and well-integrated oak provided a smooth, luxurious mouthfeel. The slight sweetness from the beetroot and the umami from the umeboshi created a perfect harmony with the wine’s deep, concentrated flavors.
4th Course: Brun de Noix | Tartelette | Pecan | Belperknolle
Wine Pairing: Freemark Abbey 2020 Chardonnay
The final course, a tartelette of pecan with Belperknolle (a Swiss cheese with a strong and flavorful character), was paired with the Freemark Abbey 2020 Chardonnay. This wine, with its vibrant acidity and notes of baked apple, lemon curd, and toasted brioche, complemented the rich, nutty flavors of the dish. The buttery texture of the tartelette was mirrored in the wine’s creamy mouthfeel, while the fresh acidity kept the pairing lively and balanced. The slight nuttiness in the wine’s finish echoed the pecan, making this an elegant and satisfying conclusion to the meal.
Special note for the Chardonnay. This was served at a slightly warmer temperature, a great find by Parkheuvel’s Head Sommelier Nick van den Heuvel, as it gave room for the richness of the dish, while adding an extra dimension through the wine’s freshness.
Conclusion: A Legacy Built on Quality and Innovation
Jackson Family Wines is more than just a collection of wineries; it is a testament to the power of family, vision, and a relentless pursuit of quality. From the humble beginnings of Kendall-Jackson to the pioneering efforts at La Crema, Gran Moraine, and Freemark Abbey, the Jackson family has built a global wine empire without sacrificing the individuality of each estate.
As we tasted through these remarkable wines, paired with the exquisite dishes at Restaurant Parkheuvel, it became clear that the Jackson family’s commitment to excellence is unwavering. Each bottle told a story of place, history, and a passion for winemaking that continues to inspire wine lovers around the world.
This article was written by our own Niels Aarts. We would like to thank Jackson Family Wines, in particular Dimitri Mesnard and Jessica Bryans, as well as their importer Verbunt Verlinden. Next to that a thank you to the team of Restaurant Parkheuvel, for providing us with an excellent lunch.
