Summary
Luxury Lodging in Healdsburg
There’s no denying Healdsburg, California, is having a moment, especially when it comes to luxury lodging. It’s been a long time coming. For years, the charming heart of Sonoma wine country failed to capture the well-heeled tourists who headed instead to nearby Napa. Then came SingleThread (and its subsequent three Michelin stars) in late 2016, followed soon after by a stunning five-star Montage property set amid the vines. Last year, the iconic Madrona Manor reopened after a $6 million refurbishment. Now, the case can be made that this is the destination for overnighting oenophiles. The most enviable experience of them all is one that’s not even open to the general public.
Chateau Suites Experience
The Chateau Suites at Jordan Winery afford guests an opportunity to sleep inside an actual working winehouse. Vibe wise, it’s about as close to Old World accommodations as you’ll encounter in the United States. Indeed, they were designed as an homage to the French countryside. A stylish bedroom is merely a part of the charm, offering an experience of vineyard luxury that’s truly unique.
Exploring Jordan Winery
“Even if they weren’t bottling world-class cabernet, Jordan is worth a visit just to see the spectacular chateau,” says Healdsburg-based drinks writer Carey Jones, coauthor of Every Cocktail Has a Twist. “It sits in one of the most idyllic parts of the Alexander Valley, occupying acre upon acre of rolling hills. It’s the kind of place where you start snapping photos on the drive in and never stop.”
There are 1,200 of those idyllic acres, to be exact, which feature a culinary garden, one of the largest pollinator sanctuaries in the country, and a new chef’s terrace tasting helmed by Jesse Mallgren—the latest addition to the winery’s talented team. “Jordan really scored in hiring Jesse Mallgren,” says Jones. “He’s a local legend in Healdsburg for his time at Madrona Manor and a huge culinary talent.”
Moreover, this luxury experience serves as an exciting prelude to the wine itself. Jordan was recently named the top-rated producer in North America by the annual World’s 50 Best Vineyards list. Maggie Kruse, who has been the head winemaker since 2019, can often be spotted mingling with guests under the shadows of the chateau’s ivy-covered facades.
Planning Your Stay
Securing your stay requires some advance legwork. The first step is to join Jordan Winery’s loyalty program. You’ll earn bonus points and can use them towards your stay. A night at the Chateau Suite will set you back $275 plus an additional 5,000 points. The property offers maximum stays of two nights, including complimentary continental breakfast served in-room. Additionally, they provide courtesy round-trip transportation to and from Healdsburg when it’s time for dinner.
For adventurous gourmands, this convenience is more of a blessing than a burden. “This town has become the wine destination for true connoisseurs,” Blue explains. “It has multiple world-class restaurants, a vibrant local community dedicated to protecting the Russian River watershed, an ideal microclimate, and vineyard vistas that will melt your heart.”
However, as it becomes increasingly coveted, securing reservations can be competitive. If you have your heart set on that 10-course tasting meal at SingleThread—and you absolutely should—you better plan your trip several months in advance. Thankfully, that approach allows you time to build up reward points at Jordan.
