Cheers to the weekend!🥂 If you’re visiting Sonoma, this is the perfect taste of wine country: gorgeous grounds, great selection of wines and friendly service!⭐️ #sonomawinecountry We visited @chateaustjean during Halloween weekend and our outfits seems fitting (no pun intended) for the European vibe.🥳 Let’s talk about the winery.⬇️ Chances are, you’ve seen Chateau St. Jean at wine shops and restaurants. But, heading to their property is the way to go in terms of really experiencing the brand and what it has to offer. Once you walk through the gardens, the tasting room flows through an inviting patio courtyard facing the vineyards with a dramatic mountain backdrop. 🏔🍇 ☀️It was a crisp, sunny autumn day; perfect mood to sip and savor every bit of the wine! We enjoyed a private tasting of their Reserve wines paired with a delicious lunch prepared by @chef_donald_provencio The sous vide chicken pesto sandwich and French onion soup paired perfectly with their Reserved red wines.👌⬇️ 🍷 2018 Pinot Noir, $80: earthy, smoky with a hint of cedar, oak, cherry and chocolate. 🍷 2016 Cinq Cépages Blend, $110: ripe fruit of blueberries and blackberries complemented by dark chocolate with polished driven tannins. 🍷2016 Reserve Merlot, $90: ripe and lush dark cherry, black fruit, plum and strawberry flavors. 🍷2016 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, $115: full-bodied with aromas of black cherry, toffee, dark chocolate and cassis. My favorites? Their flagship Cinq Cépages Bordeaux Blend. ⭐️ I absolutely love the Merlot, which was more full and bold than the usual Merlot profile.⭐️ We left with several bottles to enjoy just in time for #internationalmerlotday on Nov 7! Other varietals they produce include: Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Malbec, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and Viognier.🍇 ✨If you are planning a visit to the winery in the future, avoid the crowds and opt for the reserve tasting where you can sample the wine that may only be available at the winery. Ask for Kyle of Quin as your host! 💡Fun fact: Chateau St. Jean was actually named after Jean Sheffield Merzoian, sister, sister-in-law, and wife to the owners (grape growers in San Joaquin Valley).