Jordan Winery Unveils “Flore de Jordan” Sculpture by French Artist Alice Riehl

If you’ve been following us on Instagram, you’ve seen our latest art installation and the unveiling of Flore de Jordan – a meticulously handcrafted sculpture by acclaimed Parisian artist, Alice Riehl. The captivating masterpiece, comprised of over 100 sculpted porcelain blooms, marks the latest addition to the our newly renovated French-inspired chateau lobby (See the transformation here.) Because everything that we do at Jordan has a meaningful and intentional story to tell, we wanted to share some insight about how this unique porcelain wall sculpture conveys the Jordan Estate beyond the chateau walls. We are thrilled to share this piece with our fans and guests.

Following an elaborate 11-month development process, from research to installation, Alice Riehl found inspiration within the native and cultivated flora thriving across our vast 1,200-acre estate, along with the rich tapestries adorning the walls of the winery chateau. The result is a stunning integration of nature and art, embodying the essence of Jordan.

“Although it was a departure from that of my previous pieces, this project felt very natural to me,” shared Riehl. “I’ve never created a mural that spans three walls and a curved ceiling, and it was exciting to sculpt the unique flora like the Claire Austin rose found at Jordan, along with drawing a connection between beautiful Parisian tapestries and Jordan’s innate sense of place. I had to be mindful of the scale in such an unusual shape of canvas to bring those plants to life. The idea of engaging all the senses, and the role plants play in that experience, truly resonated with the Jordan ethos, and I was grateful for the opportunity to bring that story to life in Flore de Jordan.”

Representing Riehl’s first installation open to the public in the United States, the nature-centric Flore de Jordan graces the alcove walls upon entry into the chateau lobby and features a collection of 36 large porcelain sculptures complemented by over 100 intricately crafted intimate sculptures. The side walls of the alcove pay homage to the estate with miniature figures of Boston Ivy ascending the walls and shaped into the distinctive letter “J” for Jordan – a nod to the Boston Ivy that adorns the exterior of the chateau. At the heart of the piece, a towering valley oak tree is surrounded by an ensemble of native and cultivated plants from the Jordan Estate Garden – lupine, red clover, Claire Austin roses and pomegranates.

Riehl’s creative journey for the piece involved a detailed study of the greenery at the estate for 90 days, as well as drawing inspiration from antique French tapestries known for their vivid flora. She poured over photos of the estate’s clover and other wildflowers, along with the many varieties of roses, dahlias and peonies found in the cutting garden. Back home, Riehl foraged through the rural Parisian countryside to identify distant relatives of the California plants in France, then collected samples and carefully crafted dried-leaf presses of each before creating two-dimensional drawings to scale the proportions precisely ahead of beginning the sculpting process. The completed sculpture, measuring approximately eight feet in height and spanning 16 feet in width, commands the attention of guests upon entrance to the chateau lobby, with its brilliance and incomparable detail. The piece is not only a testament to Riehl’s artistic mastery, but also perfectly depicts an unfolding narrative of the estate’s bountiful flora and fauna with a romantic, Parisian flare.

 

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“The unveiling of Flore de Jordan marks a significant milestone for Jordan,” said John Jordan, owner and CEO of Jordan Winery. “We are pleased to extend an even warmer welcome to our guests, inviting them to fully immerse themselves in our French-inspired ambiance from the instant they arrive to the chateau to the moment they bid farewell. Alice Riehl’s extraordinary contribution to the lobby represents a critical enhancement, elevating the overall guest experience and further illustrating our passion and investment in unique storytelling through art and design.”

The newly renovated Jordan Winery Lobby. Interior Design by Maria Khouri Interiors. Photography by Christopher StarkThe installation of Flore de Jordan serves as the crowning touch to the iconic Jordan Chateau Lobby, on the heels of a significant renovation completed in summer 2023. Led by San Francisco-based interior designer, Maria Khouri Haidamus of Maria Khouri Interiors, the chateau lobby exudes a vision of exquisite French elegance, with sumptuous design touch points, venerable antiques and precious art that delight visitors across its entry hall, grand salon, hallway and retail boutique, providing visitors with a bespoke arrival experience.

To see this beautiful installation in person, book a tour or tasting experience online, call 707-431-5250 or email info@jordanwinery.com. Stay tuned for more Flore de Jordan background and design stories this summer.

 

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