Starlight Supper: Perseids Stargazing at Jordan Winery

Nearly 100 stargazers turned out on the lawns at Jordan Winery last weekend for our first-ever Starlight Supper event. Hosted during the annual Perseid meteor shower, the dinner party was particularly intriguing for astronomy buffs due to the outdoor setting away from a city where light pollution can interfere with seeing the stars and constellations.

When John Jordan, a self-professed astronomy geek, conceived this event idea last fall, he didn’t realize that the new moon on August 14 would create ideal conditions for stargazing, ensuring no moonlight would interfere with the viewing.

The festive dinner featured a standing reception in our Bacchus courtyard with a passed hors d’oeuvre and Champagne, followed by a seated food and pairing dinner on the lawn under the stars. One of the menu highlights was sustainable Wagyu beef from Northern California’s Masami Ranch–the only certified 10+ domestic Wagyu beef, which was originally designed to export back to Japan. As guests took turns stargazing with the astronomers and their giant telescopes, dessert stations were staged near fire pits, allowing guests to enjoy tastes of several sweets or partake in roasting marshmallows for s’mores.

Inaugural Starlight Supper at Jordan
August 15, 2015

Reception

Japanese Hamachi with Cucumber Salad and Shiro Miso Vinaigrette
André Clouet Brut Grand Réserve Champagne

Dinner

Jordan Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil Poached Halibut with Composed Garden Salad featuring Our Heirloom Tomatoes, Basil and Wild Fennel Vinaigrette
2013 Jordan Chardonnay Russian River Valley

Grilled Masami Gold Wagyu Beef with Jordan Summer Squash, Haricots Verts and Carrot Escabeche; Pickled Chanterelles and Australian Perigord Truffle
2001 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County
2011 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

Central Coast Creamery Ewenique, Uplands Cheese Company Pleasant Ridge Reserve, Beemster Classic Gouda, French Marin Cheese Company Black Truffle Triple Crème Brie
2007 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley (Magnum)

Dessert

Valrhona Caraïbe Chocolate Mousse
Homemade Greek Yogurt and Estate Fig Preserves
Jordan Raspberry Panna Cotta
Assorted Petit Fours
S’mores Station

Todd Knoll, Executive Chef
Download our sample menu.

The recent heatwave helped keep temperatures comfortable well into the night. Jackets and sweaters weren’t needed–a rarity in wine country after dark.

If you’re not already a Jordan Estate Rewards member, be sure to sign up to receive our monthly e-newsletter. We’ll be announcing 2016 event dates in our e-newsletter in January.

View all Jordan Starlight Supper Photos on Flickr.