November 20, 2025 | by Kendall Busby

After six years of thoughtful planning, craftsmanship, and creativity, we’ve completed our full estate enhancement initiative—a project that has touched nearly every part of the Jordan experience. Today, we’re excited to share the debut of our new arrival court, front landscape, and parking area, the finishing touch in a journey that began back in 2019.

As we step into this next chapter, we’re honored to do so following some extraordinary news: Jordan has been named the #1 Vineyard in North America and #13 in the World by World’s Best Vineyards 2025. This recognition celebrates not just our wines, but the full hospitality experience—every tasting, every vista, every detail of design and culinary creativity that makes a visit to Jordan unforgettable. To be acknowledged by 720 international experts for what we strive to deliver every day is profoundly meaningful to us.

Why This Project Matters to Us

When guests arrive at Jordan, we want them to feel immediately immersed in the world we’ve spent 50+ years building—a place where French-inspired elegance meets the timeless beauty of Alexander Valley. As John Jordan often says, every enhancement we make is about deepening how guests connect with this estate. This most recent transformation of our arrival experience reflects that vision completely.

Designed in collaboration with award-winning landscape designer Christian Douglas, the new entrance is a serene, European-inspired gateway that mirrors the refinement found throughout our chateau. What once was simply a practical parking area has been elevated into a beautiful, welcoming space that sets the tone for the entire visit.

An aerial view of our newly redesigned arrival—complete with European-inspired gardens, statues, and plantings. Photography by Lightspeed Films.

Inside the New Arrival Experience

Walking into the redesigned arrival court feels like entering a garden in motion—lush, symmetrical, and filled with details that reveal themselves slowly. Some highlights:

  • A 14-foot-wide travertine fountain, the heart of the new landscape
  • Four hand-carved marble “Four Seasons” sculptures
  • Stone pathways and benches reminiscent of Versailles-inspired craftsmanship
  • Thoughtfully manicured hedges, premium turf, and over 100 subtly placed LED lights that create a warm twilight glow
  • Rows of sycamores, magnolias, Italian cypress, and Sally Jordan Roses, planted in tribute to our beloved co-founder
  • Enhanced signage, electric vehicle chargers, and upgraded irrigation and drainage systems for long-term sustainability

Every element was designed to bring elegance and environmental responsibility into harmony—an ethos that guides all we do on our 1,200-acre estate. As Christian Douglas shared with us, his goal was simple: to ensure that the first steps guests take at Jordan reflect “the same grace and beauty that awaits inside.” His artistry helped turn that vision into a reality we’re immensely proud of.

The Jordan Facilities Team, led by longtime director Tim Spence, with sons Matt and Timmy—project managers behind our multi-year estate renovations.

A Labor of Love Across Generations

A project of this scale doesn’t happen without deep care and craftsmanship. Under the leadership of Tim Spence, our director of facilities for more than 30 years, and with the hands-on dedication of his sons, Matt and Timmy, the estate enhancements have unfolded with precision, creativity, and respect for our heritage.

A glimpse into the 2025 construction that brought our new arrival court and parking area to life. Photography by Kendall Busby.

Looking Back on Six Years of Transformation

Since 2019, we’ve reimagined nearly every touchpoint of the Jordan experience. This journey has included:

group of people holding glasses of jordan chardonnay standing by round wooden table decorated with floral arrangement underneath brass chandelier
Photography by Christopher Stark.

Welcoming the Next Generation of Guests

With our new arrival experience now complete, the estate feels more unified than ever. Guests can seamlessly move from a first impression rooted in beauty and intention to culinary moments, wine experiences, and landscapes that continue the story. As John often reminds us, this milestone isn’t an ending, but the beginning of an exciting new chapter. We couldn’t agree more. With our arrival experience complete and the estate more unified than ever, we’re delighted to share this next era with you. Whether you’ve visited us many times or are planning your first trip, there has never been a more beautiful moment to experience Jordan.

We invite you to come see the transformation for yourself—reserve your next visit and let us welcome you to the Jordan Estate.