Food & Wine USA – September 2019

THE WINEMAKER’S HAVEN

For Margo Van Staaveren, there’s nothing quite

like Sonoma. This scenic slice of Northern

California wine country is nearly bursting with

unique and diverse offerings. “The climate, the

topography—from Redwood forests to the

Pacific Ocean—and, of course, agriculture and

farming, Sonoma is all these special places,

each with their own personality and point of

view. It’s authentic,” says the Chateau St. Jean

winemaker.

Also authentic is Margo’s connection to

the area: she and her winemaker husband,

Don, live in the vineyard-dotted hamlet of

Re-create the style, flavors, and laid-back elegance of Sonoma

in your home, with entertaining tips from Chateau St. Jean’s

award-winning winemaker, Margo Van Staaveren.

Live the

Sonoma Life

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Glen Ellen and both celebrate the region’s

winemaking traditions. After graduating from

the University of California at Davis with a

degree in Fermentation Science, she joined

Chateau St. Jean as a lab technician. Over the

next three decades, she worked her way up

through various positions, eventually becoming

Winemaker and General Manager in 2003

and winning Wine Enthusiast's Winemaker of

the Year a few years later. Margo has played

a pivotal role in all aspects of the award-

winning label’s operations—and has become

a passionate advocate for its wines and the

lifestyle the esteemed winery represents.

FROM TOP:

Chateau St. Jean's Winemaker,

Margo Van Staaveren,

enjoying a glass of Chardonnay;

NV Chateau St. Jean Sparkling RosŽ.

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