Jordan Parker, Temecula’s newest winery, opened last week and we were amongst a small group of locals eager to see for ourselves what they had in store. They are situated just across the road from the popular Monte de Oro and Wilson Creek wineries, and, like many others, we’d been excitedly watching the buildings come to life over the last year.
The approach to the Jordan Parker is from above, offering a full view of the modern, corrugated steel and glass structure. There is a vast plaza set with small tables and bright red metal chairs that added a welcome pop of color on the cloudy February day that we were there. Small groups of visitors were seated there, creating a lively scene as they chatted over glasses secured from the tasting room. The whole place was surrounded by dormant vines, but it was easy to imagine how striking the setting will be once they start flowering this spring. The winery, all too aware of the keen local interest, had placed cheeky “Finally Open” signs throughout the property.
The tasting room is bright and spacious, thanks to floor to ceiling windows and garage-style doors that open out to the plaza. The high wall behind the tasting bar feels a bit flat and bare though, and one has to imagine that there are plans in the works for artwork or a sign to soften things up. The long tasting bar was built in sections, and is smartly set on casters, allowing the room to be easily reconfigured in anticipation of future events.
We were warmly welcomed by Stephanie, a local sommelier and WSET diploma candidate who led our tasting and introduced us to winemaker Jordan Parker. We also recognized a few experienced servers behind the bar from our adventures at other Temecula wineries, so we knew we were in good hands.
About the Winery
Winemaker Jordan Parker may be the name (and face) of the winery, but he’s quick to emphasize that this is a family business. His parents ventured into the world of wine a couple of decades ago. Impressed by Wilson Creek Winery’s success with flavored sparkling wine, they were interested in creating something similar for the Hawaiian market. In 2009, they launched Island Cuvée, a sparkling wine with flavors like hibiscus and passion fruit. Though the brand is currently on pause, you’ll see banners for it hanging on the walls of the tasting room, and Jordan mentioned that they’ll be bringing the label back to the Temecula tasting room at a future date. In 2013, the Parker family purchased an existing Temecula vineyard of 40 year old Chenin Blanc vines that had been grafted over to Syrah by a previous owner. Excited by this unique opportunity, Jordan entered the viticulture program at CSU Fresno and completed his degree in 2019. All of his wine is made from estate-grown grapes, except for the Grenache and Dolcetto which are still from local Temecula vineyards.
The Wine
Though Jordan seemed to be a bit shy around so many eager guests, his tasting notes are filled with personality and irreverence. The Tempranillo is described as “Rusty like the building. Leathery like your skin.” The GSM note reads, “Black cherry, cocoa, herbs & spices. aka Good Sh** Motherf***s.” He attributed it to a fun collaboration with his father, hinting that mom was, perhaps, less excited by the writing style.
The wines were all very drinkable, with the tropical 2020 Viognier and smooth 2017 Estate Syrah topping my list. Bill Newman, local wine expert and private wine concierge, seemed to agree, calling the Syrah “Well integrated with dark fruit, cassis, and strap leather that belies its +15 ABV. A perfect wine for a wine country tri-tip.”
Other wines that stood out were the 2017 Mourvèdre (our server Stephanie’s favorite), full-bodied, fruity, and peppery, and the 2023 Orpheum, a blend of Malbec and 5% Salvatore, that was aged in steel. It reminded me a little of a Zinfandel—fruity, with a hint of sweet from residual sugar. This one promises to be a crowd pleaser and Jordan seemed to be having fun with it, calling Orpheum his “personal project wine.”
Plans for the Future
The Parkers are calling the opening of the tasting room the “Phase One.” Jordan’s mother has a culinary background and is interesting in offering an elevated culinary wine pairing experience. They are also floating the idea of places to stay on the 40+ acre property. More immediate plans are to include cover for the patio before the strong summer sun returns to Temecula. It will be exciting to watch this winery evolve over the coming years. They’re already off to a strong start.
No reservations necessary for parties under 12 people. Children are welcome Sunday through Thursday only. Trained service animals only. 35871 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA 92592
Tastings are $25 for your choice of 6 pours. Wines are also available by the glass, and on weekends, they have beer and a family recipe for sangria on tap. Bottle prices are mid-range for Temecula, from $37 for the Viognier to $54 for the Syrah.
