Nestled like jewels at the center of Chateau St. Jean, "The Chateau" and gardens convey the beauty and grace that distinguish both the winery and its Sonoma County wines.
In 1920, "The Chateau" was built as a summer home for Ernest and Maude Goff, and their children. The family, originally from Saginaw, Michigan, made its fortune in iron mines there, and in lumber in the Pacific Northwest. The 250 acres of land now Chateau St. Jean vineyards were initially planted with white grapes. Prohibition curtailed grape growing, however, and the family opted to grow prunes and walnuts instead.
When Chateau St. Jean was established in 1973, the decision was made to preserve the Goff legacy. "The Chateau" was fully restored and opened to the public. It has since been listed in the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The fishponds in the shape of Lakes Michigan and Huron, and the arched footbridge, delight visitors just as they did 80 years ago.
Created in 2000 in keeping with "the Chateau" architecture and sense of place, the elegant courtyard welcomes visitors to Chateau St. Jean. Inspired by formal estate gardens in Italy and the south of France, it features colorful shrubs and generous groundcover, punctuated by rare palms, citrus and other trees planted in terracotta pots. Two fountains provide soothing sound, with the central fountain situated in front of a 19th century zinc sculpture of Jean, the winery's namesake.
