Kendall-Jackson hosts largest Kentucky Derby party on West Coast

Southern style was on full display May 7 at the Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens in Santa Rosa as the winery hosted the largest Kentucky Derby party on the West Coast.

The sold-out event was attended by 1,200 people.

The wine company donated proceeds from the event, over $10,000, to Sonoma County Meals on Wheels to help feed area seniors.

Festivities included a large-screen viewing of the day’s races, on-the-spot betting, a raffle, fashion contests and live music by San Francisco-based Radio Gatsby.

Derby-inspired Southern cuisine like barbecue pork butt and bourbon pecan ice cream, was paired with Kendall-Jackson wines, including limited edition co-branded Kendall-Jackson and Kentucky Derby commemorative wines. Iconic mint juleps were also available featuring Straight Bourbon Whiskey by Healdsburg’s Young & Yonder Spirits. For beer lovers, Santa Rosa’s Seismic Brewing Co. poured new releases.

KinSmoke, Oliver’s, Point Reyes Cheese and Sea Thai provided small bites and Ferrero Golden Gallery Signature served up sweet treats.

Attendees sported spring dresses, colorful hats, seersucker suits, bow ties and fedoras. A milliner was even on-site for guests wanting Derby-inspired hats.

Prizes for the fashion contests and raffle included large format wines, stays at local hotels and resorts and tickets to next year’s watch party.

Tickets to the event cost $125 per person and $100 for wine club members.

“We are incredibly grateful Kendall-Jackson chose to support our Meals on Wheels program,” said the Council on Aging’s President and CEO Marrianne McBride. “Their support will go far in helping us achieve our goals.”