Kendall Jackson’s 2023 Kentucky Derby Party

On Saturday, May 4, Kendall-Jackson, home to “America’s number-one-selling-Chardonnay” hosted its fourth-annual Derby Watch Party at its Sonoma County Wine Estate & Gardens.

Hailed as the largest West Coast Derby watch party, over 2,000 guests attended the sold-out event. Kendall-Jackson, with the support of attendees and partnering vendors, was able to raise $10,000 for this year’s beneficiary non-profit, Farm to Pantry. Kendall-Jackson is a preferred wine partner of the Kentucky Derby, which celebrated its 150^th anniversary this year. 

Guests enjoyed Derby-inspired Southern cuisine from Kendall-Jackson Estate Culinary, Goldfinch, Lucha Sabina, John Ash & Co., Napa Valley Crust, Spoon Bar and more. Dishes were paired with award-winning Kendall-Jackson wines, beer by Seismic Brewing Company, Golden State Cider, samplings of Stonestreet Kentucky Straight Bourbon ‘Founders Edition’ and iconic mint juleps from Young & Yonder. Derby Day races were broadcast on large screens throughout the venue. Between races, guests enjoyed live performances by San Francisco band Radio Gatsby, and participated in fashion contests for best hat, best-dressed duo and best-dressed ensemble, judged by guest celebrities: Marc J Spears, Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee and writer for ESPN; Amy Gutierrez, sports journalist for the San Francisco Giants; and Erika Altes, Sonoma County lifestyle blogger. The party concluded with a concert featuring premier cover band, Wonder Bread 5.