Chef Jesse Mallgren spent 13 years as the Michelin Star-winning executive chef at Healdsburg’s Madrona Manor (now The Madrona Hotel).
In the culinary world, 13 years is a lifetime, an esteemed prelude for Mallgren’s current role as executive chef at Jordan Vineyard & Winery.
He has a vast “playground” to work with at the 1,200-acre estate, where he utilizes produce from their onsite garden, honey from the winery’s apiaries and forages for ingredients from the property.
All of this goes into the culinary-driven, wine-paired experiences one can enjoy at Jordan, on tours and tastings, at full lunches or even during a daily breakfast at their Chateau Suites. Mallgren also puts together menus for special events like the upcoming Caviar Tasting at Vista Point on Valentine’s Day weekend.
An exclusive Chef’s Reserve Caviar by Tsar Nicoulai will be served with blinis made with Jordan Chardonnay yeast, all paired with beautiful wines, of course.
Amber Turpin: How did you get into this work?
Jesse Mallgren: I’m continually inspired by memories of my childhood, watching my mother cook dishes that came alive with global, exotic flavors. That early exposure sparked my passion for the culinary arts. Along the way, I was fortunate to learn from mentors like Gary Danko and Jeremiah Tower, whose guidance helped shape both my skills and confidence in the kitchen. Before joining Jordan, that journey led me from serving as chef de cuisine at Aspen’s Syzygy to becoming executive chef at Madrona Manor in 1999.
Did you ever have an ‘aha’ moment with a certain beverage? If so, tell us about it.
It was an older Bordeaux that truly changed the way I thought about wine. I was 23, working at Stars with Jeremiah Tower, and although I can’t recall the exact bottle, I know it was from the 1970s. Experiencing how beautifully a wine could evolve over time completely shifted my perspective.
What is your favorite thing to drink at home?
I love variety, so it’s usually a different cocktail every night. Rum one evening, bourbon the next. I’m always looking for inspiration and follow more than 20 cocktail-focused Instagram accounts to keep things fresh.
Where do you like to go out for a drink?
Anywhere with a great view, especially if it overlooks the ocean. The setting is just as important as what’s in the glass.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what would you want to be drinking (besides fresh water)?
Coffee, with just a splash of whole milk.
Jordan Vineyard & Winery, 1474 Alexander Valley Rd., Healdsburg. 707.431.5250. jordanwinery.com.
