On Saturday, May 7th, join the largest West Coast celebration for the 148th Run for the Roses, benefitting Sonoma County’s Meals on Wheels.

Get your hats ready and bust out your bowties, America's favorite chardonnay and the "Preferred Wine of the Kentucky Derby" is bringing the excitement to Wine Country. Founded in 1982, Kendall-Jackson is one of America’s most beloved family-owned and operated wineries. While the Jackson family's storied legacy in winemaking runs deep, the family's endeavors in the elite horse racing world are lesser known.

In 2021, Kendall-Jackson officially became the "preferred wine" of the Kentucky Derby, combining their love and commitment to winemaking with their passion for elite horse racing through a four-year partnership with Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby.

The best news? Wine lovers and horse racing enthusiasts won’t have to vie for a coveted seat at Churchill Downs’ Millionaire's Row to celebrate. As the "preferred wines" of the Kentucky Derby, Kendall-Jackson will host the largest West Coast Kentucky Derby party at the Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens. Kendall-Jackson’s stunning four-acre culinary garden, expansive lawn, and al fresco patio will provide the perfect setting for the fun-filled day of wine, food, fashion, horse racing, and entertainment. The celebration is all for a good cause. Event proceeds will benefit Sonoma County’s Meals on Wheels program.

Derby Day festivities at Kendall-Jackson will include a large-screen viewing of Kentucky Derby day races, fashion contests, an on-site milliner creating unique hats, and Derby-inspired Southern cuisine paired with award-winning Kendall-Jackson wines, including the limited edition co-branded Kendall-Jackson and Kentucky Derby commemorative wines.

No Derby event would be complete without iconic mint juleps. Young & Yonder Spirits, an artisan craft distillery from Healdsburg, will showcase their Straight Bourbon Whiskey in the signature cocktails, local favorite Seismic Brewing Company will be pouring their new release brews, Ferrero Golden Gallery Signature will offer sweet treats, and local restaurant partners will be offering small bites. Additional entertainment includes a raffle, live music, a bugle player, a coffee truck, a caricature artist, and more.

The team at Kendall-Jackson is thrilled to be able to bring the excitement of the Kentucky Derby to Sonoma County and to welcome guests to celebrate a new Derby tradition at the home of Kendall-Jackson.

“Kendall Jackson’s winemaking reputation is built on a vision that, through a commitment to excellence, hard work, and integrity, you can accomplish great things,” said Barbara Banke, chairman and proprietor, Jackson Family Wines. “Not only do we embrace these ideals as the backbone of our 40-year wine business, but also our approach to Thoroughbred horse racing. To bring two of our greatest passions together on the global stage at the Kentucky Derby is monumental for us, and we couldn’t be happier.”

Whether you’re the betting type or not, you can wager this is one party in Wine Country you won’t want to miss. Tickets include full access to the event, complimentary food, and three complimentary drink tickets.

// 11am to 5:30pm, Saturday May 7 at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens, 5007 Fulton Rd. (Fulton), 800-769-3649; reserve your tickets ($125/GA, $100/wine club members, $100/designated drivers) at kj.com.