Sea Ray Owners Club members Pierre and Carole Dionne enjoy an exclusive stay at the famous Jordan Winery in California's Alexander Valley Story and photos by Jamie Elvidge

"Exclusive" is a great word, isn't it? Not quite pompous, yet undeniably indulgent, it's a term that helps us describe some of life's finest luxuries. One of those delicacies is being able to enjoy a Sea Ray boat, and the association and opportunities that ownership brings. Another elite experience would be, say, a private, all-expense-paid getaway to a world-class winery that is otherwise off-limits to the public. But wait, that's just another advantage to belonging to the Sea Ray Owners Club¿at least if you happen to be Pierre and Carole Dionne. The Dionnes were ceremoniously honored with the trip as the 2,000th owners to redeem Earnings Account rebate dollars on the purchase of a new Sea Ray.

If you were to tour the Alexander Valley north of Napa, you'd drive right by the entrance gate to the Jordan Winery. Everyone does; just ask the neighbors with the sign in their driveway that says, "This is NOT the Jordan Winery." Founder Tom Jordan likes it that way. So, the 1,500-acre estate is marked with only a small address placard, and no public tasting hours are posted. Even though the enormous, vine-covered château that houses the operation is as magnificent to look at as the most famous destinations in neighboring Napa Valley, the Jordan philosophy adheres to elevating the process and art of wine-making, rather than exploiting the glitz of it.

The Dionnes were already familiar with the Jordan name. "We knew the wine," laughs Pierre, "because as French people, we drink a lot of wine! We knew a little bit about the winery, too, so we were very excited to stay there." This enthusiastic couple from Hollywood, Florida, certainly wasn't expecting a surprise summer excursion to the West Coast, however, as a benefit to purchasing their 480 Sedan Bridge from MarineMax. "They called and said to 'get prepared,' that they had some nice presents for us and to show up at the 2004 Miami International Boat Show. It was very exciting for us. First, they gave us a $1,500 rebate check on the boat," explains Pierre, who expected the gift-giving to end there. "Then they gave us a briefcase, two pairs of Costa Del Mar sunglasses...and finally they handed us two bottles of wine from Jordan. As the last surprise, they told us about the weekend at the winery, and handed us the plane tickets and everything."

The Dionnes were treated to a stay in the estate's beautiful and private Wildwood house, originally built by Tom Jordan for his youngest daughter. Typically, the only overnight guests at the property are favored wine distributors and personal friends of the family. Tended by Carrie White, trade and distributor public relations specialist for the winery, Pierre and Carole were able to experience the most restricted type of Jordan visit, including a decadent multi-course breakfast prepared exclusively for the couple by chef de cuisine Todd Knoll. "The food was incredible, that's for sure," says Pierre. "There was even lobster in the eggs Benedict!" After breakfast the couple enjoyed a private tour of the facility, followed by a ceremonious wine tasting session under the estate's magnificent sprawling oaks.

Jordan's first vintage was a 1976 cabernet sauvignon released in 1980. Famed for consistency and depth, the consequent Jordan cabernets have become world-renowned favorites. The winery also produces fine chardonnays, and continually explores the relationship between its wines and fine food, even offering exclusive Jordan recipes for perfect pairings. In addition to the celebrated wines, the estate has become recognized for its gourmet olive oil, which the couple enjoyed with bread and sliced apple.

"It was very exclusive and an honor to stay there¿to have the gate keys," Pierre says. "It felt like we had 1,500 acres to ourselves." Jordan does offer public tours and tastings, but only by appointment. The Dionnes would definitely recommend a stop at the winery if you find yourself touring California's Wine Country. "You don't go every day to a place like this," Pierre enthuses. "Jordan is top-flight all the way."

For information on Jordan Vineyard and Winery's exclusive tours, and for access to its wine-friendly recipes, call (800) 654-1213 or visit www.jordanwinery.com. The easiest way for Sea Ray owners to score exclusive goodies is to join the Sea Ray Owners Club and redeem rebate dollars. For more information, go to www.searay.com.