Page 2 - Dining Out - Sep 19 2021

A N N E L E E
speaks with master sommelier
MICHAEL JORDAN
Photos by
RICKY RIDELA
Master sommelier Michael Jordan is referred to as the sommelier for the people, an ambassador of flavor for those who appreciate fine wines and deli- cious cuisine. This down-to-earth guy brings delectable meals to his guests to enjoy, and answers as many questions as possible. As the director of global key accounts for Jackson Family Wines, he was back home for some special curated events. We sat down at PAI Honolulu to sample the special four-course dinner prepared by chef/owner Kevin Lee and wines personally selected by Jordan.
AL: What is your role with Jackson Family Wines?
MJ: As director of global key accounts, I rep- resent over 50 different wineries that make up
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their portfolio. I am trusted in training and help- ing people open new restaurants or reopen restaurants/hotels, and set up their wine lists.
AL: You grew up in this industry in an iconic restaurant that your father owned. Tell me more about that.
MJ: The original Matteo’s was located in New- port Beach for 35 years. My father opened a second location in Waikiki in the 1970s, which brought me to Hawaii as a child. There were some great memories there and lots of famous people that dined there. Frank Sinatra was my godfather.
AL: How can restaurants here in Hawaii take advantage of everything that Jackson Family Wines offers?
MJ: This vineyard started with Jess Jackson, who started the first winery, Kendall Jackson, and he married Barbara. They had two daugh- ters and a son, and one of those daughters was Katie. Katie married local boy Shaun Kajiwara, who is Kellie Sahara’s brother. Now, we have an actual family member of Jackson Family Wines, as Kelli is the district manager on the islands that works alongside region manager Michael Hopkins.
This allows us to have more direct contact with our customers and help them curate won- derful wines and events all over Hawaii, such as the Kapalua Wine Festival on Maui.
AL: How did the Kapalua Wine Festival come about?
MJ: This was a celebration of great wines and
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SPECIAL SECTIONS MANAGER
Nicole Monton
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SALES MANAGER
Anne Lee
Phone: 808-347-1093 alee@staradvertiser.com
2 /
Dining Out
/ Sept. 19-25, 2021
Restaurant Insider with Anne Lee