Stepping into the sunny mediterranean garden of Roger and Lisa Morrison on Las Palmas Ave, one might think you’re in the south of France or the hills of Sonoma, with the smells of fresh herbs and a bright green bottle of Jardesca beckoning on the table.
Jardesca is a new California aperitif the couple has brought to market along with Sonoma based partners Marshall Dawson and Marcus Seiden. Served in a highball glass on the rocks, the aperitif is a blend of sweet and dry wines and an “eau de vie”, or what we might describe as a french brandy, made from 10 different botanicals (think orange blossom, cardamon, apricot and grapefruit, to name a few.) The eau de vie is double-distilled and “married” with the wine blend to create the bright, refreshing drink. Perfect as an opener for summer dining al fresco.
“We worked with winemakers, master distillers and mixologists to create Jardesca,” Roger told the Larchmont Buzz. “We tasted between 30-40 varietals of white wine to get the perfect blend for the wine component of the aperitif, and tried various combinations of fresh botanicals for the eau de vie. It’s been an incredible experience.”
“Capturing the garden in a bottle” has been a passion project for both Roger and Lisa. By day, Roger is a brand consultant and founder of Deviate Marketing, an unorthodox marketing firm that promotes luxury goods, and a man who has always wanted to develop his own brand.
Lisa is a health and yoga promoter who, as Roger jokes, “sells yoga in the morning and alcohol in the evening.” Together they make quite the vibrant and beautiful team who champion their new product, now two years in the works. They have four children who have attended local schools including Marlborough, and St. James where their youngest son is currently in elementary school. The couple has opened their wine at fundraisers and gatherings at St. James and the LA Tennis Club.
The bottle sports a drawing of Epicurius, the Greek philosopher who inspired Jardesca’s creators who quote Epicurius: “It’s not what we have, but what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance.” We heartily agree.
Jardesca is currently available at many locations in Northern California, and is for sale locally at Larchmont Village Wine, Spirits & Cheese as well as K&L Wine on Vine. It is also on the menu at Ray’s and Stark Bar at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and at Republique on La Brea.
Morrison will be conducting a tasting tonight (Thursday, July 10) at K&L Wines, 1400 Vine St., from 5:30 – 7 pm. One sip and you’ll know  – you’re onto something new and different, that smacks of summer.
