Known for their inviting hospitality and attention to detail, J Vineyards & Winery has earned a reputation as the premier California winery that offers both sparkling and varietal wines.‚Äã Many other wineries are known for either their varietal wines¬†or¬†their sparkling portfolio. You rarely see an¬†American winery craft both with the same focus. J is one such winery.‚Äã‚Äã J Winemaker Nicole Hitchcock follows in Founder Judy Jordan’s footsteps by starting in the vineyards. Selecting the¬†right Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir from a combination of estate vineyards and¬†long term¬†growers,¬†Nicole crafts a portfolio of delicate, expressive wines.‚Äã From there, Nicole and her team use a minimalist approach throughout winemaking and aging for a true sense of¬†place. Whether¬†it’s¬†staying true to tradition by using the Methode Traditionelle to craft J sparkling wines or keeping all¬†lots separate from hand-harvest to bottling, Nicole pours her passion for this region into each vintage.‚Äã

It all began with Judy Jordan – hence the brushstroke J on the label. Probably the¬†most fabulous geologist there ever was,¬†Judy was fascinated with¬†the soils of the Russian River Valley AVA in Sonoma County.¬† She knew she wanted to get¬†into the wine business like her father. However, she wanted to do it¬†differently, focusing¬†on Burgundian varietals (Pinot Noir and¬†Chardonnay) for both still and sparkling wines, as well as Pinot Gris.¬†So, in 1986, she founded J Vineyards & Winery.‚Äã In 2015, Judy sold J Vineyards to Gallo Winery. As she puts it, she "raised J¬†like a child and felt it was time to send her to¬†college and¬†couldn’t¬†think of a better university." Her pioneering spirit and welcoming¬†hospitality live on in the J Visitor¬†Center, where guests can view¬†some of the RRV’s soils, taste both sides of the J portfolio, and¬†indulge in tasting¬†experiences, including the Bubble Room, which is¬†the only experience of its kind offered in Sonoma County,¬†matching¬†J wines with Chef Carl Shelton’s local, seasonal pairings.¬†‚Äã‚Äã

Proof/ABV: 14.3