J Visitor Center is North Bay's Best!

North Bay Biz magazine in their annual "Best of the North Bay" issue, as voted by their readers, has named J Vineyards & Winery the "Best Winery Tasting Room". North Bay Biz, a magazine for North Bay business professionals, enjoys readership throughout Sonoma, Marin, and Napa counties.

Congratulations to our Retail Operations Director, Kevin Burton, and the entire staff of the J Visitor Center on achieving the vote of the people!

The Audacious Winemaker!

By now many have heard the shot across the bow from our own George Bursick, winemaker of J Vineyards & Winery, in Roger Morris' March 26 Delaware News Journal article, "Audacious winemaker shoots for the top with his pinot noirs"

"If you're a fan of American pinot noirs, George Bursick has a promise for you. If you come back here in two years, we will be the No. 1 pinot noir in California," Bursick says, looking around a table of tasters at the J Vineyards winery in California's Russian River Valley. He pauses for the effect to sink in."

Well we've had a little fun by creating temporary tattoos, as the shot of our grinning winemaker will attest.

We believe you George, and we're up to the challenge!

Remembering a California Icon

Robert Mondavi
1913-2008

Robert's father Cesare and my great-grandfather Nazzareno were friends from the small town of Sassoferrato in Le Marche, Italy and immigrated together to the U.S. in the early 1900's, working the iron-ore mines in Minnesota and Michigan before making their way to California.

We had the incredible occasion to talk of our common family history over lunch.

Photo of Robert and Margrit Mondavi, with my wife Christine and me, at Robert Mondavi Winery. A cherished memory! Salute!

2007 J Pinot Gris Makes a Splash in New York!

The 2007 J Russian River Valley Pinot Gris gets some great ink in both the on-line and print publication of AM New York.

Contributor Dan Dunn calls George Bursick, "... one of the Russian River Valley's legendary winemakers and this just-released vintage is sure to enhance his already considerable reputation. A steal at $20 a bottle."

AM New York enjoys a circulation 334,568!

Congratulations team J!

J's Outside Terrace Is Now Open!

Open Friday through Monday, weather permitting, May - October. Visitors may enjoy an outdoor wine and food experience on the J Terrace. J Executive Chef Mark E. Caldwell matches J’s signature sparkling wines and cool-climate Russian River varietals with an epicurean presentation of cheeses, pâtés, and cured meats from local farms including Adante Dairy, Volpi Ranch Petaluma, Bellwether Farms, Girl and the Fig, Fra' Man Berkeley and Cowgirl Creamery.

The J Terrace tasting menu is $35 per person and reservations are not required and is open Friday through Monday, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, visit: www.jwine.com.

J 2005 Nicole's Vineyard Pinot Noir Scores Big!

Anthony Dias Blue delivers a great score and review of the 2005 Nicole's Vineyard Pinot Noir in this month's Patterson's The Tasting Panel magazine. This popular trade publication enjoys a 45,000 circulation. Congratulations team J!