MELISSA STACKHOUSE NAMED VP OF WINEMAKING AT J VINEYARDS & WINERY

Photography by George Rose

J Vineyards & Winery, the Russian River Valley sparkling and varietal wine producer, has appointed Melissa Stackhouse as its new Vice President of Winemaking.

Stackhouse will lead a dedicated winemaking team in solidifying J’s 25-year reputation as a top Sonoma County sparkling wine house, and build on the winery’s budding estate-driven varietal wine program.

“Melissa brings a wealth of Russian River Valley experience that will lift J to a new level of Estate-driven Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris winemaking,” said J Vineyards & Winery Founder and President, Judy Jordan. “She possesses a unique ability to connect with people, but it is her amazing skill as a winemaker that defines her, and will help shape my vision for J.”

Photography by George Rose

Stackhouse is a graduate of the University of California at Davis where she earned a Bachelor degree in Viticulture and Enology in 1998. She was Winemaker at La Crema from 2003 to 2010, and most recently, Pinot Noir Winemaster for all Jackson Family Wines.

“I look forward to walking Judy’s Estate vineyards with an eye on the fast-approaching 2011 harvest,” said Stackhouse. “Winemaking at J will retain its intimacy and authenticity, rooted in the soil, clones, and everything Mother Nature has to offer.”

Stackhouse takes over the winemaking duties at J following the departure of winemaking veteran George Bursick, who has gone on to develop Bursick Wine Consulting.

ABOUT J
J Vineyards & Winery is located at 11447 Old Redwood Highway south of Healdsburg. The winery focuses on Brut and Brut Rosé sparkling wines, as well as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris Estate varietal wines, produced from grapes farmed primarily within Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley appellation.

Founded by Judy Jordan in 1986, J Vineyards & Winery is an independently owned Sonoma County winery. The winery is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year. To learn more, or to join the J Wine Club, go to www.jwine.com.