New Year Greeting From Judy Jordan, Founder & President of J Vineyards & Winery

GOODBYE 2009, HELLO 2010

When I founded J Vineyards & Winery nearly a quarter century ago, I knew I was in for the ride of my life. From our first vintage of sparkling wine made in an old converted prune processing shed to the launch of our new varietal wine program this year, J has carved out a niche built upon wine excellence and elegant hospitality. Our success has exceeded my wildest dreams.

I am very proud of this company and it would not have been possible without everyone’s hard work and dedication. From our winemaking, viticulture and administration, to sales, marketing, and hospitality, everyone at J should be proud of what we have accomplished together. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their rock solid support of J Vineyards & Winery.

As an entrepreneur and mother of two, I have worked hard to shape a successful wine company that is the essence of elegance and balance. Our sparkling wines, featuring the distinctive yellow “J” signature, are instantly recognized around the country by consumers, whether in a restaurant or a retail outlet.

This past year we embarked on a new direction for J. With the launch of our estate varietal Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines in new packaging, we are staking our legacy on the terroir of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley. This unique viticultural appellation is our home. It is where we farm more than 250 acres of cool-climate grapes, planted on a myriad of rootstocks and clones, and all located along the loam and gravel edges of the Russian River and on nearby benches and hillsides.

My roots in the soil come honestly. As a trained geologist, I have come to know how terroir plays such an important role in the creation of world-class wines. The magnificent alluvial soils found in the Russian River Valley were formed over the millennia and play an important role in our ability to make great wine. Accompanying me on this journey of exploration are veteran Winemaker, George Bursick, and Viticulturist, John Erbe. Both have become experts on all aspects of our Russian River Valley terrain, and their dedication certainly shines through in our wines.

While we remain dedicated to our sparkling wine program, our varietal estate wines clearly represent the next generation of J Vineyards & Winery. The new varietal packaging, featuring a more subtle version of our classic “J” paintbrush logo, is designed to distinguish the varietal wines from our sparkling wines. The new labels reflect all the distinctive elements that comprise the very definition of terroir — soil, water, and air.

This launch of our new varietal program may seem like a gamble in today’s tough business climate. I assure you, however, that these are the right wines, at the right time, and I remain steadfast in my belief that winemaking excellence and wines of regional distinction will rule the day.

I encourage you to share a taste of our new Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines with your friends and family. The joy of wine discovery is still very much alive, even in these tough times.

Let us all raise a glass of J and toast to a bright New Year.

Cheers,
Judy Jordan
Founder & President