It Takes a Wine Village to make every bottle of inspired J,
especially during harvest. We are so
appreciative of our adoring J Fans that we want to share the hard-working J
Harvest Team Members that bring your favorite bottles of J to your table for
sharing with family and friends.
J Team Member:
Melissa
Position at J:
Winemaker
Years working
on the J Team: 1 Year & 3 Months
Favorite J
Wine:
J Vineyards Robert Thomas Pinot Noir
Collaboration
with Melissa’s team in making the best wine possible keeps Melissa inspired at
J Vineyards & Winery, Melissa says, “my hope is that the next vintage will
yield the best wine I’ve ever made. I
also feel incredibly blessed to be a part of a great team as winemaking is so
collaborative, that collaboration keeps me very inspired.”
Melissa is
very team-centric, easily approachable, brief and to the point, and quite a
mellow soul, Melissa says, “during harvest I thrive in a chaotic stress driven
environment that allows me to be very decisive.
I value everyone on my winemaking team, so much so that I give them thoughtful
challenges, especially during harvest; this provides them the ability to be
great decision makers as well so our team thrives harmoniously during harvest.”
Melissa
values her career choice as a winemaker as agriculture
has played an important role in her life from growing up in Michigan and having
grandparents who were farmers in Minnesota, she became clearly aware of their
dedication to the land. Melissa says, “aside from being able to wear jeans
to work every day (which is a big plus!)…winemaking is a career choice that
combines science, art, and agriculture. It is rewarding to make a product that
is received with joy, and acknowledges a quality to life. It’s an incredible opportunity
as a winemaker to be able to produce sparkling wine, as well as high end Pinot
noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay at J Vineyards & Winery.”
Melissa not
only values her career choice as a winemaker, she values her greatest joy of
all, being a mother, Melissa says, “as a single-mom of a 9-month old, my life
away from work is all about my daughter.
I grew up in a very family-oriented environment, and there is no better enjoyment
then spending time with my family, my beautiful daughter and my loving dog
Scout playing at the beach or reading my daughter’s favorite book to her, Ten Little Lady Bugs.”
Melissa loves
and thrives for the stress of harvest. “I love that moment, when the vintage is
unfolding, when you realize what sort of harvest it is going to be, you have an
“aha” moment. I look forward to the
unknown with all the twists and turns that harvest brings, and this harvest I look
forward to creating exceptional J wines.
I am especially looking forward to blending some of the 2012 Pinot Noir
blends. Mmm…! The weather this winter and spring has put us on deck for a
spectacular vintage. We’ve had a great summer season as well. Fingers
crossed…this one will be memorable, in a good way!”
Melissa’s passion as the J Winemaker shows in
her approach as she uniquely connects with people, whether it is connecting
with her J team members, consumers, growers, media, trade, or her peers in the
winemaking world. Melissa has a great
appreciation for what Mother Nature has to offer and loves to share her wealth
of knowledge through her skillful winemaking.
Her strong family values are very widespread with everyone she connects
with and has a genuine inspiration when conveying the warmth and admiration she
has for her family members at home or work.
For those who know Melissa’s warmth, kindness, and nurturing regards to
Mother Nature’s deep roots, knows the timeless personification Melissa
exemplifies with everyone she touches.
We adore you Melissa and are so fortunate to be surrounded by your
continuous inspiration!
