Washington State's wine industry has faced challenges recently, such as layoffs at Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. However, Jackson Family Wines, based in Sonoma and ranked among the top 10 U.S. wineries with over 40 wineries worldwide and around six million cases sold annually, remains confident in the state's future as a wine producer.
To spearhead this new project, Jackson Family Wines has enlisted Chris Carpenter and Gianna Ghilarducci, who are known for their work with prestigious Napa Valley wineries like Cardinale and Lokoya.
The company's interest in the Pacific Northwest began in 2013 under Barbara Banke, the widow of founder Jess Jackson, with its first investment in Oregon. In 2021, Jackson Family Wines purchased grapes from the Walla Walla Valley and was impressed by their exceptional quality. The following year, the “Wine Industry Advisor” reported that Jackson Family Wines had acquired approximately 61 acres / 25 ha of vineyards from Abeja Winery near Mill Creek, in the eastern part of the Walla Walla region, with plans to establish a winery there.
According to an August 4th report by “Robb Report”, the project has been named Jett. The inaugural Jett Skysill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 will be launched this August.
Commitment to Mill Creek - Walla Walla Valley AVA
With Chris Carpenter leading the project, it's likely that the wine will be positioned in the ultra-premium segment. In addition to the Estate series, the Jett label will also introduce varietal wines from various Washington AVAs and a Bordeaux-style blend in the future. Furthermore, Jackson Family Wines is advocating for the creation of a new Mill Creek-Walla Walla Valley AVA. SP
