J. Wilkes - A New Beginning

The roots of our new beginning actually took hold in 1984. Jeff accepted a position with Bien Nacido Vineyards to help market the grapes produced there during one of the largest grape gluts in California history. He was reviewing the wines produced from the vineyard and tasted the only red wine produced from Bien Nacido-grown Pinot Noir. Most of the Bien Nacido Pinot Noir was made into sparkling wine at that time. However, the 1982 Austin Cellars Bien Nacido Pinot Noir had just been released and not only did he feel that Pinot Noir was the future for Bien Nacido but he knew this was

During his 18 years at BNV, his goal was to make Bien Nacido recognized as one of the premier Pinot Noir vineyards in the country. He spent a lot of time on the road visiting other vineyards throughout the state. During this time, he tasted the best Pinot's from Bien Nacido, as well as from all over California and France. Because he was spending untold hours visiting wineries and talking with winemakers, he developed a real sense of how he

In 2001, Jeff decided to venture out with the goal of making world class wines. Initially, he limited his production to Pinot Noir from Bien Nacido in 2003, he expanded his horizons a bit and added Pinot Noir from Solomon Hills Vineyards in the Santa Maria Valley. Jeff also wanted to produce a white wine so he added a Pinot Blanc from Bien Nacido in 2004 and a Bien Nacido Chardonnay in 2008.

Jeff tragically passed away in 2010 just as he was coming into his prime as a winemaker. Remembered as a friend, co-worker, and extraordinary winemaker, the Miller Family, owners of Bien Nacido and Solomon Hills Vineyards, purchased the J. Wilkes wine label with the intent of paying tribute to all of Jeff's accomplishments and continuing his legacy of making outstanding wines from the Santa Maria Valley.