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News
Jackson Family Wines purchases Walla Walla Valley vineyard
The family-owned wine company announced their first purchase in Washington: 61 acres in Mill Creek, 40 of which are under vine.
This expansion of the company’s holdings in the Pacific Northwest coincides with fortieth anniversary of Jackson Family Wines’ foundation. Christopher Jackson, the second-generation proprietor, said that Walla Walla Valley is “an exceptional region in North America for growing Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, and this particular site possesses ideal conditions in terms of soils, elevation and climate.”
Jackson Family Wines already has stakes in this region of the US, particularly Oregon’s Willamette Valley. It is their intention to further develop their operations in Washington in the years to come. The company’s collection of 40 wineries includes holdings in Italy, Chile, Australia and California.
Chris Carpenter will be heading the winemaking team. Beginning his career in Napa Valley in 1995 and having worked at Hickinbotham in Australia’s McLaren Vale, Carpenter has developed a reputation for his expertise in producing high quality Cabernet Sauvignon from high-elevation vineyards.
Carpenter is already somewhat acquainted with Walla Walla Valley: “We ventured into Washington in 2021, buying grapes from select vineyards…which gave us a great sense of the opportunity and quality. Many community members have offered their knowledge, wisdom, guidance, and support”.
Abeja, the winery which planted the site in 2016, will be collaborating with Jackson Family Wines. Amy Alvarez-Wampfler, one of the leaders of Abeja’s winemaking team, described their “common goal”: “Together with Jackson Family Wines and other neighbouring wineries, we look forward to continuing to reaffirm Walla Walla Valley’s reputation as a world-class wine grape growing region.” Abeja retain ownership of 56 acres which they intend to plant with vines next year.
The name of the vineyard will be announced at a later date in a joint statement from Jackson Family Wines and Abeja.