Here’s what you need to know: Jackson Family Wines didn’t just stumble into Washington. For three decades, the Napa-based label has built its reputation on calculated moves—starting with Oregon’s Pinot Noir boom, then pivoting to Cabernet Sauvignon. When climate change and wildfires forced a rethink, the family’s answer wasn’t panic but precision. Their 2022 acquisition of Skysill Vineyard in Walla Walla Valley wasn’t a gamble; it was a masterstroke.
The decision wasn’t born of hype. “We didn’t make any wine in 2020,” explains Chris Carpenter, JFW’s Napa Cabernet lead. “That’s when we started seriously considering alternatives.” The Blue Mountains’ cooling effect and Walla Walla’s terroir aligned perfectly with their Napa mountain vineyards. Skysill, planted in 2016 with own-rooted vines, sits at 1,400 feet—higher than most Washington Cabernet sites. Organic farming and dry-farming in 2022 further underscore its resilience. “The mountains give us a unique microclimate,” says Gianna Ghilarducci, Jett’s winemaker. “It’s like a mountain red in Napa, but with a different fingerprint.”
The Jett lineup—six 2022 releases—proves the gamble pays off. These are muscular, structured wines with tannins that frame rather than overwhelm. The $150 Skysill Cabernet, with its blackberry density and espresso notes, echoes Napa’s heavy-hitting icons like Cardinale. Yet the Walla Walla Valley bottling ($80) offers a lighter, more accessible version of the same DNA. “We’re not chasing trends,” Carpenter says. “We’re refining our signature style.”
Key takeaways? First, Jackson Family Wines isn’t chasing buzz—it’s building a legacy through geography and timing. Second, climate change isn’t just a threat; it’s a catalyst for innovation. Third, Skysill’s success hinges on its unique terroir, not just its elevation.
And how will they balance their Napa roots with this new chapter.
What’s next for JFW? Will their Washington expansion become a blueprint for other Napa labels? And how will they balance their Napa roots with this new chapter? Let’s talk.
Questions & Answers
Where is Jackson Family Wines based?
Jackson Family Wines is based in Napa Valley, California. The company is known for its premium wines and sustainable practices.
What wines does Jackson Family Wines produce?
Jackson Family Wines produces a range of premium wines, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. They also offer limited-edition and vintage releases.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
