The Costco Connection

62 ;e Costco Connection AUGUST 2014

learned all aspects of grape growing, from looking at the different seasons, to understanding the diverse soils, to the importance of grape varieties. During summer vacations, she could be found shoveling pomace (the pulp left after the grapes have been pressed) from the fermenters, working on the bottling line, giving winery tours or pouring wine in the tasting room.

wine connection

By Annette Alvarez-Peters

THIS MONTH’S COLUMN focuses on amazing women in the U.S. wine business, an industry that was once entirely dominated by men. Each woman has a unique story of how she discovered the art of the winemaking craft. Today each of these accomplished people produces fabulous wines. While each has a different background, they share a common thread: their love of winemaking and working the vineyards.

Judy Jordan

Proprietor J Vineyards & Winery Healdsburg, California

www.jwine.com

Judy Jordan, the oldest child of a successful vintner, grew up working the harvest and interned in various departments of the family winery, Jordan Vineyards and Winery in Sonoma, California. However, she tells me, “It was clear to me early on that the son [her younger brother, John Jordan] would carry on the family business.” So in 1986, the young entrepreneur founded her own company, J Vineyards & Winery, to pursue her passion of creating her own fine wines, including pinot noir and chardonnay. Today, the winery has 10 magnificent vineyards located in the Russian River Valley and the Sonoma Coast appellations.

A Stanford graduate, Jordan explains that it was “uncharacteristic to have women leaders in the business world, in the ’80s and ’90s.” She easily recalls the challenges of being a 20-some- thing woman mired in property negotiations with seasoned veterans of the wine industry. Nevertheless, she comments, today “it is reassuring to see more women in challenging leadership roles across the country.” She was the first to incorporate a food and wine experience for guests who visit her property. A personal favorite is the Bubble Room, where pairing an amuse-bouche with her vibrant sparkling wines enhances the flavors of both.

Jordan is as effervescent as the sparkling wine she produces. Her words of wisdom to young entrepreneurs: “Stay true to your values, laugh a lot and never give up!”

Carolyn Wente CEO Wente Vineyards Livermore, California www.wentevineyards.com

Fourth-generation vintner Carolyn Wente has fond childhood memories of driving around vineyards in Livermore, California, with her father and her two brothers. They