Jess Jackson, a wine visionary leader, passed away last week at the age of 81.  Many tributes have already been accorded Jess Jackson. As founder of Kendall-Jackson Winery, Jackson played a large role in the wine industry. He has also been involved with many other careers including longshoreman, police officer, attorney, thoroughbred racing and breeding. He is probably most well known as a wine leader and his success in thoroughbred racings.

In the early 1970’s Jackson purchased an orchard and planted a vineyard. He brought Chardonnay to the forefront in the 1980’s and today Chardonnay is one of the major choices for white wine consumers. Jackson believed in the importance of sustainable farming in vineyards. He was one of the leaders involved in starting Family Winemakers of California. Today the Jackson Family collection includes wines produced in the United States, France, Italy, Australia and Chile.

According to the Kendall-Jackson website, “In 2009, Jackson was inducted into the Vintners Hall of Fame. At that time he remarked, ‘Wine is entirely different from liquor and beer, and I’d like to see our industry free itself from the images that are used to sell those products. Wine is a part of our cultural heritage. It has always been the traditional partner with food. Wine celebrates friends, family, and love — all of the best things in life.’

Jess Jackson had a major impact on the wine industry and deserves much credit for his forward thinking in the wine industry.

Information sourced from the Kendall-Jackson website.

Cheers, Kathy