Celebrating International
Women’s Day at J
To celebrate the impact women have had on J Vineyards & Winery, we would need more than just International Women’s Day. Since 1986, when Judy Jordan founded J Vineyards & Winery at just 26, women have been instrumental to our evolution and success. A bold idealist, Judy envisioned a women-led winery in the Russian River Valley that offered traditional styles and techniques but modern, distinctly Sonoma County taste.
Today, we carry on that mission with a majority women-led team headed by Nicole Hitchcock.
Nicole manages all aspects of our winery as Estate Director. Since joining J in 2015 as Head Winemaker, Nicole has consistently raised the bar of our sparkling and still portfolio, while also pushing our award-winning wine and food experiences to new heights. Her impact on the industry is undeniable, leading to her 2022 Winemaker of the Year Wine Star Award by Wine Enthusiast.
“I hope to inspire the next generation of female winemakers and show them that with dedication, grit, creativity, and an open mind, anything is possible.”
— Nicole Hitchcock
Laura Fontaine recently took on the role of Senior Winemaker at J, arriving just in time for the 2024 harvest. Born and raised in France, Laura first came to California as a visiting graduate researcher at the University of California at Davis. Following graduation, she spent most of the next decade crafting outstanding wines in sparkling-focused cellars across three continents, concentrating primarily in Napa Valley.
“As a woman in the wine industry, I deeply honor the trailblazing women who came before me. I approach my work with humility and strength and am committed to building a future where more women can excel and lead.”
— Laura Fontaine
Rounding out our winemaking team is Assistant Winemaker Becca Del Solar. Growing up near Philadelphia, her passion for culinary sciences was ignited after earning a B.S. and M.S. that focused on Food Science. Although Becca started her fermentation career in the dairy industry, producing cheese in Utah and Wisconsin, her zeal for winemaking led her to Sonoma County, joining J in 2021.
“For me, being a woman in wine is an opportunity to push the boundaries of innovation and expression in winemaking, highlighting the essential role of women in driving the industry forward.”
— Becca Del Solar
Although the wine industry is still male-dominated, we’ve supported and showcased inclusivity and empowerment from the beginning and remain dedicated to elevating women in every aspect of winemaking.
Our Winemakers’ Favorirtes
2022 canfield vineyard pinot noir
I particularly love the Canfield Pinot Noir.
It’s so unique within the J portfolio. The savory,
earth-driven, spicy notes make me want to
cozy up with my cat, a good book,
and a glass.
— Nicole Hitchcock
Brut ROsé
My favorite wine for spring is our Brut Rosé;
its vibrant bubbles and delicate berry notes
capture the essence of the season’s freshness,
making every sip a celebration of renewal
and joy.
— Laura Fontaine
2020 Blanc De Noirs
Blanc de Noirs is one of my favorite wine — it beautifully
embodies a paradox. It’s made from dark-skinned grapes,
yet the result is a light-colored, elegant wine. Its layers of
complexity, vibrant berry flavors, and subtle earthy notes
showcase the versatility of winemaking.
— Becca Del Solar
Inspiring Collaborations
grantLOVE x LOVE Wine
Led by Nicole Hitchcock, J Vineyards & Winery teamed up with grantLOVE, the art and design initiative created by artist Alexandra Grant, to create a limited-edition California Brut Cuvée that combines our shared commitment to empowering women and creativity in the wine industry and the art world.
Each new bottling of LOVE Wine features a LOVE label made in collaboration with a leading female-identified artist, amplifying unique voices and stories while transforming every bottle into a canvas of artistic expression.
Our inaugural label was designed by interdisciplinary artist Genevieve Gaignard, whose work investigates personal histories, popular culture, and racial currents through her lens as a biracial woman navigating unsettling American realities.
Shifting The Lens
Our guest chef-in-residence series showcasing people, cuisines, and flavors that traditional winery culinary environments have historically overlooked, Shifting the Lens has brought award-winning and critically acclaimed female chefs to J, including chefs Jenny Dorsey, Shenarri Freeman, Ana Castro, and Rashida Holmes.
Each chef presented a five-course pairing menu during their two-week residency at the Bubble Room, providing a platform to bring understanding to their unique identities and the culture that has shaped them. In 2024, Shifting the Lens extended its reach to Boston, with a Latin-inspired menu from Executive Chef Tatiana Rosana at Para Maria.
The Women Behind J
Behind every wine tasting, Club J shipment, and partnership there’s a team of intelligent, resourceful,
and extraordinary women who are dedicated to providing memorable experiences.