Rooted in Remarkable Friendships
J.C. Somers Vintner works with exceptional, sustainably farmed vineyards throughout the Willamette Valley. Many of these relationships span decades, reflecting Jay’s deep connection to the region and respect for the people who farm its most distinctive sites.
Guided by Old World inspiration and three decades of experience, Jay makes wines that favor balance, texture, length, and detail. Patient, low-intervention winemaking allows each vineyard to speak clearly, revealing the character of its soil, climate, and vintage.
Abbey Ridge vineyard
pinot noir
Jay has worked with Abbey Ridge Vineyard since 1993, first through Adelsheim and later with Cameron Winery. In 2001, vineyard owners and longtime friends Bill and Julia Wayne offered him a block of Pinot Noir… a partnership that continues today.
Abbey Ridge is the cornerstone of the J.C. Somers Pinot Noir program. Its Dundee Hills character is defined by elegance, perfume, and graceful structure. The estate’s 2.5-acre block is planted to the historic Coury clone.
La Colina Vineyard
pinot noir
Jay has long considered La Colina Vineyard the “secret sauce” of Dundee Hills Pinot Noir. In previous vintages, its exceptional barrels often strengthened larger blends rather than becoming a wine of their own.
When Jay began J.C. Somers, Vintner, longtime friend and grower George Hillberry had a small block available. Today, the vineyard’s Pommard and Wädenswil clones bring energy and a distinctive, deep character to the collection.
croft Vineyard
sauvignon blanc
Jay has worked with Croft Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc since 1999. Located near Monmouth in the foothills of the Coast Range, the organically farmed site is rooted in ancient marine sediment soils and produces one of the most distinctive wines in the J.C. Somers collection.
Owned by Chancy and Toni Croft and farmed by Lee and John Croft, the vineyard has inspired a lasting partnership. Jay’s 2004 Croft Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc was named Best White Wine of the Year by Sunset magazine, helping establish the wine’s enduring reputation. Today, he continues to work with one acre of Clone 1 Sauvignon Blanc.