As vintners, Gary and Jeanne Newman approach Jorian Hill with passion, and without pretension, as they work to handcraft small-lot, Rhône-varietal wines using fruit from their family’s organically farmed Santa Ynez Valley estate vineyard. 

 

Although new vintners at the time, Gary and Jeanne dedicated themselves to making the best wines possible. To achieve this goal, they applied their respective skills honed as chairman of 20th Century Fox Television, and as a partner in a successful entertainment law practice. The Newmans proceeded to make several key early decisions to shape the winery.  

 

The Newmans decided to follow in the footsteps of the previous owners by cultivating the vineyard using both organic and sustainable farming practices. Approaching the property as both a working vineyard and as a home for their family, it was important to the Newmans to maintain the highest standards of quality, while also fostering a healthy environment for their children, the vineyard team and the property’s other inhabitants: two dogs, cats, goats, lambs and numerous chickens.  

 

In September of 2005, the Newmans officially founded Jorian Hill, blending the names of their three children—Jordan, Reed and Hillary—to reflect the family’s love of the vineyard. Taking their inspiration from the property’s country house, with its inviting wraparound porch, the Newmans have created an elegant and simple winery aesthetic. From the clean, minimalist bumblebee logo paying homage to the vineyard’s vibrant life (and the many stings endured during harvest) to their vineyard-focused wines, the Newmans are striving to create something enjoyable and authentic.