Jackson Family Wines, a prominent still wine producer, has officially joined WineGB, demonstrating its commitment to the burgeoning English wine industry. This move signifies the company’s dedication to supporting the UK’s fastest-growing agricultural sector and brings its wealth of knowledge and global trade experience to the WineGB membership.
Jackson Family Wines, based in Santa Rosa, California, is renowned for its Kendall-Jackson and La Crema labels. The company co-founded International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA) in 2019 with Spain’s Familia Torres to encourage the global wine industry to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It also aims to transition all its US vineyards to regenerative farming practices by 2030, sharing its expertise with the Sustainable Wines of Great Britain Scheme.
In 2023, the company made headlines by becoming the first US business to invest in the English wine industry, appointing former Gusbourne winemaker Charlie Holland and acquiring land in Essex’s Crouch Valley for planting Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The decision aligns with Jackson Family Wines’ focus on high-quality sparkling wines and still wines, leveraging the UK’s conducive environment for these grape varieties.
Barbara Banke, owner of Jackson Family Wines, had long expressed interest in the English wine sector, driven by the quality of sparkling wines and her regular visits to the UK’s racing scene as a major Thoroughbred owner and breeder.
Nicola Bates, CEO of WineGB, welcomed the partnership, stating, “Jackson Family Wines’ investment and membership in WineGB offer a significant opportunity to highlight the value of our wine estate on a global stage. This year, 35 new grower and producer members have joined us, underscoring the vibrancy and diversity of the UK’s wine sector.”
Charlie Holland, winemaker at Jackson Family Wines, added, “Our new partnership with WineGB is perfectly timed with the recent planting of our first English vineyard in Essex’s Crouch Valley. This milestone marks an important step in our journey to produce world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir still wines, as well as a full range of vintage and non-vintage English sparkling wine.”
Jackson Family Wines aims to produce a diverse range of wines in the UK, with James Dodson, CEO of VineWorks, leading viticultural efforts alongside Holland. This strategic investment underscores the company’s faith in the UK’s potential as a premier wine-producing region.
