Walla Walla natives Jody Middleton and Jeremy Petty covered each other’s backs from the beginning, and the friendship that started on the football field in middle school continues today in business as winemakers and co-owners of J&J Vintners.
Both men are graduates of the Walla Walla Community College Enology and Viticulture program. During their first year of the program, they planted grapes on a small plot of land, an experience that hastened their learning curve and further reinforced their passion for winemaking. In fall of 2010 they barreled their first vintage (at another winery’s facility) and four years later, having grown to 500 cases annually, made the quantum leap to open their own winery and tasting room. “When the location at the Walla Walla Regional Airport Wine Incubators became available, we pounced on the opportunity,” says Jeremy Petty. “It was exactly what we needed to do to take things to the next level.”
Most weekends you will find Jody or Jeremy behind the tasting bar. Recommended wines are the “4 Boys” Red Blend, a strong value-priced wine dedicated to their young sons (they each have two boys). Also try the Riesling, refreshing with flavors of ripe pear, apple and orange blossom. Our Editor’s Choice was the Les Collines Syrah featured here.
J&J Vintners 2012 Les Collines Syrah, $30
Suave and elegant, with smooth tannins and refined flavors of Italian plum, blackberry, coffee bean and floral violet, with hints of caramel and bittersweet chocolate surfacing on the long finish.
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding
Alcohol: 14.3%
Website: www.jandjvintners.com