J. Christopher is owned by Ernst “Erni” Loosen, the internationally acclaimed winemaker behind Germany’s Dr. Loosen and Villa Wolf estates. Erni has a lifelong passion for Pinot Noir, and he recognized in the early 1990s that there was something very special going on here in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. He became an avid collector of Oregon Pinot Noir, visiting the state often and establishing his U.S. import company here in 2003.

Like any responsible winegrower, we recognize that our livelihood depends on our proactive efforts to maintain healthy soil, healthy vines and a healthy relationship with the earth.

This responsibility guided us in our choice of sites, design and materials for the J. Christopher Winery, and it continues to guide our practices in the vineyards and cellar.

Our Appassionata Vineyard was thoughtfully planned to minimize the impact on the land and to foster a biodiverse ecosystem.

We preserved many of the property’s magnificent oak trees, and left a wooded area and wetlands untouched to maintain an active wildlife corridor.

When we discovered a huge honeybee colony living in a tree that did need to be removed, we relocated that section of the tree to another part of the property, where the hive continued to thrive for many years.

Other trees that were removed provided the wood for the bars and tables throughout our tasting room, the colorful flooring in the loft, and even our coat rack.