Hello JM Family,

It’s hard to believe the 2025 harvest is already behind us. The grapes are foot-stomped and pressed, each wine now resting in its own home — barrel, tank, concrete egg, or clay amphora. This season reminds me of 2009: hot from start to finish, early off the vine, and my favorite descriptor: yummy.

The 2025 season will always stand out as one of my favorites. For the first time in 25 years, we made our red wines in Walla Walla, working with the fantastic team at Artifex. Tommy and I spent long days in the vineyards and longer drives between sites. I’ve never spent so much time in the vineyards (or in the truck) in my life; the odometer finally crossed 300,000. It’s funny — he moved to Missouri, and I feel like I’ve seen him more this year than when he lived here full time. Being with the vines every day makes an enormous impact on the quality of my winemaking. As you’ve often heard me say, the most important decision in making a great wine is when to pick the grapes. All thirty-seven picks were spot on; it certainly helps when Mother Nature provides a perfect growing year.

I also want to take a moment to recognize an invaluable member of our team, Amy Garofano. With new white varieties and many moving parts this year, Amy led us through the white-wine production with skill and determination. For the first time in my 27 years, JM Cellars will have Vermentino and Chenin Blanc for our club members to enjoy. I tasted them just before sitting down to write this, and I can hardly wait to share them with you. In fact, let’s not wait — let me know when you are coming to Maltby and we can barrel taste.

As the year comes to a close, I feel incredibly lucky — for our family, our team, and for all of you who make JM Cellars what it is. Thank you for your continued support and friendship. I know you’re going to love these fall-release wines as much as I do. I’ll see you in November!

Cin Cin,
John

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