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J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
PASO ROBLES
In the world of wine, where words like "pioneer" and "icon" are often
overused, Jerry Lohr is the real deal. Perhaps more than any other vintner,
Jerry has brought Central Coast wines to global prominence. For almost half a
century, he has been a tireless advocate for the region he loves, championing
innovation, sustainability, and a collaborative approach rooted in the belief
that a rising tide lifts all boats.
In 2016, when Jerry became the third person in the history of Wine Enthusiast
Magazine's Wine Star Awards to be honored as an American Wine Legend,
publisher Adam Strum wrote, "What Robert Mondavi was to Napa Valley,
Jerry Lohr is to the Central Coast, leading and elevating an entire viticultural
region from Monterey to Paso Robles with perseverance, dedication, and a
passion for quality."
Jerry was raised on a farm in South Dakota, where an understanding of how
to coax the best crop from the earth was instilled at an early age. He applied
these lessons when he planted his first vineyards in Monterey County in
1972. There, in the cool, windswept Arroyo Seco, J. Lohr quickly established
a reputation for growing vibrant and beautiful, place-driven expressions of
Chardonnay, Riesling, Valdiguié, and later, Pinot Noir. Dedicated to crafting
wines that celebrated their vineyard roots, Jerry made the pioneering decision
to bottle all J. Lohr wines with an appellation designation, bringing the name
Monterey County into wine-drinking households across America.
In the late '70s, when Jerry turned his attention to making world-class
Cabernet Sauvignon, he and his talented team had a clear vision.
FACING PAGE: The beautiful Hilltop Vineyard oak tree
illuminated at night.
TOP: Jerry Lohr harvests some of the company's original
Arroyo Seco vineyards circa 1974.
Photographs courtesy of J. Lohr Vineyards
SAN LUIS OBSIPO COUNTY
