Let’s welcome J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines to the Vancouver International Wine Festival 2025 and enjoy their wines from the Paso Robles region of California. Here is some background to the winery and a list of the wines they will be pouring at the International Festival Tasting Room. Enjoy.
About J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, founded by Jerry Lohr in 1974, is a true pioneer in California’s wine scene, particularly in the Paso Robles region. Jerry Lohr’s background as a civil engineer and farmer uniquely positioned him to establish a vertically integrated winery from the start, purchasing 300 acres of land in 1971 and building the business into a model of efficiency and quality. J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines played a pioneering role in Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, becoming one of the first wineries to plant vineyards here in 1972. The region’s cool, breezy climate and rocky, well-draining soils create ideal conditions for cultivating Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling, varieties that thrive in cooler settings. J. Lohr’s expertise in this unique terroir has led to wines that express the area’s distinct character, with a vibrant balance of fruit and acidity.
1984 was a pivot point for the winery when Hyatt ordered 1,000 cases of wine for each of their 84 hotels. Today, J. Lohr is known for producing over 1.8 million cases annually, with much of that success tied to its focus on both exceptional grape-growing practices and state-of-the-art winemaking techniques. The winery’s approach to scaling without sacrificing quality is impressive, demonstrated by its investment in French oak barrels and close partnerships with top vineyard consultants.
The legacy of Jerry Lohr extends beyond the vineyards, with his deep commitment to sustainable agriculture and viticulture research. In acknowledgement of its many contributions to the cause of furthering vineyard and winery sustainable practices, J. Lohr received the Green Medal Leader Award from the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. A key player in regional water conservation, J. Lohr has championed projects that blend treated and surface water to reduce groundwater usage in Paso Robles, ensuring long-term viability for the local wine industry. His contributions to education are equally remarkable, with significant donations to wine programs at UC Davis, Cal Poly, and his home state’s South Dakota State University. Jerry’s children, now at the helm of the winery, continue this tradition of excellence. The wines they will present at the Festival, including the robust Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon and the refined Arroyo Seco Chardonnay, reflect the family’s unwavering commitment to producing premium wines with a deep sense of place.
The Wines We Will Feature at the International Festival Tasting Room
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines Riverstone Arroyo Seco Monterey Chardonnay 2022 – The vines for our J. Lohr Estates Riverstone Chardonnay are grown primarily on Elder loam soils underlain by “riverstones” deposited over thousands of years by the Arroyo Seco River. 10 different Chardonnay clones were used to make this wine. It was barrel-fermented and stirred weekly by hand for 7 to 9 months in new to fifth-fill oak barrels. 72% of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation in barrel.
“The 2022 Riverstone exhibits enticing aromas of ripe citrus, white nectarine, and baking spices. The rich texture and balanced acidity on the palate from barrel aging sur lie offers flavours of ripe Meyer lemon, citrus cream, hazelnut, cocoa, and a hint of oak on the long finish.” Kristen Barnhisel, Winemaker, White Wine
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines Arroyo Vista Chardonnay 2022 – Our J. Lohr Arroyo Vista Chardonnay is grown in the heart of the windswept and cool Arroyo Seco AVA in Monterey County. Loamy sand and gravelly loam soils of the Elder series are intermixed and underlain by “Greenfield potatoes” – stones that resemble potatoes in size and appearance and which absorb heat during the day and radiate it after sunset.
“Exhibits intriguing aromas of paperwhites, Meyer lemon, apple, pear, and crème brûlée. The rich texture is a result of classic Burgundian techniques: primary and malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels and weekly
stirring of the lees during aging. Flavors of pear, lemon-cream, chalky minerality, and baking spices lead to a long, sweet oak finish.” – Kristen Barnhisel, White Winemaker
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines Paso Robles Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 – a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petite Sirah, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot, and 2% Malbec. Fermented in stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation was completed partially in new American oak barrels, with the balance in stainless steel. 12 months aging in 60-gallon American oak barrel.
“Ripe fruit aromas of black cherry and currant are accented by notes of toasted pastry, hazelnut, and vanilla from our authentic barrel aging program. Big, juicy red-fruit flavours infuse the palate while softly textured tannins lead to a long, gratifying finish.” Brenden Wood, Red Winemaker
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines Paso Robles Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 – The 2022 Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon was grown primarily on the J. Lohr Shotwell Vineyard. Our 2022 Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon was blended with a portion of Petit Verdot and Malbec; Petit Verdot adds luxurious blue fruit aromas and hones the mid-palate structure while Malbec amplifies red currant aromas and flavour. A touch of Cabernet Franc was also included to freshen fruit aromas and infuse the finish with a lively peppery character.
Primary fermentation in open-top and conventional stainless steel tanks. 16 months in 225-liter French oak barrels. 100% malolactic fermentation. This wine “displays blackberry and blueberry compote aromas garnished with crushed violet, cracked pepper, and black tea. Plump fruit on the palate with fine-grained tannins. Juicy layers of black and red currants lead to a bright finish accented by pastry notes from the 16 months aging in French cooperage.” Brenden Wood, Red Winemaker
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines Pure Paso Proprietary Red Wine 2021 – a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Petite Sirah, 2% Malbec, 2% Saint Macaire, 1% Merlot. Fermented in 20-ton stainless steel tanks with light pump-overs. Malolactic fermentation in oak barrels after completion of primary fermentation.
“Savory varietal notes of Cabernet Sauvignon are layered with the dark fruit character of Petite Sirah. The bouquet of cocoa powder, caramel, and anise works in harmony with the black cherry fruit signature of this wine. Bright and focused on the palate, with a firm and appetizing finish.” Brenden Wood, Red Winemaker & Steve Peck, VP, Winemaking
