Title
Winemaker
Company
Jamieson Ranch Vineyards
Bio
Born in Chile, Juan Jose earned his degree in Agricultural Engineering from INACAP Tabancura in Santiago. His desire for practical experience brought him to Hahn Estates in the Santa Lucia Highlands of Monterey in September of 2002, where served under then President (and current JRV President) Bill Leigon. Juan Jose excelled at winemaking and quickly rose up the ranks working as Enologist, Cellar Master, Bottling Line Supervisor and Assistant Winemaker. "Juan Jose’s dedication to his craft is absolute. He will be a tremendous asset to the company moving forward,” states Leigon.

In March 2008, Juan Jose was promoted to Winemaker for Copa Del Rey Wines, a Chilean brand created by a joint venture between the Hahn family and the Canavaggio family in Panama. Juan Jose traveled to Chile to establish protocols and oversee winemaking for the project at Ventisquero.
When the Cycles Gladiator Winery was established by Hahn Estates in Lodi, Juan Jose was again tapped as Winemaker. During his tenure at Cycles, he built a winery from the ground up, contributing to its enormous success in the U.S.

In June of 2014, Bill Leigon, who had joined Jamieson Ranch as President in 2013, named Juan Jose Winemaker at Jamieson Ranch Vineyards. “I’m inspired by the vision of this company, the commitment to create exceptional wine, and its leadership. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work with my long-time mentor at Hahn, Bill Leigon,” comments Verdina.