John Jaffurs

John Jaffurs is a prominent figure in the Santa Barbara County wine industry, specifically known for his work at Jaffurs Wine Cellars. He founded the winery in 1994 and has been instrumental in establishing the Rhône varietal focus for which the winery is known.

Jaffurs primarily sources fruit from Santa Barbara County vineyards, including notable sites such as Thompson Vineyard, Larner Vineyard, and Bien Nacido Vineyard. The winery focuses on producing wines from Syrah, Grenache, Petite Syrah, and Viognier.

Jaffurs' winemaking style is characterized by its emphasis on expressing the terroir of the vineyards. He is known for using native yeast fermentations and minimal intervention in the cellar. This approach aims to create wines that are both complex and reflective of their origins.

Before establishing Jaffurs Wine Cellars, John Jaffurs was involved in the construction industry. His transition to winemaking was driven by a passion for wine and a desire to create high-quality, handcrafted wines.

Jaffurs Wine Cellars has received critical acclaim and is recognized as a significant producer of Rhône-style wines in California.