WHO WE ARE AND WHERE WE CAME FROM
J.C. Somers Vintner is the collaboration between Jay Somers and his longtime partner and wife Ronda Newell-Somers. The re-designed label features the New Moon which signifies this new phase in their winemaking adventures. After founding and developing the J. Christopher brand since 1996, they are returning to their roots producing small quantities of focused, elegant and terroir driven wines made from the best sites in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
Jay and Ronda Bios
Jay Christopher Somers
Owner and native Oregonian Jay Somers has been making wine in the Willamette Valley for more than 30 years and established the J. Christopher brand in 1996. Working with great winemakers like his mentor John Paul of Cameron Winery and time spent at Adelsheim and Dry River in New Zealand Jay’s wines are hand-crafted in small lots and are sourced from some of the best vineyards in the Willamette Valley.
The philosophy at J.C, Somers is to produce wines in an Old World style that emphasizes focus, length and balance. As Jay puts it, “We do not make fruit bombs. We want wines that have a fine balance of fruit, acidity and texture. We want wines that give you more than just a big mid-palate blast — wines that are complete.” The key to this, Jay firmly believes, is patient winemaking — it is vital not to rush things and allow the wines to develop naturally. The wines should evolve at their own pace, with a minimum of intervention. He is taking inspiration from wines of the Old World and applying it to the terroir of the Willamette Valley.
Beyond crafting the J.C. Somers wines Jay is currently working at the Director of Winemaking at Anne Amie Vineyards in the Yamhill Carlton AVA.
When Jay is not busy making wine he is usually playing guitar and composing new music for his band Portland Cement, check out all their musical content, including the latest release, "The Road to El Groove" on Souncloud.
Ronda Newell-Somers
Ronda has been with Jay since 1991 and has been an important part of the winemaking team since 1996. Beyond the efforts of marketing and sales she has been in trenches of harvest and the cellar from the beginning. Most importantly is her moral support and ability to make a great cocktail at the perfect time. She is a huge fan of Nebbiolo, Champagne and of course the wines of the "Holy Land", Burgundy. Beyond her love for wine she is very interested in fashion and like Jay a huge music fan. Most recently she has become a certified Peak Pilates instructor, she is currently teaching Pilates at her startup, Laughing Hundred Pilates.
The Dogs
Ronda and I have had many amazing dogs over the years. I have found that you can learn so much from their wisdom, complete joyful abandon, loyalty and dedication to what is important. Dogs do not lie, they do not screw you over, they are honest and when they give you their word it is for life. We could be much better people if we took other animals seriously.
Although we love all dogs big and small we are German Shepherd people, they fit our personality. Saskia was our first and we were blessed to be able to live with Tache, Bella, Nina and Aja (my soul mate) while they were here. Currently we are fortunate to live with the crazy dog Luna and our goofy girl Reyna. They make everyday fun and take us on interesting adventures in the forest.
