Perri Jaye Vineyards
Get the Dirt from owner/winemaker Perri Haughwout
“The Russian River Valley is the perfect place to grow fantastic Pinot Noir. I do miss the morning sun, but the grapes LOVE the morning fog and very cool nights.”
What was your first vintage year? 2016
How many cases do you make per vintage?
First vintage 35 cases, 2017 – 100 cases Pinot Noir, 2018 – 100 cases Pinot Noir and 55 Rose
Do you have a Tasting Room? No tasting room, but I can schedule appointments.
What wine made you want to become a winemaker/start your own winery?
Kosta Browne RRV 2006 – my grapes are used in this appellation wine and after tasting the KB and my first home winemaking attempt - I realized how special my grapes & vineyard are. After completing the Wines & Vines certificate at SRJC I worked 2 harvests as an intern at KB and then 4 more harvests at Inman Family Wines gaining competence and confidence in making Pinot Noir that is natural and true to place.
What varietals do you work with?
Right now I am only using Pinot Noir from my place but I am interested in trying other varietals.
What vineyards do you source from? If Estate, why do you choose your location?
See above. We moved to Sonoma County in 2005 and the vineyard was the main reason for choosing our home in Santa Rosa. The 2.5 acre vineyard was planted in 2000 and Kosta Browne has been purchasing grapes form this vineyard since 2004.
What type of oak treatment do you use?
I have been adding one new French Oak barrel each vintage – at this point that means 25% new oak. I am learning a lot about the importance of barrel choice.
What do you love about your winemaking region? What makes it different special?
The Russian River Valley is the perfect place to grow fantastic Pinot Noir. I do miss the morning sun, but the grapes Love the morning fog and very cool nights.
What’s the story behind your winery name / label?
Perri Jaye is my given name, and we thought that since I put so much into growing and making the wine it was appropriate. The logo is a bluebird (started as a Jay) which are great for pest control in the vineyard. The label is periwinkle blue – because of my favorite color and nickname as a child.
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about the wine business before you started your own winery?
The sheer number of details and requirements that are necessary to comply with government / business / operations - even for a tiny winery like mine.
Most importantly, what's so great about being small? What can you do as a small winemaker, that wouldn't be possible for larger wineries?
I am Hands-On every day, my passion is evident throughout every part of the growing and winemaking process.
How do you view the future in the wine industry for small-lot winemakers?
It is & will continue to be very challenging to be noticed as a tiny winery. By cooperating and integrating with other small producers in events like Garagiste as well as being realistic about reach, we can make our mark by offering unique and special wines that big wineries cannot. The internet is a helpful tool.
If you had to choose another wine region to work in what would it be? Burgundy!
For more information about Perri Jaye Vineyards, please visit their website.