Born from a dream and a mid-life career change, Inspiration Vineyards was created in 2002. Jon Phillips’ passion for wine, however, dates back much further to his grandparents who owned and farmed vineyards in San Martin, California in the early 1900.
For years, Jon was determined to break into the wine business by working weekends in tasting rooms, teaching wine classes and ultimately enrolling in a class at UC Davis in Enology and Viticulture. Shortly thereafter, in 2002 Jon made his first barrel of wine, a Zinfandel.
Increasing demand and a wider portfolio of wines forced Inspiration Vineyards to grow and move to a larger space in Sonoma.
Jon’s journey took him from garagiste on the San Francisco peninsula to a modern Sonoma County urban winemaker. In 2008 he transitioned to full time winemaking, and three years later he started offering custom winemaking services to outside clients.
In 2018 Jon Phillips became Chairman of the Board for Family Winemakers of California, an organization that reflects the small producer’s point of view. With nearly 5,400 licensed wineries in California someone needs to consistently speak for small, family wineries in the fight for more free and fair access to markets.
Jon pours limitless love and inspiration into all things wine. It has been 20 years since he made his first wine, and he now produces and sells a boutique portfolio of a mere 3,000 cases a year under his own “Inspiration Vineyards” label.
Having taught wine education for 15 years, food is a natural extension of Jon’s wine offerings. For years he has offered private food and wine experiences featuring food and cheese pairings for his wines. Jon is also offering on-site tasting experiences by appointment. For more details visit his website.
