For some, winemaking is a legacy. For Roger & Donna Beery and their children, it is a calling.
Originally from Austin, Texas and Colorado, the family was drawn to northern Sonoma County for different reasons. Their son, Conch, studied winemaking and settled here after traveling the world to learn his craft. Their daughter, Whitney, came to California to build a career in wine hospitality. Donna and Roger followed what they call their Wine-Stained Dream: a passion for Pinot Noir that turned them into wine writers, and then, eventually, winemakers. Each of them came to California seeking something different, but they shared a mutual respect for honesty and integrity in winemaking. Finally, the family decided to combine their training and talents to craft their own wines under the J.Cage Cellars label. Two Generations…One Passion. The Beery Family craft authentic, compelling wines.
J. Cage Cellars create handcrafted wines in small lots. Their philosophy is traditional and non-interventionist.
Winemaking begins in the vineyard and their winegrower partners are some of the most respected in Sonoma County. The Beery Family believe that great vineyards are like great voices, so they seek out the sites that deserve to sing solo. They practice balance and restraint in the cellar to allow the unique vineyards to be heard. They build lasting relationships with winegrowers so that they can continue to listen to each vineyard as it matures over time.
Conch, the family’s winemaker, has over ten wine harvests under his belt, honing his craft at such notable California and international wineries as Hunnicutt, Kim Crawford, Gundlach Bundschu and Kosta Browne. Together with consulting winemaker Adam Lee of Siduri, they have developed the celebrated J. Cage style that is sought by wine enthusiasts across the country. The portfolio is focused on single-vineyard Pinot Noir, with limited offerings of Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Red Blends.
Rex Pickett, Author of the hit movie Sideways, is a big fan of J. Cage Pinot Noirs:
“When I drink J. Cage Pinot Noirs, I go through the rhythms of remembering of why I fell in love with Pinot Noir and why, in celebration of that sometimes obstreperous grape, I wrote Sideways. The rest is history. These wines, like the movie, are well worth the price of admission.”—REX PICKETT, AUTHOR
Sustainability is a part of J. Cage Cellars. Their vine-tender partners are stewards of the land and employ eco-friendly winery practices. But it doesn’t stop in the vineyards. Even their packaging is humble, for the sake of the planet. They use lightweight eco-glass bottles to reduce carbon footprint. They refrain from using foil closures as they do not wish to support dirty tin-mining operations. Their recyclable corks are harvested from sustainable Portuguese forests and are fully traceable back to their forest of origin.
J. Cage Cellars offers in person and virtual wine tasting experiences. The tasting room is located in the town of Windsor (just 5 miles from Healdsburg) and and even offers live entertainment on select Saturdays. Reservations are encouraged, but walk-ins are always welcome!
