J Daan Wine Cellars


Winemaker Justin Van Zanten focuses on producing thoughtful wines that are rooted to the earth. He also works to maintain prices that allow a variety of wine lovers to enjoy his wines. Van Zanten received 90 points from the Wine Advocate for his first J. Daan Pinot noir in 2003 ($18/bottle) and his 2004 Willamette Valley Pinot noir was listed as a “Best Value” by Burghound ($20/bottle). 

Van Zanten learned about winemaking in the apprenticeship style—a style that marries well with wine’s history and tradition. In 2001, Van Zanten felt lucky to land a job cleaning barrels and mucking out drains. This temporary position led to a year and a half of full-time work as a “cellar rat”. The physical labor combined with the analytical demands hooked Van Zanten. He found the sensitive nature of Pinot noir to be both aggravating and fulfilling. Van Zanten wanted to make wine and he wanted to do it in Oregon. 

He joined Andrew Rich Wines in 2002 and later became Rich’s Assistant Winemaker. From Rich, he learned to make excellent Pinot noir and Rhone varietals. Van Zanten was also supported in developing his own label, J. Daan Wine Cellars. 

He and his wife, Megan, are proud to be producing wine in a green building and in a region that focuses on sustainable vineyard practices. They hope their winery will play a small part in reconnecting earth, food, and family. 

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