July 2026

Do you know how grapes work? 

Vitis vinifera is the genetic species that makes all quality wines in the world, but there are many varieties. I like to think of dogs as a comparison: all our domestic dogs are the same species, but there are huge dogs, tiny dogs, spiky dogs, Mexican hairless (what a breed!). So, grapes mate (cross) and become new varieties. But they also sometimes have beneficial mutations. Pinot Blanc and Pinot Meunier are mutations of Pinot Noir, as is Pinot Gris. They are known as “sister” grapes.  

J.C. Somers is a small, independent winery, the second winery after winemaker Jay sold J. Christopher to Dr. Loosen. When he sold the eponymous label (Jay’s full name is Jay Christopher Somers), the agreement was they’d keep him on as winemaker, but they soon fired him. He started his own label and is making wines intentionally to highlight terroir. I worked with him in 2021, and Seth worked with him in 2022. 

J.C. Somers Joie de Chien Pinot Blanc 

Joie de Chien means “dog’s joy” and Jay is a huge lover of dogs, to the point where he credits the joy he gets from owning dogs for his playfulness with winemaking. The image on these bottles is his old dog Aja, looking at the moon (the moon is Jay’s theme for this brand, as J. Christopher’s was the sun). This Pinot Blanc comes from the Laurelwood District, from vineyards Jay has worked with for years. The palate is lively with fruit notes including white peach, Bosc pear, white flowers, and honey crystals. The wine has a crisp, light body, perfect for summer, with refreshing acidity that makes this wine perfect for food pairing, especially around a picnic table in the back yard or at the beach. 

J.C. Somers Joie de Chien Pinot Noir 

Jay is a noninterventional winemaker, meaning he wants the vineyard and vintage to speak for itself. He gently nurtures each year of fruit into the wine it can become the most naturally, deciding with each vintage how to treat it. This Pinot Noir is blended from two vineyards in the Dundee Hills, the Nicholas Family and La Colina vineyards. It was 100% de-stemmed to keep it fruity, with crunchy tart cranberry and raspberry playing on the palate. There is an undertone of depth from the Dundee Hills, with white button mushrooms and potting soil. 

This is a wonderful light red for the summer, and a perfect pairing for grilled veggies, a cheese plate with aged cheeses, and mushroom dishes.