One family’s 50 years of making delicious wine in America

If you shop any of 165 Jewel-Osco wine departments, you undoubtedly recognize the label of J. Lohr’s Cabernet Sauvignon “Seven Oaks.”

But did you know the wine consistently receives 90+ points and “Best Value” nods from international wine critics? Or, that it’s been named the best-selling Cabernet Sauvignon under $20, with an AVA (American Viticultural Area) designation, based on NielsenIQ data for 52 weeks (period ended April 19, 2025)?

Or that J. Lohr, this grocery store stalwart, also produces elegant single-vineyard wines, likewise ranked in the 90+ points stratosphere?

If not, don’t feel bad, because I didn’t know either.

My meeting with Steve Lohr, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines president and CEO, enlightened me and offered scrumptious wine and food pairings besides.

Now celebrating their 50th year of winemaking, founder Jerry Lohr left his family’s South Dakota farm to pursue degrees in civil engineering. For his Ph.D., he chose California’s Stanford University to further his fascination with a specific type of farming — winegrowing. In 1971 he purchased 280 acres in Monterey County’s Arroyo Seco (granted AVA status in 1983). Today the family owns over 4,000 acres throughout the Central Coast and Napa, produces about 1.6 million cases a year as of 2022, and is our country’s 20th largest winery.

How has J. Lohr achieved this success when so many other wineries — both family- and corporate-owned — have failed? I wondered.

“Authenticity,” Steve replied. Whether the wine is destined for special occasions or 365-day enjoyment, all grape varieties are matched to growing conditions and farmed according to Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing standards to express optimum qualities of each vineyard.

“And,” he added, “we learn from our mistakes.”

The first mistake came early, when Jerry planted 11 varieties in then-unknown Monterey. It seemed like a good idea at the time. When all but four wines faltered in quality, in 1984 Jerry pivoted to Napa Valley:

Cabernet Sauvignon “Carol’s Vineyard,” St. Helena, Napa Valley, 2021: Luscious, ripe and concentrated, the wine entices the nose and saturates the palate with ripe berry flavors, baking spice accents and alluring tannin. Named in honor of matriarch Carol Lohr, who passed away due to breast cancer complications, $3 from the sale of every bottle is donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. For more information, visit jlohr.com/touchinglives. (Available in fine restaurants. Also $60 from the J. Lohr Shop Wine.)

In 1986, Jerry pioneered off-the-beaten path Paso Robles and the Rhone grape varieties now admired in the AVA:

Mourvedre “Gesture,” Paso Robles, 2022: In the tradition of France’s sun-drenched south, this Rhone Ranger blends berries and wild herb flavors, plump mouthfeel and pleasing tannin to pair with rich stew, grilled vegetables, poultry and meats. ($40 at J. Lohr’s Shop Wine.)

In 1998, J. Lohr launched their Vineyard Series to highlight small-lot winemaking from special growing sites, including:

Chardonnay “Arroyo Vista,” Monterey County, 2022: Buttery and texturous, balanced by vibrant acidity, with baking spices, pear and crème brulee complexity. Perfect for rich, buttery dishes, including butter-basted steak, as well as steak tartare with roasted bone marrow at Chicago’s Smith & Wollensky. (Widely available, about $24.) For a lighter touch, try Lohr’s “Riverstone” Chardonnay. (Widely available, about $14.)

While J. Lohr is known for California’s classic richness, the portfolio doesn’t leave out wine lovers looking for lower alcohol options:

Valdiguiè “Wildflower,” Monterey County, 2022: Like France’s Beaujolais, the Valdiguiè (val-DEE-gee-ay) grape makes for juicy, fresh and chillable wines. “Wildflower” sports a fruit bowl of berry flavor, peppery accents and mouthwatering finish, with low 12.5% alcohol. Pair with burgers, barbecue and anything that fits in a picnic basket. (About $12.99 at specialty grocers, including Caputo’s and Heinen’s.)

White Riesling “Bay Mist,” Monterey County, 2023: Aromas of honeysuckle with flavors of ripe pear and apple, Riesling’s classic minerality and a touch of natural effervescence to enhance the lively palate. With delicate sweetness (about 10 grams per liter) and 12% alcohol, it’s the wine for delicately sweet dishes (like sushi), spicy cuisines (Asian, barbecue) and Spritzers (just add ice and soda water to taste.)

And as for that best-selling Cabernet Sauvignon under $20:

Cabernet Sauvignon “Seven Oaks”, Paso Robles, 2022: Rich and juicy, with ripe red fruit flavors and coffee and chocolate accents and long, chewy finish. A natural for red meats and anything you'd throw on a grill. (Widely available, under $20.)

With this range and flavors and price tags, you can celebrate the Fourth of July and all summer festivities with one of America’s foremost families of fine wine, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines.

• Mary Ross is an Advanced Sommelier (Court of Master Sommeliers), a Certified Wine Educator (Society of Wine Educators) and a recipient of Wine Spectator’s “Grand Award of Excellence.” Write to her at food@dailyherald.com.