Nicole Hitchcock of Healdsburg’s J Vineyards honored as ‘Winemaker of the Year’ by Wine Enthusiast

Nicole Hitchcock, head winemaker of Healdsburg’s J Vineyards and Winery has been named “Winemaker of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast magazine, prominent recognition within its 2022 Wine Star Awards.

Born and raised on the Central Coast, Hitchcock earned her Bachelor of Science in Viticulture & Enology in 2001 at the University of California, Davis. After working harvests in Napa, Argentina and Australia, she was hired by E. & J. Gallo in 2010 and promoted to J’s head winemaker in 2015.

At the helm of crafting both sparkling and still wine, Hitchcock and her team oversee six vineyards, five in the Russian River Valley and one on the west Sonoma Coast. Hitchcock is well known for blending traditional winemaking with modern techniques.

Championing diversity and inclusion in the wine industry, Hitchcock gained recognition for helping launch her winery’s summer premiere of “Shifting the Lens,” a program that taps the expertise Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC).

To date, three BIPOC chefs have showcased their culinary dishes to pair with J wines over separate two week residences.

“At J, we believe that learning about how a meal is made, the story behind its ingredients, and how the chef’s experience shaped the dish goes beyond culinary knowledge,” according to the winery’s website.

“It broadens our scope and takes us to a place of discovery and connection. During their collaborations with J Vineyards, each chef curated a tasting adventure that built upon our legacy of growing, evolving, and challenging people’s notions on pairing wine with food.”

Hitchcock told Wine Enthusiast, “Diversity of experiences and backgrounds and stories makes us as an industry more creative and exciting. I think that it’s essential to respect and learn from the traditions of the wine industry, but not to be afraid to push the boundaries and chart new territory.

“I cannot wait to see what the future will bring.”

Wine writer Peg Melnik can be reached at peg.melnik@pressdemocrat.com or 707-521-5310.