Owned by Stan Kroenke, who also owns the iconic Screaming Eagle estate and Domaine Bonneau du Martray in Burgundy, Jonata is a benchmark for great California wines. The Jonata estate is located in the Ballard Canyon AVA (American Viticultural Area) in the Santa Ynez Valley appellation, in California's Central Coast region.
The name of the estate pays homage to the Rancho San Carlos de Jonata concession granted in 1845 to Joaquín Carrillo and José Maria Covarrubias on Mexican land in Santa Barbara County. The Jonata estate lies at the heart of this former land concession.
Of the 237 hectares acquired by Stan Kroenke, around 34 hectares are given over to vines. Jonata is distinguished by its unique soils, which are predominantly sandy in the Ballard Canyon AVA and Careaga areas. The Jonata vineyards are planted with grape varieties inspired by the blending traditions of Bordeaux and the Rhône Valley. Syrah, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot have all been successfully planted.
From the estate's first vintage in 2004, vinified by the famous Californian winemaker Matt Dees, it was clear that Jonata wines had all the potential to belong to the elite of Californian wines.
Superbly rated by international critics, Jonata's wines are a must-discover for lovers of the great wines of California's Central Coast.
