Winemaking at JR Wines begins with the thoughtful selection and cultivation of grapes—dozens of Italian, Spanish, and French varieties thrive in the volcanic Basalt Desert under the family’s stewardship. The Haddad family’s revival of winemaking there – guided by the vision of Mudieb M. Haddad since 1953 – brings this ancient tradition into modern expression. The science behind wine production, oenology, shapes every step from vine to bottle, while viticulture ensures each grape variety expresses the desert soil’s distinct character.
JR Wines’ production comprises both still and sparkling styles. Their portfolio includes red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines—each category representing the terroir’s nuance through internationally influenced varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Viognier, Shiraz, and more. Though predominantly crafted from estate-grown grapes, innovation in technique and diversity in style reflect JR Wines’ pursuit of excellence.
Fermentation Process
At JR Wines, fermentation begins with careful grape preparation, where the fruit is handled gently to preserve its integrity. Grapes are harvested from the volcanic Basalt Desert vineyards at peak ripeness, then crushed to release their juices. Destemming—removing the grape from its stem—is a key step, and the choice of technique depends on the wine style being created. In the early days of Jordan River’s revival, much of the process was small-scale and traditional, but today JR Wines combines heritage methods with advanced equipment to maintain both quality and efficiency.
For red wines, destemming and crushing ensure fuller extraction of flavor, color, and tannins, while for whites, the fruit is typically pressed more delicately, with stems aiding in juice flow during pressing. This balance of old-world influence and modern technology allows JR Wines to craft varietals that showcase the unique character of their terroir—whether bold reds, crisp whites, or elegant rosés. Each step in the process is tailored to highlight the natural expression of the grape and the land.
At JR Wines, every decision is shaped by the unique terroir of the Basalt Desert and the diversity of grape varieties planted there. When crafting reds, the winemaker may adjust tannin levels by selecting how much of the grape’s natural structure is included, while whites are handled more delicately to preserve freshness. These choices ensure that each bottle, whether Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, or Shiraz, reflects the estate’s balance of tradition, innovation, and the distinct character of Jordan’s vineyards.
"Wine is a timeless blend of nature and tradition. At JR Wines, we craft each bottle to reflect the rich history and unique flavors of Jordan's Basalt Desert. 🍷 #JRWines #TasteOfJordan #WineCraftsmanship"
At JR Wines, the handling of grapes is carefully tailored to each varietal. Some reds, such as Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon, are processed to balance flavor and structure, while others are treated more gently to preserve delicate aromas. The estate focuses on maintaining the integrity of the grapes throughout, ensuring that each wine expresses the unique character of the Basalt Desert vineyards. Choices in handling and processing are guided by tradition, innovation, and the goal of producing wines that reflect both the grape’s natural qualities and the Haddad family’s winemaking philosophy.
The Grapes
At JR Wines, the quality of each wine begins in the vineyard, where grape selection is paramount. The estate cultivates over 40 Italian, Spanish, and French grape varieties in the volcanic Basalt Desert, with soil composition, climate, and careful pruning all shaping the final character of the fruit. The interplay of these factors—the vineyard’s terroir—ensures that every harvest reflects the distinct flavors and structure that JR Wines is known for.
At JR Wines, the harvest season typically spans from early September to early November, aligning with the northern hemisphere’s optimal grape ripening period. The estate cultivates over 40 international grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, in the unique terroir of the Basalt Desert. This diverse selection ensures a rich array of flavors and styles, reflecting the winery’s commitment to producing wines that showcase the distinct characteristics of Jordan’s vineyards.
Grapes are carefully hand-harvested from the Basalt Desert vineyards to ensure only the ripest fruit is selected. This manual picking allows the team to leave behind underripe or damaged clusters, protecting the quality and integrity of each vintage. By combining traditional care with expertise in over 40 grape varieties, the harvest contributes to wines that fully express the terroir, flavor, and character of Jordan’s unique vineyards.
Destemming separates the stems from the grapes, a step that can help manage tannin levels and reduce vegetal flavors in the finished wine. Depending on the variety and style being produced, some grapes may skip this step entirely, with only the ripest berries selected by hand to ensure optimal quality. These careful choices in handling help preserve the delicate characteristics of each varietal grown in the Basalt Desert vineyards.
Crushing gently squeezes the berries to release their juice, while destemming separates the grapes from their stems. In smaller or traditional settings, grapes may be handled by hand, preserving their integrity, whereas larger-scale production often uses specialized equipment. The approach varies depending on the wine style—white wines are typically pressed with stems to help the juice flow, while reds are processed to balance flavor, structure, and aroma. These careful methods ensure that each wine expresses the unique character of the Basalt Desert vineyards.
Katerina Monroe
@katerinam • More Posts by Katerina
Congratulations on the award, it's well deserved! You guys definitely know what you're doing. Looking forward to my next visit to the winery!
