Jay James Joins Iconic Napa Valley Winery
St. Helena, CA, April 7, 2021 – Joseph Phelps Vineyards is pleased to announce the appointment of Master Sommelier, Jay James to Vice President, Sales. Mr. James will also join the Joseph Phelps leadership team and in his new role assume responsibility of strategic sales positioning and growth both in the United States and internationally.
Most recently, James served as Vice President and General Manager at Larkmead Vineyards, after serving as Director of Sales at Chappellet Winery for several years. James brings an extensive background in wholesale management, wine education and hospitality to his new Vice President, Sales role.
“We are elated to welcome Jay,” stated Clarice Turner, President of Joseph Phelps Vineyards. “His knowledge and experience within the wine industry are a strategic match for our winery.”
A Master Sommelier since 1997, Jay James was the opening Director of Wine for The Bellagio Resort in Las Vegas, which he led to become the world’s most successful hotel wine program of that time. Often featured in national print and broadcast media as well as many wine and food events, James serves as Co-Chairman of SommFoundation (The Guild of Sommeliers Education Foundation), aiding sommeliers and other wine professionals with educational advancement. Jay studied Organizational Psychology at Georgia Tech and Jazz Performance (guitar) at Georgia State University.
Joseph Phelps Vineyards was founded in 1973 when Joe Phelps purchased a former cattle ranch near St. Helena. Today, the winery controls and farms just over 400 acres of vines in Napa Valley on nine estate vineyards. In pursuit of an ideal location to grow Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, in 1999 the Phelps family purchased land near the town of Freestone on the western Sonoma Coast, planted 100 acres of vineyards, and built a dedicated winery. Phelps is best known for its flagship wine, Insignia, a Napa Valley blend of red Bordeaux varieties first produced in 1974.
About Joseph Phelps Vineyards
Joseph Phelps Vineyards is a family-owned winery committed to crafting world class, estate-grown wines. Founded in 1973 when Joe Phelps purchased a former cattle ranch near St. Helena, the winery now controls and farms just over 400 acres of vines in Napa Valley on nine estate vineyards in St. Helena, the Stags Leap District, Oakville, Rutherford, Oak Knoll District, Carneros and South Napa. In pursuit of an ideal location to grow Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, in 1999 the Phelps family purchased land near the town of Freestone on the western Sonoma Coast, planted 100 acres of vineyards, and built a dedicated winery. Phelps is best known for its flagship wine, Insignia, a Napa Valley blend of red Bordeaux varieties first produced in 1974.
