Our Story / The Team
Born out of our love of fine wines and delicious food, Le Shack de Jack began as a simple quest to learn how to make wine. Over the last decade it has become a humble home winery of award-winning wines. Stay tuned as Jack and his Shack gain knowledge and experience.
Of course, all of this couldn’t be done alone. Homer Smith, the wine guru at Berkeley’s Oak Barrel has been Jack’s wine mentor from the beginning. Homer has a well-earned reputation for guiding novice winemakers in their quest to produce excellent wines. Homer helped established wineries like Rosenblum and Sattui to get started in the wine business.
Dave Y. is Jack’s right hand man when it comes to the nitty gritty of wine production. From crushing and pressing to racking and bottling, Dave has been there and he’s not afraid to get dirty or wine-splashed. Jeff W. and Bernie G. also get in the mix from time to time to help with wine production.
The Le Shack De Jack Zinfandel comes from grapes grown exclusively for LSDJ by Jeff W. in Port Costa,California. Jeff established the hillside vineyard in 2015 and he has lovingly cared for it ever since. Although he is sometimes called on to do battles with the local wildlife, Jeff has managed to produce a crop of grapes that is bigger and better every year.
We can’t forget our crew of pickers—Anne S., Anne R., Annie K., Stephen G. and Dave Y. who charge up the steep slope battling heat, smoke, and biting little critters to harvest the Port Costa Zinfandel.
Last, but not least, we acknowledge our graphic artist, Sophie Tivona Gross. Sophie has designed our iconic LSDJ wine labels and tee-shirts. Sophie’s talent with watercolors has given LSDJ a distinctive image that we hope will last for many years.
***All wines currently available for donation purposes only. Let us know if you would like to be on the waiting list for wine sales. Stay tuned!***
Cases of Syrah, Zinfandel, Sangiovese and Chardonnay. Bottled in 2021!
Shirts ready to be shipped!
