How does one find a dream team of this sort?
“I always call it a pre-arranged marriage because The Jackson team put us together. We got lucky! We have similar sensibilities, aspirations, likes of wines. We have a similar palate. But my palate does not dictate his palate. He’s a master, I am an enthusiast and a producer. We try really hard to make easy drinking wines that don’t lack in complexity. ” says Barrymore.
Passion is 100% behind this venture. She wanted to make a great Rosé. Number one goal. The one we sipped is just beyond her wildest dreams.
The most difficult part of the process?
For Barrymore, this project is one that encompasses her heart. She enjoys all aspects. From writing labels to choosing bottles and getting the tastes refined. The passion behind it drives them to create wines they are both excited about. They work hard on the road to get the wine sold and make the business work. It’s always a business but one she loves. For Kato, the aspects of nature can be cruel. It’s that part that is exciting and beautiful. He has one chance a year with grapes. The reward is as amazing as is the stress. He motions to the Rosé in his glass, “We’re drinking the Rose just 6-7 months after we picked it. That is the payoff.”
The best part of working together?
“We both love pairing the wines we’re making. Pinot Grigio with a really lovely spicy Thai Dish, or a delicate sushi, fish tacos. There are no rules. We love drinking the red we’re making. The pinot noir, chilled, cherry driven tobacco spicy, a nice unsweet finish is beautiful summertime. It seems to me the way we are drinking wine is now becoming more perennial”, she explains.
15 Responses
Great article. I think you really conveyed the feeling you got there in the piece. Just woke up and read it over Coffee.
Thanks so much for taking a moment with coffee to read the Drew Barrymore piece. I really appreciate it.
Great read. Thank you
Thank you for popping by and taking the time!
Absolutely fabulous!
Seems like such a fun interview! Looking forward to trying her wines. I’d like to be one of the fairies running through the fields too… although, I’m not a runner, so maybe I could sip & skip around the vines;) Cheers!
Ah, Misty! We have something in common. I too want to run through the vineyards like a fairy sipping wine and having fun. We can skip if we get tired! Cheers.
Her credibility is compelling and to be taken seriously. I imagine she is someone who is given the best of the best, around the world, and is likely not craving to obtain approval. She has been exposed to excellence for years and combined with a passion, sincerity, and under Kris. Kato’s expertise, it would seem that is all it would take to trust this label. Who better than to craft a authentically delicious unpretentious line. She doesn’t need to impress anyone, she is just doing this out of pure heart as it has come through in your article. I look forward to the Rose. Kelly, congratulations on your article & interview. I enjoyed it very much!
Loved my time with her Nikki and she’s got the best of the best with Jackson Family Wines and Kris Kato winemaker. Thanks so much for taking the time to read the piece!
You’re an amazing writer ! What a fun opportunity !
Thanks Mallory! That was a fun interview.
Great read! Full of emotions and this piece really shows your personality.
Here’s to more of that! Thanks for posting and reading. I appreciate it.