Winemaker: John Grochau
Appellation: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Grape Variety: Chardonnay
We whole cluster press and then ferment in 13% new French oak barrels. The Chardonnay ages on its lees for 15 months before going to tank, then another month in tank before going to bottle.
GC Wines Founder John Grochau made his way to wine organically, starting first in fine dining restaurants in Portland, namely the legendary Higgins, and learning to make wine under the guidance of Willamette Valley greats.
In 2002, he founded Grochau Cellars, his eponymous wine label, where he could explore the production of food-friendly wines reminiscent of place. More than twenty years later, John has become well known in the Oregon wine industry as a friend, compatriot and community builder.
He has lent his expertise to countless winemaking endeavors and prioritized strong relationships with growers across the state. After reflecting on more than two decades in the business, he shortened the name to GC Wines to reflect the brand’s evolution from one person’s dream to a dream realized and a much bigger family.
