JALAMA CAÑON RANCH & VINEYARD



Alison tHomson, winemaker





Alison Thomson grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, surrounded by a vibrant agricultural scene and growing wine and food culture. From a young age, she loved to explore nature and was fascinated by the foods and cultures of other countries. These interests led her to pursue her Biology and Italian studies while at UC Santa Barbara.


After spending time in Italy studying abroad, Alison returned to California where she worked in tasting rooms to gain a better understanding of the wine industry. It wasn’t long before she grew interested in winemaking as a career, motivating her to enroll in UC Davis’ Viticulture program.


Upon graduation, Alison had successful stints at Sine Qua Non and Palmina Winery before becoming the assistant winemaker for Samsara Wine Co. It was while at Samsara, under the guidance of Chad Melville, that she began making wine for JCR Vineyard. In 2015, Alison took over for Melville to become the head winemaker at JCR, where she continues the pursuit of crafting high quality wines that showcase the unique characteristics of the estate.


When not in the cellar or vineyard, Alison can be found at the beach with her husband George and their two children, Julia and Mick.




kiah jordan, general manager





Kiah Jordan was born in Hawaii and grew up in New Zealand and Washington State before coming to Santa Barbara to attend Westmont College. After spending two immersion semesters in Queretaro, Mexico, he completed degrees in Economics/Business and Spanish at Westmont.


After graduation, Kiah took full advantage of living in Santa Barbara and spent his free time learning about the wines produced on the Central Coast. When a client of his presented the idea of exploring their property to plant and grow grapes, he jumped at the opportunity and worked with the experts to find and cultivate the 5.5 acres that now are JCR Vineyard.


Since planting JCR Vineyard in 2008, he has served on the board of a large and prominent vineyard in Santa Maria Valley and completed his Master's at USC in Social Entrepreneurship. In addition to providing the financial oversight and operational management, his contributions can be seen in the design, marketing, and continuity of the wines produced.


When not in the office or giving tours of the vineyard, Kiah and his wife, Anna, stay active chasing and playing with their three children, Mason, Vivienne Roussanne, and Eloise.



VALlARIE York, Tasting Room & Events Manager





Vallarie was born in Austin, TX, but relocated to Santa Barbara County where her father was originally from.


She started her career in hospitality through events and restaurant management. At the height of her restaurant career she decided to take a break and took summer job in a Los Olivos tasting room, where she developed an affinity for wine. As the wine industry exploded in the area, the initial summer job grew into a new career of great friends, wine and hosting incredible events.


After working at Andrew Murray Vineyards, Dierberg/Starlane, and Foley Estates, she started her own event company with her husband named York Events, which has since changed to Events by Vallarie. This allowed her to be creative and plan memorable experience and weddings.


Vallarie adores southern-style hospitality and making her friends and family feel at home. She also loves the beach, surfing, and the beautiful weather of the beautiful central coast.






all about



the team.



grown & bottled by jcr vineyard


LOMPOC, CALIFORNIA