The J&J Story
The J&J story started from a humble beginning back in the late 1990s when Jeff & Joan Mason planted the now Rivers Lane organic single vineyard on their 5.5ha property. The decision was made to transform the rich fertile acreage from what was previously an ostrich breeding farm to a quality Shiraz vineyard. In 1998 the vineyard was planted in Shiraz variety and the first vintage was in the year 2000.
The name 'J&J' simply comes from the initials of Jeff & Joan. There are many fond memories of the family getting together to bottle a couple of barrels of our early Shiraz vintages and discussing various opinions with label designs. Soon we produced more juice than we could bottle ourselves and so started J&J production.
In 2010 the vineyard commenced the organic certification process and became fully accredited and ACO certified by 2012. At the Rivers Lane vineyard the superb growing conditions that has made McLaren Vale internationally renowned is equalled by J&J’s dedication to organic viticulture, sustainability and a family tradition of excellence. It is a passion that is reflected in the handcrafted small release wines of intense flavour and deep colour.
Many of our wines have been recently awarded by James Halliday, and by both Winestate and Wine Showcase magazines and acclaimed NZ reviewer Sam Kim of Wine Orbit.
Our Rivers Lane organic wines are produced without the use of artificial or synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fungicides or artificial fertilisers and careful use of minimal sulphur dioxides prevent spoilage or premature oxidation of our wines. In Australia the organic certified standard requires less than 100ppm for organic red wine and our Rivers Lane wines are well below this level of sulphur.
Rich fertile soil over limestone and varying soil depths and soil moisture levels across the vineyard produces grades of fruit with rich flavours and characteristics. We work closely with our acclaimed winemaker Goe DiFabio with the winemaking process for organic wines done with minimal intervention. Organic wines do vary from vintage to vintage unlike commercially produced wines which are stabilised and directed to be the same each year. You will experience differences in flavour and aroma and this ‘vintage variation’ adds to the intrigue and the journey that is organic wine. Our organic wines do develop greater complexity and depth with bottle age and will cellar well into the future.
The J&J way is always to produce consistent high quality wines true to the character of the acclaimed McLaren Vale area. Our Cellar Door at our Rivers Lane vineyard is open Friday to Sunday from 11.00am to 4.00 pm offers wine tastings and sales and our open deck with all weather blinds and lawn area has outdoor seating. We have experienced cellar door staff and offer personalised wine tastings with a small fee (refunded on any purchase made on the day). Our food menu offers a selection of wood fire pizzas, local produce platters and condiments. We welcome group bookings, corporate and family functions by appointment. Kids are welcome to come along and play in our lawn area playground with outdoor games and giant chess. Pets also welcome but must be leashed at all times.
Our journey from a simple beginning as a single vineyard grape grower to now as a renowned and awarded family run wine producer has been an enjoyable one. We look forward to continuing to produce premium wines and to work closely with all our customers to promote our brand.
