To respect the fruit and keep it true to itself.
Jett is in southeastern Washington State where the colder, rainier edge of the Walla Walla Valley begins to run up against the Blue Mountains. Our focus is producing wines that reflect the expansiveness and density of the sunlight and hills here. The vines are farmed organically with intense awareness of the dynamics that form this spare, stirring place. Harvesting fruit when it tastes alive and most true to where it is growing, at an earlier ripeness, allows us to be attentive minimalists in the cellar. Beyond our Skysill Vineyard in the Mill Creek district, we have ventured into vineyards in Red Mountain and Horse Heaven Hills. In each wine, we are looking for origin, energy, and harmony. Our deeper purpose is to bottle a catalyst that reignites your senses, transporting you to these landscapes and into your own moment.
In 2021 we made five barrels of the first Skysill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, that was released in Fall 2024.
Lead Winemaker
Gianna was introduced to wine while sitting on her father’s knee helping make selections for their family’s restaurant, which they lived above. The scent of ingredients drifted upstairs, steeping her in the idea of combining aromas and flavors. When she was downstairs, she watched food and wine create a delicious interlude—a transportation—for friends and strangers. In school she focused on science, ultimately graduating from Santa Clara University with a degree in chemistry. After pursuing a research career and finding it lonely and grating, she redirected her skills to wine, first as a chemist for Enologix in her hometown of Sonoma, California, and then with Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. In 2018, winemaker Chris Carpenter selected Gianna as his assistant winemaker, working primarily with Bordeaux varieties for Napa Valley projects including Lokoya, Cardinale, Caladan, La Jota Vineyard Co., Mt. Brave, and Restricted. With Jett, she is lit up by the chance to bring her knowledge and curiosity to exceptional eastern Washington sites.
Senior Winemaker
Chris Carpenter grew up in Chicago and graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in biology. Like Gianna, he found his way to winemaking after formative experiences in the restaurant world collided with his foundation in science, opening a path to creative work. He earned a Master’s in viticulture and enology at UC Davis and has pursued winemaking for over three decades, specializing in high-elevation vineyards and Bordeaux varieties. Recognized for his expertise in both grapegrowing and arduous blending, he is a mentor to Gianna and very proud to offer guidance and support in this exploration. Chris is the winemaker for Lokoya, Cardinale, Caladan, La Jota Vineyard Co., and Mt. Brave in Napa Valley, and co-winemaker for Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard in Australia.
Senior Vineyard Manager
Rafael Jimenez brings extensive viticultural knowledge to directing the farming at Jett's home property, Skysill Vineyard, and he oversees our relationship with the talented crew at Results Partners Farming Company. Rafael was raised in south-central California and earned an AA in plant science at the College of the Sequoias. After further study at Fresno State, he went on to roles at Gallo, Clos du Bois, Haffner Vineyards, and Fetzer. Rafael’s attention to the nuances of vine health, climate, and geology plays a crucial role in cultivating grapes that hold both the winemaker’s sensibility and the vineyard’s character. Transitioning Skysill to organic and regenerative farming underscores his commitment to quality and sustainability. Rafael is also the vineyard manager for Chris’s projects in Napa Valley.
