It should come as no surprise that lifelong farmer Steve Dorcich and winemaker Jason Goelz joined forces to create Jason-Stephens Winery in Santa Clara’s spellbinding Uvas Canyon. The word uva originates from the Latin word for grape.
Steve was first drawn to the fertile land more than 20 years ago. He purchased a 72-acre peach orchard farm there and gradually planted 45 acres to grapevines. Applying only the most impeccable, sustainable farming practices, Steve harvested remarkable grapes—which became award-winning wines for many wellknown wineries.
Along with the awards, the wines from Dorcich Vineyard drew the attention of Jason, an enterprising young winemaker, who was searching for a superior vineyard and someone like Steve who knew precisely what he was doing. They formed a partnership and started Jason-Stephens in 2007.
“We take great pride in our vineyards,” Jason says. “Steve does an outstanding job year after year.” The winery sources its grapes from Dorcich (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Mourvèdre), and Vidovich Vineyards at the end of Monte Bello Road in Cupertino. This small Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard is young, but yielding excellent limited production vintages.
Judging by years, one might think that the team of Jason and Steve is young as well. But judging by the scores, it doesn’t really matter. The 2007 Jason-Stephens Estate Merlot won Best of Class in the 2011 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Seven more of their wines won medals at the same judging event. Beyond taste, Jason-Stephens wines are being awarded for their impressive price points. Recently the 2009 Estate Chardonnay and 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon were listed in the Top Ten Best Buys under $20 and given 93 points and 91 points respectively.
“My ultimate goal is to make engaging wines that can be enjoyed every day,” Jason says. “Jason-Stephens is made for enjoyment and bringing people together.”