Jackson Family Wines Succeeds Across Generations

Jess Jackson’s children and grandchildren plot a trajectory for the California powerhouse

The Jackson family, from left: Hailey Hartford Murray, MacLean Hartford, Don Hartford, Jennifer Jackson Hartford, Barbara Banke, Chris Jackson, Katie Jackson and Julia Jackson; at their La Crema winery in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, California.
The Jackson family at their La Crema winery in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley (from left): Hailey Hartford Murray, MacLean Hartford, Don Hartford, Jennifer Jackson Hartford, Barbara Banke, Chris Jackson, Katie Jackson and Julia Jackson. (Alanna Hale)

The Jackson clan continues to honor and build upon the legacy of California vintner Jess Jackson, who in 1982 launched Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay, a household name ever since. Today, more than a decade after Jess’ death, Jackson Family Wines comprises more than 40 brands across eight countries, including nearly 30 labels in the Golden State alone, and there’s still more to come. Read senior editor Mitch Frank’s cover story in Wine Spectator’s Dec. 15, 2025, issue!

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