Jeff Cohn—Winemaker/Owner

• How it all began - JC Cellars to Jeff Cohn Cellars
• Bowie, MD native
• Johnson & Wales University (RI) – AA, Culinary Arts
• Florida International University – BS, Hospitality Management
• I love hospitality and have held management positions at Sutton Place Gourmet, Hyatt Regency Crystal City, and Windjammer Barefoot Cruises ... but then came wine
• Boordy Vineyard (MD) – Intern, then I followed my passion to California
• Fresno State, MS in Agricultural Chemistry with an emphasis is Enology
• Rosenblum Cellars, 1996 – 2006: I began as an Enologist, was promoted to Assistant Winemaker and then Head Winemaker four years later; VP of Winemaking and Production
• Jeff Cohn Cellars 1996 to present
• Married to Alexandra since 1991. We have two adult daughters, two Irish Terriers, and reside in Sonoma County

Winemaking ⎯ It’s a Zen Thing

All my wines have an Iris on the label. Iris was my mother. She gave me not only the love and encouragement to start my own label, but also the funds to do so.

I have a Rhône-centric philosophy to my wine making. 

It all starts in the vineyard ⎯ passionate growers with organic and sustainable practices produce better fruit.

My Method

• All fruit is picked at night or before sunrise. 
• Reds are hand-sorted, not crushed, and  whole-cluster or whole-berry fermented
• Whites are whole-cluster pressed
• Saigneé technique of bleeding up to 30% depending on vineyard, vintage, and concentration I want.
• I foot-stomp and do punch downs by hand up to 5 times a day
• Large format barrels, ranging in size from 80 to 600 gallons, all French oak. Less wood to wine ratio means freshness of fruit and verve
• I also use concrete tanks and a terra-cota amphora
• Wines are never racked and are only topped every 2 to 3 months

How does one become a Rhône-centric winemaker?

• Drink lots of Rhône wines
• Visit the Rhône Valley
• Eat, drink, and absorb all things Rhône
• Bowl with Rhône winemakers – 1998 Viognier Guild Rhône & Bowl team
• Become friends with Rhône winemakers and share ideas

Pictured (L-R) Yves Gangloff, Jeff Cohn (me), Yves Cuilleron, Francois Villard

Collaborate with Rhône winemakers

• Ann-Charlotte Melia Bachas 2016
• Yves Cuilleron 2013 to present
• Yves Gangloff 2012 to present
• Francois Villard 2008 to 2011
• Pierre Gaillard 2001 / 2003