Jean-Michel Jussiaume, is the winemaker for Del Rio Vineyards in Rogue Valley, OR. He’s a French winemaker from a Loire Valley family estate dating to the 16th century, grew up immersed in viticulture before studying at the same oenology school as his father. His career spans top wine regions in France and abroad, including Hungary, South Africa, and Australia, shaping his philosophy to “create the best possible expression of wine from its region.”
In 2005, he brought that vision to Southern Oregon’s Del Rio Vineyards, where diverse soils and dramatic temperature swings provide a perfect stage for his site-driven approach. Today, he oversees Del Rio, Rock Point, and Jolee Wines, as well as his own sparkling label, Maison Jussiaume. His wines — from elegant rosés to complex reds — have earned acclaim and helped elevate Southern Oregon as a premier wine region. Media Inquiries: Lindsey Zagar Lindsey@delriovineyards.com | https://delriovineyards.com/
What’s the ONE THING most unique, authentic, & memorable about your brand?
Del Rio is a collection of many stories—of many people who came here for the richness of our valley and the abundance this land had to offer. From scenic views to the pristine, clear waters of the Rogue River and the deep alluvial soils, everything about this place made it a prime destination for both hospitality and farming.
Del Rio (meaning “from the river”) was first established in 1865 as the Rock Point Hotel and a stagecoach stop. Its farming history began later, in the early 1900s, when it became a beautiful 800-acre orchard. The search for great growing land eventually led the current owners to purchase the orchard—then in peril—and transform it into a majestic vineyard. The first grapes were planted in 1997, with a simple yet ambitious goal: to produce only high-quality grapes. That goal required not only vision, but also talent and deep agricultural knowledge.
The demand for Del Rio grapes quickly spread across Oregon. That organic growth led to the expansion of the vineyard and the launch of our first wine label in 2000. Today, Del Rio is a well-known local brand, employing over 100 people and actively supporting community fundraisers and charitable events.
Del Rio wines are celebrated not only for their quality and affordability, but also for their strong social engagement. It’s a beautiful thing when a bottle of wine becomes more than just its contents—when it carries with it a story, a purpose, and a deeper emotional connection with every sip.
Describe how and what you’d do with your winemaking career or winery business if you were not constrained.
I’ve never been someone who believes that more is better. Instead, I’ve always valued the idea of less, but better. So even if I could shape everything exactly the way I wanted, my goals would remain largely the same: to craft the best wine possible, and to share and pass on my wine heritage—the wine way lifestyle.
Del Rio’s spirit of generosity gave me the opportunity to start my own wine brand: Maison Jussiaume, a label dedicated to handcrafted, traditional-method wines. Through this project, I feel I can share my savoir-faire and my passion for winemaking.
Looking ahead, I hope Maison Jussiaume will one day have a physical home of its own. I’m still far from reaching that point—but as they say, the beauty lies in the journey, doesn’t it?
What is the One Wine most emblematic of your brand and/or winemaking style? Tell us its story.
The Rogue Valley’s warm days and cool nights make it ideal for Rhône varieties like Grenache, Viognier, and especially Syrah, which quickly stood out for its balance. Del Rio’s Syrah consistently offers a generous, fruity profile with a delicate mouthfeel worth protecting.
After years of traditional barrel aging, I shifted to primarily aging Syrah in tank, with no racking, to preserve its elegance. This reductive approach allows the wine to evolve naturally—from a sulfur-driven state to a refined, fruit-forward nose and polished palate.
In our young region, defining our own style is key. Low-density planting and irrigation suit our dry, sunny summers, and while our vineyard may look more like Barossa than Saint-Joseph, its character is distinctly our own. Here’s my assessment of the 2022 Syrah.