Vintner Voices: Ortega Family Wines
From Wine & Chisme by Jessica Yañez
April 1, 2026 · 1h 13m · Season 6 · Episode 26
About this episode
Jessica Yañez interviews Jesus Ortega Jr. about his journey as a winemaker and the history of Ortega Family Wines.
Wines We're Drinking 2021 Ortega Family Wines Carneros Pinot Blanc, Napa Valley. 100% Pinot Blanc sourced from the Carneros appellation. Tasting notes: stone fruit, lemongrass, and a bright tart lime finish. A food-friendly white with great acidity that shines on a hot day, especially alongside spicy food or cheese. Available at OrtegaWines.com. Listener discount available through April 30th. Mention Wine and Chisme when you order. Episode Description: Six years in the making, mi gente, and this one was worth every single second of the wait. Jessica sits down with Jesus Ortega Jr., owner and winemaker of Ortega Family Wines, for a conversation that is equal parts history, heart, and honesty. Born and raised in the vineyards of Yountville, Napa Valley, Jesus is the son of immigrants who came to California through the Bracero program in 1964. His family has worked the land for three generations. Now, Jesus is doing something none of them did before him: he owns the brand. In this episode, Jessica sips on the 2021 Carneros Pinot Blanc while Jesus shares the full journey, from a kid who didn't want to pick up pruned canes in the rain, to a self-taught winemaker who runs his own label…
People in this episode
Host: Jessica Yañez
Guest: Jesus Ortega Jr.
Topics covered
- wine
- family history
- immigrant experience
- winemaking
- COVID-19 impact
- food pairing
Keywords
- Ortega Family Wines
- Pinot Blanc
- Napa Valley
- winemaker
- immigrant story
- wine tasting
- COVID-19
Sponsors
OrtegaWines.com
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Ortega Family Wines
Products: 2021 Carneros Pinot Blanc
Places: Napa Valley, Yountville
More episodes of Wine & Chisme
- Your Dreams Don't Stop at Mom with Sandra Guzman · June 10, 2026 · 1h 31m
- AI, Wine & Authentic Storytelling with Erin Ortiz · June 3, 2026 · 1h 4m
- May Chisme with Erika Sanchez · May 27, 2026 · 1h 20m
- Leading Sin Miedo with Miriam Simon · May 20, 2026 · 1h 22m
- Fast Fashion is a Scam! What Your Closet is Really Costing You with Elvira Zamora · May 13, 2026 · 1h 13m
- Vintner Voices: Ruakh Wines with Samantha Esquivel · May 6, 2026 · 1h 8m
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Wine & Chisme podcast page.