FAMILY AFFAIR

Entrepreneur Sam Jordan teamed up with his father to launch a new winery that aims to break down the barriers so fine wine can be enjoyed by all.

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T Bar T vineyard climbs up into the hills of Sonoma's Alexander Valley like a painting. That's Sam Jordan's first memory of his family's wine country property, which they acquired in 2015. Fast forward to 2022 and the entrepreneur isn't just marveling at the beauty. He's utilizing the grapes, which you may have already sipped in vintages from popular brand Iron Horse, to craft Cabernet for his own Red Bear Winery. In partnership with his father, Oakland real-estate investor Wayne Jordan, the co-founder hopes to create wines that appeal to a younger generation. Here's what he's up to this harvest season.

When did you make the decision to utilize the T Bar T vineyard grapes for your own wine after years of selling them to others?