drains.  This temporary position led to a year and a half of full-time work as a “cellar rat”.  The physical labor combined with the analytical demands hooked Van Zanten.  He found the sensitive nature of Pinot noir to be both aggravating and fulfilling.  Van Zanten wanted to make wine and he wanted to do it in Oregon. 

He joined Andrew Rich Wines in 2002 and later became Rich’s Assistant Winemaker.  From Rich, he learned to make excellent Pinot noir and Rhone varietals.  Van Zanten was also supported in developing his own label, J.Daan Wine Cellars.

He and his wife, Megan, are proud to be producing wine in a green building and in a region that focuses on sustainable vineyard practices.  They hope their winery will play a small part in reconnecting earth, food, and family.