Meet the Winemaker Tasting: Claire Jarreau of Brooks Winery

Event Details:

Join us for a special evening with winemaker Claire Jarreau of Brooks Winery in Willamette Valley, Oregon. 

Six featured wines will be enjoyed along with cheese, charcuterie, and small bites.  

About Brooks:

Founded in 1998, Brooks is a female-led, family-owned winery located in Amity, Oregon, in the heart of the Willamette Valley. The winery produces 18,000 cases annually across 50 labels, with a focus on Pinot Noir, Riesling, and other aromatic white wines.

Over the years, Brooks has earned widespread acclaim. In 2019, 2021, and 2023, Brooks was designated as one of the Top 100 Wineries in the world by Wine & Spirits Magazine and has been named a 100 Best Fan-Favorite Destination in Oregon six years in a row. In 2023, Brooks was named Green Company of the Year by The Drinks Business and was #28 of the World's Best Vineyards in 2023 and #55 in 2024. Recent Brooks wines continue to show up on Jen Dunnuck, Wine Enthusiast and James Suckling Top 100 lists.

Brooks is the living legacy of Jimi Brooks, a visionary Portland native who came to wine through his passion for history and philosophy. Jimi devoted his life to holistic farming and winemaking in the Willamette Valley. Jimi passed away unexpectedly in 2004 at the age of 38. His son Pascal (8 years old at the time) became the Owner of Brooks, and Brooks has continued with the dedication of Jimi's best friend, Chris Williams (Brooks' Winemaker Emeritus), and his sister, Janie Heuck (Brooks' Managing Director). Today, Claire Jarreau serves as Winemaker, and the entire team remains committed to carrying forward Jimi’s vision of quality, sustainability, and community.

About Claire Jarreau: 

Claire Jarreau’s journey to the helm of Brooks Winery is a testament to her dedication and expertise. With nearly a decade of experience at Brooks, Claire has risen from a vineyard intern to her current role as Associate Winemaker. Her passion for winemaking and commitment to sustainability has been integral to the winery’s success, earning Brooks international recognition for its top-tier Riesling and Pinot Noir.

In her new role as Head Winemaker, Claire will lead winemaking efforts across Brooks’ entire portfolio while maintaining close relationships with vineyard partners throughout the valley. Her appointment is significant for Brooks Winery as it continues to build upon its legacy of excellence and innovation in the wine industry.
Reflecting on her journey, Claire shares, “Brooks Winery is a unique place where my passions for regenerative farming, site-specific Riesling, and Eola-Amity Pinot Noir converge. Joining the team in 2014 was a serendipitous opportunity, and I am thrilled to continue focusing on these shared pursuits in the vintages ahead.”