Roses in Zimbabwe to wine in Oregon

It all started with roses. A simple flower, but perhaps the most complex agricultural supply chain in the world. If the roses aren’t perfect on Valentine’s Day, all your hard work goes down the drain.

But Brian Jordaan was very good at growing roses. Until 2004, when the dictator Robert Mugabe seized his farm – and Brian, his wife and their four young children fled. They had nothing but their luggage, each other, and Brian’s skill as a farmer.

Soon enough, Brian and Carien found their way to the hills outside Ashland. They had friends in the Rogue Valley that had encouraged them to visit. And before long, Brian was trying his hand at growing wine grapes. “If that had not happened,” says Brian, “we wouldn’t be here making wine."

Brian’s approach to growing grapes is much like his approach to roses. He hand-tends each plant, and pays close attention to the growing season, waiting patiently for the perfect moment to harvest the grapes for maximum effect. And that attention to detail shows in every bottle.