Influential Oregon Winery Names New Head of Winemaking

Brooks Winery, the acclaimed Biodynamic winery in Oregon's Willamette Valley, is proud to announce a significant milestone in its storied history. Today, Claire Jarreau, previous Associate Winemaker and dedicated member of the Brooks Winery family for nearly a decade, takes on the role of Head Winemaker. Claire will continue the legacy of founder Jimi Brooks, following in the massive footsteps of esteemed Head Winemaker Chris Williams who held the role . Janie Brooks Heuck, Managing Director of Brooks Winery since 2004, is a key figure in this transition.

Claire Jarreau's appointment comes during a significant period, as Brooks celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2023 with record-breaking achievements in sustainability and garnered international brand recognition. Since its inception in 1998 by Jimi Brooks, Brooks Winery has been synonymous with top-tier American Riesling and Pinot Noir, achieving global acclaim for its commitment to sustainability and Biodynamic viticulture. The winery's recognition includes 90+ scores from prestigious media and accolades like Wine & Spirits Top 100 list and ranking #28 in the World's 50 Best Vineyards. “It’s been wonderful to receive these accolades as a team during my tenure at Brooks,” shares Head Winemaker Chris Williams,” but I am most proud of working together with Janie and the rest of the Brooks family to build a lasting wine business that’s an integral part of the community here in the Willamette Valley.”

While Chris Williams will stay on staff to support Claire and the winemaking team for the foreseeable future, Claire’s role will expand to include leading winemaking efforts across Brooks’ entire portfolio of wines while maintaining close relationships with Brooks vineyard partners throughout the valley. “I’ve seen Claire grow tremendously as a winemaker over the last ten years,” says Williams, “Her commitment to making wonderful wines and dedication to Brooks is top tier. She is always searching for ways to improve and produce the best wines possible. Her care for the brand, the land, and the community is tangible.” Managing Director Janie Brooks Heuck shares Williams’ sentiment, “Claire's passion for continuous learning, her dedication to individualizing each step of winemaking, and her pursuit of knowledge from renowned Riesling producers worldwide make her uniquely qualified to lead Brooks Winery into the future.”

With over 15 years in the wine industry, Jarreau's journey began with a vineyard internship, leading to a degree in Chemistry with a concentration in Enology, and on to global experience from Oregon to South Africa, New Zealand, and Austria. Since joining Brooks, she has advanced from Grower Liaison to Associate Winemaker, collaborating closely with Chris Williams to enhance the Brooks portfolio, focusing on nuanced, age-worthy wines. “Brooks is a unique winery in the American wine industry,” shares Claire, “focusing on three of my passions: regenerative farming, site-specific Riesling, and Eola-Amity Pinot Noir. My joining the team here in 2014 was a serendipitous opportunity for both myself and the winery, and I am thrilled to continue focusing on these shared pursuits in the vintages ahead.”

As Head Winemaker, Claire Jarreau joins a select group of female winemakers nation-wide, in a field where women represent a minority. In Oregon, 33 percent of the winemaking workforce are women, according to estimates from the Oregon Wine Board, and Claire hopes to see those numbers grow and acknowledges the challenges still facing women in the industry. She envisions more women in leadership roles and emphasizes mentorship for the next generation. At Brooks Winery, Janie Brooks Heuck's leadership has been instrumental in Jarreau's development and Brooks’ success, emphasizing sustainability, land stewardship, and strength in community. “These values will remain at the core of everything we do,” states Janie Brooks Heuck, “and we are excited to see how Claire will embrace and carry forward these principles."

Chris Williams leaves a lasting impact at Brooks, having learned winemaking directly from Jimi Brooks. Since 2004, he has steadfastly maintained the founder's principles, including a strong focus on Biodynamic methods in the cellar and vineyard, alongside small-lot fermentation. Claire Jarreau acknowledges Williams' influence and dedication to winemaking, saying, “Chris has been an incredible mentor to learn from over the past decade. I am proud of the wines that we've made together and am incredibly grateful for his support in my growth here at Brooks.” Janie Brooks Heuck expressed her thoughts on the transition and Chris Williams' legacy as well, "Chris has been an invaluable part of the Brooks family for decades. We are immensely grateful for his continuing contributions, and we look forward to the future under Claire's leadership. Claire's passion and commitment align perfectly with our mission, and I have no doubt that she will continue to elevate the excellence for which Brooks is known."

As Brooks Winery enters this new chapter under Claire Jarreau's leadership, guided by the unwavering commitment of Janie Brooks Heuck and the legacy of Jimi Brooks, the winery is poised to continue its journey as a beacon of excellence in American winemaking.