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JMC Cellars may be the newest winery on the block in Livermore, but its owner and location are very familiar to the community.
Winemaker Jessica Carroll has opened her own venture in the same exact location where she worked for several years as assistant winemaker at Big White House Winery and John Evan Cellars.
After more than two decades in business, Big White House closed earlier this year after announcing that owner and winemaker John Evan Marion was experiencing health struggles that made winemaking increasingly difficult.
“When John’s health kind of took a hit last year, it was a really rough decision for the family but they decided to close — and out of that came an opportunity for me to get some support and investors and open up my own doors, which is incredible and I am floored that my dream became a reality,” Carroll told the Weekly in an interview.
The new winery welcomed mostly family and friends for its soft opening a few days before officially inviting the public in on Nov. 19.
Although she has taken over the Big White House property, Carroll said she’s added her own personal touches and a splash of paint to make it her own. She also said the space is welcome to dogs and children.
Carroll, who has worked in the wine industry for more than a decade after transitioning from a civil engineering career, said that she has found tremendous support in Livermore through her fellow winemakers and the community at large.
“I really, really like it here and not to mention the fact that the state average on female winemakers is 15%-ish and Livermore has not quite double that, which is really incredible and we foster an environment that is open and welcome and has the opportunity for me to do what I did,” she said.
As a self-proclaimed “utter and complete wine geek,” Carroll said she loves to seek out lesser-known varieties for her collection, one of which is a Nebbiolo from Livermore Valley and a Grignolino grown in Lodi.
“I love the wine industry and the more I learn about it, the more I want to know and the greater appreciation I have for this industry,” she said.
The JMC Cellars tasting room is open Fridays to Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 6800 Greenville Road.
With the holidays approaching, Carroll said they will be closed on Christmas Eve and other days this month to allow staff time with their families. She advises visitors to check their website and Instagram (@jmccellars) for the most current updates.
