Jillian Johnson DeLeon

Owner and winemaker of Onesta Wines, discovered her passion for winemaking while studying neurobiology at UC Davis. An introductory course in winemaking led her to switch majors to Viticulture and Enology, culminating in her graduation in 2001. Jillian's desire to deepen her winemaking knowledge took her across the globe, with harvest experiences in McLaren Vale and Margaret River, Australia, and Stellenbosch, South Africa. Upon returning to California, she joined Bonny Doon Vineyard as Associate Winemaker, focusing on Rhône varietals and contributing to the winery's transition to biodynamic practices. In 2012, Jillian founded Onesta Wines, a passion project that allows her to craft wines with personality and depth, reflecting the truth of each growing season. ​

The Central Valley of California is a vast, fertile region stretching approximately 450 miles from north to south, encompassing some of the most productive agricultural land in the United States. Flanked by the Sierra Nevada to the east and the Coastal Ranges to the west, it enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making it ideal for diverse crops, including wine grapes. The valley is divided into the Sacramento Valley in the north and the San Joaquin Valley in the south, with the Lodi AVA serving as a prominent wine-producing area, known for its old-vine Zinfandel and sustainable viticulture. While it is often overshadowed by Napa and Sonoma, the Central Valley plays a crucial role in California's wine industry, offering high-quality, affordable wines and a rapidly growing reputation for innovation and sustainability.