Conarium Wines founder acquires Jaffurs Wine Cellars
Winemaker Daniel Green acquired Jaffurs Wine Cellars, a Santa Barbara County wine producer known for its Rhone varietals, the company announced on Aug. 15.
Craig and Lee Jaffurs founded the company in 1994, which produces about 5,000 cases each year from growers in Santa Ynez, Ballard Canyon, Santa Rita, Los Alamos and Santa Maria. The Jaffurs production facility and tasting room have been operating in downtown Santa Barbara at 819 E. Montecito St. since 2001.
Green, who founded Lompoc-based Conarium Wines in 2012, will take over the day-to-day operations. Craig Jaffurs will maintain an active role and eventually transition to a position on the board of directors. All staff at Jaffurs Wine Cellars will stay on board, the company said.
“I find as I am getting older that I am not able to take part in some of the aspects of winemaking that I enjoy most,” Jaffurs said in a news release. “My dad didn’t retire until he was 80 and he was never able to travel and enjoy life. He once told me, ‘Don’t miss your chance.’ I am following his advice.”
• Contact Alex Kacik at akacik@pacbiztimes.com.
