JAMES RAHN WINE COMPANY

HOW james rahn wine was created

James Rahn didn’t grow up with wine at the table. Raised in the Midwest, his early memories of drinking are rooted in family, tradition, and shared moments rather than fine bottles. Wine entered his life gradually through restaurant work in Seattle, where his time at Café Campagne and mentorship from sommelier Shawn Mead sparked a deeper appreciation for wine as a vessel for memory, experience, and connection.

After building a career as a sommelier in Chicago, James followed a pull toward making wine himself. A move to Oregon and cellar work with Luisa Ponzi confirmed that winemaking—not the dining room floor—was where he belonged. Since his first vintage in 2013, James Rahn Wines have reflected a hands-on, thoughtful approach rooted in craft, patience, and honesty. His label features “Billy,” a well-traveled 1992 Forest Service Jeep Cherokee, a symbol of endurance, character, and the journey behind every bottle.