Katy Carroll Jones: Crafting White and Rosé at Truckee River Winery

Born and raised in Truckee, California, Katy Carroll Jones, daughter of Russ Jones, embodies the spirit of her mountain home. An accomplished skier, she transitioned from downhill to competitive cross-country and biathlon, reflecting her enduring passion for the outdoors. A graduate of Truckee High School, she continued her education at Gonzaga University.

Her connection to Truckee runs deep, extending beyond her love for the slopes. While working as a server at Gar Woods, she met her husband, then the chef, and together they built a life in Truckee, sharing their home with two beloved dogs. Today, she continues to embrace the region's recreational offerings, indulging in family skiing adventures and exploring the rugged terrain through overlanding and rock crawling in their Jeep Rubicon.

Katy's journey with Truckee River Winery is a lifelong narrative. Literally raised within the winery's embrace, she has contributed to every facet of the business for three decades. Her formal career with the winery began in 2009, coinciding with the opening of the "Ranch" on Brockway Road, where she served as one of the inaugural tasting room associates. Over the years, her responsibilities expanded, leading her to roles as Director of Sales and Marketing, bookkeeper, Event Coordinator, and Wine Club Manager, among others.

In 2015, she ascended to General Manager, and in 2017, she became the White Winemaker and part owner. Her passion lies in crafting the winery's white wines, and she has significantly enhanced the white wine program. Notably, her rosé varietals are a source of immense pride, and her Orange Barn Ramato stands out as a delightful and approachable wine for all palates.

Russ Jones: Founder and Head Winemaker, Crafting Tahoe's Terroir

Russ Jones's connection to the mountains began in Yosemite National Park, where he spent his formative years before his family relocated to Squaw Valley. It was in these iconic settings that his passion for skiing blossomed, transitioning from recreational slopes in Yosemite to competitive racing in Squaw Valley. His high school years were defined by his dedication to racing, a pursuit shared with his future wife, where he consistently excelled.

Driven by a deep interest in the vine, Russ pursued and earned a degree in Enology and Viticulture from UC Davis. Following graduation, he and his wife embarked on a journey through the esteemed wine regions of Oregon, Washington, and Paso Robles, honing his skills and mastering the intricacies of Pinot Noir production.

Returning to Truckee to establish their family, Russ embarked on a new venture: Truckee River Winery. Recognizing the unique climate of the Tahoe region, he sought to harness its natural temperature variations and humidity to create wines with a distinctive character. His approach blends artistic intuition with scientific precision, ensuring that every aspect of the winemaking process is optimized. This harmonious fusion of art and science results in wines of exceptional flavor and aroma, reflecting the singular terroir of Truckee River Winery.