Las Jaras Wines is a California wine project that balances serious winemaking with a playful, irreverent spirit, proof that thoughtful, site-driven wines don’t have to take themselves too seriously. Founded in 2017 by filmmaker and comedian Eric Wareheim and veteran winemaker Joel Burt, Las Jaras brings together creative curiosity and deep technical expertise to craft wines that are expressive, vibrant, and unmistakably joyful.
Eric Wareheim, best known for his work in film and television, has long been a devoted wine enthusiast with a particular affection for fresh, characterful bottles meant to be shared at the table. His passion for wine culture and aesthetics pairs naturally with Joel Burt’s extensive winemaking background. Joel previously served as head winemaker at Wind Gap Wines and has worked harvests across California and abroad, developing a reputation for precision, balance, and a light-handed approach in the cellar. Together, they set out to make wines that are delicious first and foremost, while still respecting site, grape variety, and vintage.
Las Jaras sources fruit from organically farmed and responsibly managed vineyards throughout California, including Sonoma County, Mendocino, and the Sierra Foothills. The focus is on varieties that thrive in these regions, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner, and old-vine Zinfandel, chosen for their ability to express freshness, structure, and nuance rather than sheer power. Many of the vineyards sit at higher elevations or cooler sites, helping preserve natural acidity and aromatic clarity.
In the cellar, Joel Burt favors minimal intervention, allowing each wine to find its own voice. Fermentations are often carried out with native yeast, extraction is gentle, and oak is used sparingly to support rather than dominate the fruit. The resulting wines are energetic and food-friendly, marked by lift, texture, and balance. Whether it’s a crisp, alpine-feeling white or a supple, savory red, Las Jaras wines consistently lean toward drinkability without sacrificing depth.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Las Jaras is its visual identity. The labels, designed with Eric Wareheim’s unmistakable artistic sensibility, are colorful, whimsical, and instantly recognizable. While the artwork may suggest humor and spontaneity, what’s inside the bottle reflects meticulous care and serious intent. This contrast is central to the Las Jaras philosophy: wine should be fun, inviting, and expressive, but also thoughtfully made.
At its heart, Las Jaras Wines is about connection, between friends, food, art, and place. It embraces the idea that great wine can spark conversation, elevate everyday meals, and bring people together without pretense. With Joel Burt’s disciplined winemaking and Eric Wareheim’s creative vision, Las Jaras has carved out a unique space in the California wine landscape, delivering wines that are as memorable as they are genuinely pleasurable to drink.
