Local Couple Launches Figjam Estate Winery in Coronado

View of the vineyard where Figjam Estate Winery sources its quality grapes.

News Summary

Jeff Jakus and Bev Burroughs have transformed their retirement hobby into the thriving Figjam Estate Winery. Operating from their home in Coronado, the couple offers wines made from high-quality grapes sourced from various California AVAs. Their commitment to quality and sustainability has led to rapid growth, and their wines are now available at several local retailers. Additionally, Figjam Winery engages with the community through events and charitable initiatives, showcasing their dedication to both winemaking and local involvement.

Coronado – Local residents Jeff Jakus and Bev Burroughs have transformed their retirement hobby into a thriving business known as Figjam Estate Winery. Originally launched as a fun pastime, the winery has expanded its reach, with its wines now available at various retailers throughout Coronado and San Diego.

Jeff and Bev, who have been married since 2011, operate the winery from their home in Coronado, where they have resided for over 20 years. The couple’s shared passion for wine began after meeting in 2008 at a local wine bar, eventually leading them down the path of winemaking.

The duo’s initiation into the wine industry began in 2017 when a neighbor purchased a barrel of Syrah from a struggling winemaker, inspiring them to try their hand at producing wine themselves. Their inaugural wine was met with positive reviews, prompting the couple to produce additional varieties, including Chardonnay.

Despite experiencing a setback when a winemaker stole their production, Jeff and Bev relaunched Figjam with the expectation that it would remain a hobby. Instead, the winery grew rapidly, driven by their commitment to quality and sustainability in winemaking.

Located in the Carneros region of Sonoma, California, Figjam Estate Winery is a family-owned and operated business that sources high-quality grapes from various California American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), including Sonoma Coast, Lodi, and Mt. Veeder in Napa. Jeff serves as co-owner and vintner, overseeing all aspects of the business, including the crucial ABC licensing, production decisions, marketing, and distribution.

Both Jeff and Bev actively engage with the community, having served as board members for the Coronado Yacht Club and participated in various fundraising initiatives. Their involvement underlines their commitment to giving back, exemplified through their “Wishes from Wine” philanthropic program, which supports local charities.

Figjam Estate Winery is dedicated to producing small-batch, single-vineyard wines that do not blend with other grape sources. Current offerings include Cabernet Sauvignon from the Mt. Veeder region, Old Vine Zinfandel from Lodi, Rosé of Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast, easy-drinking Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay from Lodi. The labels of these wines also reflect Bev’s artistic contributions, showcasing her watercolor artwork through an Artisan Series.

Locally, Figjam wines are accessible at several locations within Coronado, including the Coronado Fire Station Venue and the Coronado Tasting Room. Customers outside the island can find Figjam wines at Falcon Liquor or on the winery’s official website. This broad distribution is a testament to the winery’s growing popularity.

In addition to their wine production, Jeff and Bev recently introduced “FIGJAM Presents,” a series of events aimed at engaging the community through local gatherings, winemaker series, comedy nights, and wine education events. The couple frequently travels to explore new ideas and techniques, continuously seeking to stay ahead of trends within the wine industry.

Figjam Estate Winery has quickly gained recognition, evolving from a retirement hobby into a successful enterprise that exemplifies passion for winemaking, community involvement, and sustainable practices. Interested parties can learn more about Figjam wines and events by visiting their website.