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Jerry GrantVineyard Management
Jerry Grant, Vineyard Manager for Niner Wine Estates, was in property management when he met Dick Niner four years ago. Introduced by a mutual friend, the meeting had a significant impact on Grant’s professional life. After spending half a day together, the two readily acknowledged their similar business philosophy: do your homework so you can do it right the first time, don’t cut corners and don’t compromise quality. Shortly thereafter, Jerry joined forces with the Niner team and quickly became immersed in the groundwork that Niner and Paso Robles Viticulturist Jim Smoot had mapped out for the winery and vineyard.
Born in Riverside, California, Grant moved with his family to Atascadero in 1960. Carrying on a family legacy, he established Gerald Grant Construction in 1980, and worked as a general contractor on residential and commercial projects throughout northern San Luis Obispo County. After a decade, he shifted his expertise to focus specifically on property management in the coastal town of Cambria. After 21 years in the field, his knowledge of the Central Coast region is vast.
Today, Jerry works closely with Jim Smoot and oversees the Bootjack Vineyard off Highway 46 East. He directs a crew of five vineyard hands carrying out day to day farming and maintenance operations. “I’m fortunate to have a dedicated crew that has a genuine interest in what we’re doing out here. We all have a great respect for Jim and his knowledge of vineyard practices specific to this region. Everyone’s excited about seeing and tasting the results in the bottle with our first vintage.” Niner Wine Estate core varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese, among others, are planted in the 125-acre vineyard.
In addition to vineyard management, Grant provides the hands-on oversight of construction and landscaping for Niner Wine Estates. Looking ahead, phase two includes the planting of Heart Hill Vineyard on Paso’s west side and the construction of the Winery and Hospitality center.
Jerry continues his viticultural education through classes offered by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance and extended education courses at California Polytechnic Institute in San Luis Obispo. He lives with his wife and three daughters in Atascadero and refers to his bride of 25 years as “the flower of my life”.
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