JESS PIERCE | GENERAL MANAGER

Jess was first introduced to wine while slinging Cabernet in Southern Louisiana's fine dining steakhouses. There were a just few bottles on the list from Oregon, but those wines tasted like nothing she had experienced. In 2007, Jess moved to Portland and began her journey in the Willamette Valley. She simultaneously worked in tasting rooms, cellars, and restaurants. As the first General Manager and Sommelier, Jess helped Chef Jason French launch his restaurant, Ned Ludd. Her first job in the Oregon wine industry was at Domaine Serene. 

In 2012, Jess went on to pursue a Masters degree in Food Culture and Communications focusing on Human Ecology and Sustainability from the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Piedmont, Italy. After graduating, Jess interned with world-renown Mosel Valley Riesling producer Dr. Loosen and worked the 2013 harvest with Selbach-Oster. Jess returned to Oregon where she worked for Brooks Winery and led the charge for wine education with a focus on Riesling. 

In 2017, Jess began working with Walter Scott Wines. The small team at Walter Scott has an all hands on deck approach to the wine business, allowing Jess to wear many different hats and expand her knowledge perspective of the wine industry. With the support of Ken and Erica, Jess has been able to start her own wine label, Pierce Riesling, in their cellar. 

 In addition to her Master’s degree, Jess holds a diploma from the International Sommeliers Guild. She is a Certified Sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers and has received her WSET Level 3 award. Jess has served on the Willamette Valley Winery Association and Eola-Amity Hills Winegrowers Association Marketing Committees, the IPNC Program Committee, and 10 years as a Sommelier at the International Pinot Noir Celebration. Jess is also an adjunct professor in the Wine Studies program at Linfield College.