William James Cellars is the 'Dream Come True,' that began back in college in the early 90’s. While attending CSU-Fresno, Jim gathered with friends at the campus CATI building for wine tastings and social gatherings. After graduation, Jim began making wine in the basement of his house in Northern California. Starting by scratch with kitchen utensils, strainers and trash cans he began smashing grapes away!

As a proprietor, Jim created a product of excellence. Jim searched the California Central Coast from Monterey to Santa Barbara for grapes of superb quality. Jims efforts has created a product of ever lasting distinction, simple but elegant, high quality and class.

In 2003, Jim applied for an alternating proprietorship at Fess Parker’s Wine Center in Santa Maria. He made a Syrah and Chardonnay from Premiere Coastal Vineyards, a total of 450 cases. In 2004, Jim added a Central Coast Syrah blending 50% syrah grapes from San Luis Obispo County and 50% Santa Barbara County, a total of 1200 cases. In 2005, Jim added a Syrah from the Hampton Family Vineyards. In 2007, production increased to 5000 cases a year with special projects for Grappolos and The Red Barn in Santa Ynez and private labels for Jim Pollard of Vaquero Cellars and Bill Bogue with Camino Real Wines.

For the past 12 years, Jim has worked with different vineyards in irrigation specialties fine tuning their irrigation systems through moisture monitoring. Jim acquires all his wine grapes from these following vineyards: Alta Loma Vineyard, Camp 4, Garey Ranch Vineyard, Halter Ranch, Hampton Family Vineyards, Los Alamos Vineyards, Premiere Coastal Vineyards and Westerly Vineyards.

Jims attention to detail and superior craftsmanship will create a legacy for years to come!