JASON McCONNELL OWNER/WINEMAKER    

Born in Duncan, British Columbia, Canada, and growing up in the Vancouver area, Jason is excited to have finally found himself knee deep in the California wine industry. With a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering, from the University of British Columbia, and a construction management background, Jason has put his skills and energy to use in creating RIVINO, his family’s Mendocino County boutique winery.

While working in the Ukiah area in 2003, Jason met Suzanne at a Mendocino County wine tasting event. They got married a few years later in Whistler, Canada. There was much talk of starting a small winery, and it finally became an on site reality in 2008.

When not winemaking, marketing, or expanding the winery, Jason enjoys flying, skiing and traveling. His enjoyment of great food and cooking has also led to an ever expanding garden.

   SUZANNE JAHNKE-McCONNELL OWNER

Suzanne was born in London, England and grew up in Vancouver Canada. She attended the University of British Columbia where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Geography. After university she set her sights on flying and secured her private, commercial and IFR ratings. With those in place she worked as a bush pilot in Canada’s great white north. She lived in Whistler, B.C., and Houston, Texas, before eventually moving to Ukiah, CA in the mid 1990’s. She took residence on her father’s vineyard, the Schrader Ranch, where she raised her son Tyler, and met her husband Jason.

In 2008 she and Jason founded RIVINO Winery.

Suzanne’s other pastimes include, traveling, cooking and skiing. She also enjoys musicals and going to the opera where she can compare her personal piano skills to those of the professionals.

  BENNY JAHNKE-McCONNELL QUALITY CONTROL

Born in Bandon, Oregon, Benny quickly realized his love for jackrabbits… and where better to find those than in the vineyards of Northern California. So, he made the journey to Ukiah where he became a new member of the family in 2007. Being a full blooded Beagle, he quickly adapted to his new role of RIVINO, Quality Control. From the moment he arrived he has been sampling any and every grape that he can sniff out in the vineyard. With his nose to the ground he ensures that all rogue grapes, jackrabbits and pond turtles are kept in check. With an undistractable nose, and a sharp eye for all things ground level, Benny is an invaluable winery asset.

   CAMERON BIRD ARTIST

A few years ago Suzanne purchased the oil painting that now hangs over our family’s fireplace. It is a painting of Toby Creek near Invermere, B.C., by the artist Cameron Bird. We decided it would be fitting to have a painting of the Russian River meandering along our family’s vineyard on our new wine label. We contacted Cameron, and ironically he had just returned from visiting the Sonoma and Mendocino area on vacation. He agreed to create the painting for our new label.

Those of you familiar with The Group of Seven will recognize the similar techniques and inspirations that Cameron utilizes in his works. His pieces focus on ensuring that there is impact and meaning in every brush stroke. To view more of Cameron Bird's paintings, visit the Artym Gallery website.