J. Brix Wines

is a small-production, family-run winery based in San Diego County, California, founded in 2009 by Emily Towe and Jody Brix Towe. Their winemaking began after volunteering in Santa Barbara vineyards, starting with three barrels in their garage. They now produce over 3,000 cases annually, crafting over 14 wines, including pét-nats, skin-contact whites, rosés, and reds. Their “Only Love” philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention, using native yeast, neutral vessels, and minimal sulfur, without fining, filtering, or cold stabilization.

They source grapes from California vineyards in Santa Barbara, San Diego County, and the Sierra Foothills, working with 16 varieties like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Counoise. Notable wines include a top-ranked Riesling Pét-Nat and a San Diego Counoise rosé. Their approach highlights each vineyard’s unique character, shaped by Jody’s horticulture expertise and Emily’s storytelling.

In 2024, J. Brix opened a tasting room in San Marcos at North City, offering wines on tap, by the glass, or in flights, with snacks like tinned fish and charcuterie. Open Tuesday through Sunday, it welcomes walk-ins and group tastings. Production recently moved to a new Carlsbad facility, with plans for future events. Their children, Talia and Elijah, have contributed, with Talia crafting a Grenache vin gris and Elijah inspiring their Riesling.

  • Online Retailers & Shops

    • J. Brix Wines Webshop: The most direct way to purchase their wines is from their own online store, though they currently only ship to California and Washington.

    • Flatiron Wines & Spirits: With locations in New York and San Francisco, this retailer often has a good selection of J. Brix's wines.

    • Primal Wine: An online retailer specializing in natural wines. They have offered J. Brix's "Signs + Wonders" and other bottlings.

    • Unfined Wines: This online shop focuses on wines with minimal intervention and has carried a range of J. Brix's wines.

    • Bottle Barn: A large wine retailer in Santa Rosa, California, that has carried J. Brix wines.

    • Some Good Wine: A wine shop in New York City that has listed J. Brix's wines, including their Pinot Noir.

    • Hop Burns & Black: A London-based shop that specializes in beer, hot sauce, and natural wine, and has carried J. Brix's "Cobolorum" Pet-Nat.

    Distributors (and the regions they serve)

    • Amy Atwood Selections (California): A major distributor of natural wines in California. Their website can be a good resource for finding local retail partners that carry J. Brix.

    • Natural Born Wine (UK): A UK-based importer and distributor specializing in natural wines.

    • Vermont Wine Merchants (Vermont): A distributor that carries J. Brix in Vermont.

    • Metro Cellars (Virginia/DC): This distributor brings J. Brix wines to the Virginia and Washington D.C. area.