July 28, 2021 3:30 a.m.

In the KQEN Business Spotlight:

Founders Earl and Hilda Jones and Abacela’s Board of Directors have announced the appointment of Dr. Greg Jones as CEO of Abacela Winery and Vineyards.

A release said Dr. Jones is the son of the founders, and his new role allows the 26-year old family-owned winery to make the generational change that will lead Abacela into the future.

The release said Dr. Jones is a world-renowned atmospheric scientist and viticultural climatologist. For the past 25 years, Dr. Jones held research and teaching positions at Southern Oregon University and most recently, Linfield University. For more than 20 years, Dr. Jones’ research has firmly linked climate change to fundamental biological phenomena in vines. The release said his research has influenced the wine industry across the globe.

Located in the Southern Oregon Umpqua Valley appellation, Abacela began in 1994. The estate comprises 463 acres of rolling Oak savannah, with 76 acres planted in vines. There are 3 weather stations, 24 individual temperature sensors, and 40 soil moisture probes. Abacela was a charter member of the Carbon Neutral Challenge and the family has dedicated 300 acres to wildlife conservation and habitat.

Earl Jones said, “This transition fulfills a long-term objective of family succession”. He said that Greg has distinguished himself regionally, nationally and internationally as a scientist and educator. He said, “He is a dynamic leader with creative energy, who understands the local, regional, and global wine industries, which makes him uniquely suited to carry on our family business”.

For more information about Abacela, go to www.abacela.com