I still remember the first time I tasted one of Jean-Michel Jussiaume’s wines.

I still remember the first time I tasted one of Jean-Michel Jussiaume’s wines. It was a few years ago, and I wasn’t expecting to be transported. But that first sip stopped me cold. It had energy — like it was alive in the glass. Bright, focused, and full of tension. It made me lean in, curious about who could craft something this precise yet this full of character. Since then, I’ve followed Jean-Michel’s work closely. Every bottle reinforced the same idea: this is a winemaker with intention. A sparkling mind making sparkling wine. And last year, I had the honor of hosting him on my IPNC panel, where his humility, depth, and technical insight captivated the room just as much as the wine in their glasses. This bottle — Maison Jussiaume Blanc de Blancs — is a perfect example of what’s happening here in Oregon right now. We’re no longer just experimenting with sparkling wine. We’re defining a new chapter. Next week marks a milestone: Method Oregon @methodoregon — the first event of its kind in the state. Every producer pouring at the event makes traditional method sparkling wine, right here in Oregon. That’s méthode champenoise, made with Oregon fruit, by Oregon hands. It’s more than just a tasting. It’s a declaration. Oregon sparkling is here, and it’s so freaking delicious! So if you care about bubbles, about craft, about wines that carry a pulse — you’ll want to be there. Get your ticket, bring your curiosity, and when you see me, come say “A.J. sent me.”