Family Founded, Owned and Operated

Starting in 1989, in a 2 car garage, this daughter and father duo now produce over 12 styles of award winning wines at 2 production facilities in the Sierras.

Meet the Winemakers

  • Katy Carroll Jones

    White and Rose Winemaker

    Katy Carroll Jones was born in Truckee, CA and is the daughter of Russ Jones. Growing up in Truckee, she also became an avid skier, enjoying downhill early in life and then cross country and biathlon competitively. She graduated from Truckee High, and went on to go to college at Gonzaga University. She met her husband while working as a server at Gar Woods (he was the chef at the time). They have a lovely house in Truckee and two gorgeous dogs. She still skis often with the family, and enjoys overlanding and rock crawling in their family Jeep Rubicon. She has grown up in the winery (literally) and for 30 years has had a hand in all aspects of the wine business. She started working full time for Truckee River Winery in 2009, when the "Ranch" was opened on Brockway Road. She was one of the first tasting room associates of the winery. Over the years, her roles and duties increased and she became the first Director of Sales and Marketing, bookkeeper, Event Coordinator and Wine Club manager, among other titles. In 2015, she became the General Manager of Truckee River Winery and in 2017 became the White Winemaker and part owner. She loves making all the white wines, and has enjoyed increasing the white wine program. Her Rose varietals are a point of pride and her Orange Barn Ramato is a fun and lovable wine for all.

  • Russ Jones

    Founder and Head Winemaker

    IRuss Jones was born in Yosemite National Park, where he spent most of his childhood, until his family moved to Squaw Valley. Russ learned how to ski in Yosemite, but he learned how to race in Squaw. He spent his high school career racing and loving the snow. He and his wife met on the high school race team, where Russ dominated the field. He graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Enology and Viticulture (winemaking and grape growing). He and his wife traveled through Oregon, Washington and Paso Robles after graduation, where he worked at several wineries and perfected the Pinot Noir process. They then moved back to Truckee to start a family, and that is when he decided to make his own wine, using the natural ideal temperatures and humidity of Tahoe to make the wine distinctively unique. His artistic and analytical mind ensures that the science and art in winemaking is used to its potential. With this perfect blending of art and science, Truckee River Winery's wines have exceptional flavors and aromas.

Our History

It all started in at the Highest, Coldest and Snowiest town in America.

1989

A WINERY IS BORN!

Beginning in a 2 car garage in Sierra Meadows, a winery begins to produce Chardonnay and Pinot Noir!

1996

The Winery moves to the Red Barn!

The Jones family and TRW move to the River and expand the winery into the Red Barn!

2009

The Ranch at Brockway Opens

Expanded to an offsite tasting room with bocce courts.

2018

Truckee River Winery begins a Wine Club

Our Wine Club begins and our events, discounts and members thrive!

2020

The Ranch Closes and Tasting Experiences begin at the Red Barn

After 10 amazing years, the ranch closes its doors…and For the first time in the Winery's history, tours and tastings are offered at the Barn, showcasing our production facility and mini-farm. Click on the picture to book your tour and tasting today!

2022

TRW expands with a sister winery!

The Truckee River Family finds and builds a sister winery in Cedar Ridge, CA, expanding the business to the Sierra Foothills.

Winter

2023

Truckee River and 174 survive a HUGE winter!

The Sierras see the 2nd biggest winter on record with 723 inches recorded in Truckee.

Spring

2023

An Estate Vineyard is Planted in Cedar Ridge.

600 vines of Malbec are planted by Truckee Family Wines on the front 1 acre pasture at 174 Winery.

Harvest

2023-2024

2024 Harvest and Crush occurs at both locations.

Although we have done crush ourselves since 1989, this was the first year we harvested our own grapes and crushed in Cedar Ridge!