Native Texan with an extensive education in all things wine in Sonoma, California, Jaclynn Renée van Sant-Downes is elevating the perception and reputation of Texas wine with her brand Jaclynn Renée Wines. Jackie’s boutique brand blends technical excellence, authenticity, and community. Since moving from Sonoma to Wimberley in 2021, Jackie has been steeping the Hays County community in her passion for celebrating heritage, connection, and place through wine as she grows her business.
Jackie grew up in Houston and attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock, where her early wine education leaned more toward boxed white Zinfandel than terroir-driven bottles. Her palate began to change over holiday breaks back home, where her aunt was opening a wine bar, giving Jackie a chance to witness tastings of beautiful European and California wines and visits with wine reps.
After college, Jackie wasn’t sure what came next—but her aunt was. Three days after graduation, Jackie was on a plane to Sonoma for a winery internship in Dry Creek Valley. Within a week, she knew she had found her calling. She loved the physicality of winemaking, the science, and the rhythm of harvest. Her natural talent earned her hands-on cellar work, lab experience, and a post-harvest job at Mauritson Winery, which supported her studies in oenology and viticulture. “I was learning in class at night and practicing it all day,” she says.
While living and breathing wine, Jackie met Justin Downes—who worked at Comstock Winery—at a karaoke night. One firm Texas-worthy handshake sealed it. “I told him four hours after meeting that I was going to marry him,” Jackie laughs. Their first date was the next day, and they’ve been a team ever since.
As their family grew and life together unfolded, so did Jackie’s namesake brand, Jaclynn Renée Wines. Daughter Maddy arrived in 2014, they married in 2015 (after winning a $150,000 wedding in a sweepstakes), and son Dean was born in 2017. The kids grew up in vineyards and wineries, even helping “bless the grapes” at first pick before heading off to school.
Today, the brand includes eight varietals—a Blanc de Blanc, Chardonnay, Grenache Rosé, and four reds. While it began with California fruit, Jackie honored her roots from the start, with labels featuring Texas wildflowers, the yellow rose, and a girl on horseback.
In 2021, the Downes family settled in Wimberley when Jackie became winemaker at Driftwood Estate Winery while continuing to grow her brand. Her wines have since earned major recognition, including Texas Monthly’s Vintners Cup and Best in Class (with her Mourvèdre) at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition—proof that Texas wine belongs on the national stage.
Next up is the Jaclynn Renée Wine Collective, opening at 107 Henson Road in Wimberley. More than a tasting room, it’s designed as a gathering space—featuring Texas wines, book clubs, artist showcases, educational tastings, and intimate events that bring people together.
Connection to the local community runs deep for the Downes family. Justin serves as Baseball Commissioner for the Wimberley Youth Sports Association, helping revitalize local youth baseball, while Jackie continues supporting Texas wine through her craft. The spirit of her brand is based on connection, not competition.
“Wine is never just about what’s in the glass,” Jackie says. “It’s about the people you’re with and the experience you’re sharing.” In Wimberley, that philosophy feels right at home—caring, welcoming, and worth celebrating.