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Owner’s
Corner
Vine to Wine
Vintner and Owner-Pilot John Jordan
by Grant Boyd
John Jordan’s aviation journey is not unlike that of many reading this article. His childhood fasci- nation with model airplanes eventu- ally led him behind the yoke of a Cess- na 172 as a teenager. Since earning his Private Pilot Certificate in 1989, Jordan has owned more than half- dozen piston and turbine airplanes.
Today, he is routinely behind the yoke of three vastly different aircraft – each with its own uniqueness and reasons behind being in Jordan’s personal f leet. Between his 2021 Maule Tricycle Gear Model 235, 2017 Cessna Citation M2 and 1995 Gulfstream GIV-SP, Jordan can select from a full body of speed, range and payload.
The f leet complements and supports his profession as a vintner
and proprietor of Jordan Vineyard & Winery in Sonoma County, California. This business was founded by his parents, Tom and Sally, in 1972. Whether it is a low aerial hop over the 1,200-acre winery property to survey soil and vine vigor (a job well suited for the high-wing piston), a transatlantic flight to showcase the brand’s newest offerings (the GIV- SP’s perfect calling), or something in between (the M2 takes the cake), aviation has benefited the business in many facets.
Jordan’s integration of flying and business traces back to his career’s formative years. While a student at Occidental College in Los Angeles, he continued to f ly and added several ratings during that period. His time spent at the university culminated
with both an economics degree and ATP certification once he turned 23. Several years after graduating from Occidental, Jordan ventured back to the northern part of the state and enrolled at the University of San Francisco and Empire College School of Law. During that time, he also joined the Navy Reserves. Over the next three years, he concurrently pursued both a Master of Business
and a Juris Doctorate degree. Jordan spent as many hours as he could in the sky, with flying being a welcome distraction from the rigors of the classroom. The integration of flying and daily life continued after graduation when Jordan joined the Santa Rosa-based firm he clerked when a law student. After two years of working there, he opened his
28 • TWIN & TURBINE / November 2021