In the late 1960s, Jerry Lohr began an extensive investigation of grape growing regions throughout California. As a result of his farming background, he has always understood and respected the importance of soil quality, climate and location, which led him to Californias Central Coast region. In 1972 and 1973, he planted 280 acres of wine grapes in the Arroyo Seco appellation of Monterey County, and in 1974 completed his winery in San Jose. In 1988 property near Paso Robles was purchased, now encompassing 2,000 acres of vineyards, primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and other red varietals, and an adjacent winery and barrel facility was built. Also in 1988 Jerry began expansion of his vineyards in the Arroyo Seco, which now includes 900 acres of Chardonnay and other cool climate varietals such as Riesling, Pinot Blanc, and Valdigui.

By the late 1970s, J. Lohr wines were distributed throughout the United States, and in the late 1980s an international sales department was added. Today the J. Lohr products are available throughout the United States and in more than 25 countries worldwide.

The goal of J. Lohr brands is to produce varietals that can compete with the finest in the world, using a style that focuses on flavor and complexity through vineyard selection, technology and innovation. This goal has led Jerry Lohr and his team to develop three tiers of wines produced from estate vineyards J. Lohr Cuve Series, J. Lohr Vineyard Series and J. Lohr Estates. In addition J.Lohr Winery produces three tiers of wines to meet the needs of everyday and entry-level wine consumption - Crosspoint Vineyards, Cypress and Painter Bridge.