J.J. Compeau of Narratif Wines & NW Wine Collaborative
February 2022
As his name suggests, Jean Jacques (JJ) Compeau is of French heritage, with family members some of the earliest European fur trappers in North America. He was born in Yakima, WA, though his family was always on the road following his father who played for 50 years in a rock band. JJ dabbled in drumming, but found a passion in wine after working in a Yakima restaurant. He and other staff members had to really learn about the wines, especially about wine and food pairing. The experience led him to a career in many aspects of the WA wine industry, including retail, managing, and, most recently, winemaking. He Selah wine shop/bar was the first to sell some of Washington’s premium wines during the mid 1990s. Now JJ is selling his own wines in a tasting room he opened in Prosser in December 2021. With his and others’ art on the walls and artifacts displayed from the WA wine industry’s early days, the new tasting room reflects JJ’s interest in wine art and history.
JJ produces wine under two labels. His first label is Narratif Wines, named for their emphasis on telling a story, particularly the story of vineyards and AVAs. The goal with this label is to reveal the flavor profiles of specific vineyards and AVAs, such as Dubrul and Red Willow Vineyards, both in the Yakima Valley AVA. His second label is NW Wine Collaborative, suggesting the goal of collaborating with growers and winemakers to make high quality, affordable wines for restaurants. The theme of collaboration is reflected by the three interlocking hands on the 2018 Collaboration Red Wine label. JJ’s collaborators for this wine were winemakers at Hightower and Wit Cellars. Listen to the interview to learn more about JJ’s wines, food and wine pairings, and much more.
Listen to the Interview: