Jenna and Marie York, co-owners of the San Francisco 49ers, have forged a unique path in the competitive Napa Valley wine industry with JennaMarise Wines, a venture deeply rooted in family history, honoring their late brother and grandfather. This definitive guide explores their journey, from childhood wine rituals to overcoming industry challenges and finding a passionate following among NFL fans.
The worlds of professional football and premium winemaking rarely intersect, yet for Jenna and Marie York, co-owners of the San Francisco 49ers, these two seemingly disparate passions have converged in a deeply personal and inspiring venture: JennaMarise Wines. Their Napa Valley label is more than just a business; it is a tribute to family, a testament to resilience, and a bold step into a demanding industry, fueled by a lifelong love for wine.
A Legacy in Every Bottle: The Family Roots of JennaMarise
The sisters’ profound connection to wine began in their childhood home in Youngstown, Ohio. Their grandfather, a self-taught wine connoisseur, made it a cherished Sunday ritual to bring a carefully selected bottle to family dinners. These gatherings were not just about sharing food; they were opportunities to savor small sips, listen to stories, and explore the rich flavors their grandfather lovingly introduced.
Even at a young age, Jenna and Marie were captivated. Their father, John York, co-chair of the San Francisco 49ers, once found them awake late at night, discussing the nuances of the wine they had tasted. This early fascination planted a seed that would eventually blossom into their own label. “We started at a pretty young age, and it’s still part of our family gatherings,” the sisters shared with People. “We always have wine. It’s just a part of everything we do.”
From Finance to Fermentation: The Napa Calling
Despite pursuing studies in finance with a minor in art history at Boston College, the lessons from those Sunday nights lingered. In 2007, Jenna and Marie seized an opportunity that would solidify their passion: an internship in Napa Valley, California, between their junior and senior years. This experience offered them a challenging, hands-on introduction to winemaking.
Under the guidance of an assistant winemaker who ensured they understood the demands of a male-dominated industry, the sisters engaged in every aspect of the work, from planting vines and laying irrigation lines to sanitizing tanks. Jenna vividly recalls the physical and emotional toll. “I was sitting in the dirt, crying, hoping no one would see,” she admitted. “They wanted to teach us every aspect — especially the hard, not-so-glamorous parts of the job. That really sticks out in my mind.” Despite the grueling work, they fell completely in love with Napa, shedding tears when it was time to return to school.
A year after graduating, they returned to Napa. Mara immersed herself in her first harvest at Robert Foley Vineyards, while Jenna joined Spring Mountain Vineyard. The idea of launching their own label was a recurring thought, a dream they often joked about but hadn’t yet committed to pursuing seriously. After gaining experience at various vineyards, including a stint in Argentina, the sisters shifted focus in 2015 to their family’s deep involvement with the San Francisco 49ers, though they remained in Napa, keeping a close watch on the wine industry that had captured their hearts.
The Heartbreaking Inspiration: Honoring Tony’s Memory
Everything changed in December 2018 with the devastating loss of their brother, Tony. His unwavering support and encouragement to “seize the day and follow our dreams” became the ultimate catalyst. Inspired by his spirit and determined to honor his memory, the sisters finally decided to pursue their long-held dream. By March 2019, JennaMarise Wines was officially born.
The brand’s identity is deeply personal. The name itself, JennaMarise, was inspired by a nickname (“Jen-Mare”) their family used, playfully merging their names. They decided to “one-up them” by combining their first and middle names: Jenna Marie and Mara Denise. The logo, featuring a woven ‘J’ and ‘M’, and the choice of purple and gold colors, symbolize their intertwined yet distinct identities, aiming for a “bold and different” presence in the market.
Napa’s New Pioneers: A Hands-On Approach to Winemaking
Launching a new wine label in a highly competitive market like Napa Valley presented numerous challenges, from building a website and establishing e-commerce to navigating complex shipping and compliance laws. Yet, these hurdles solidified their vision: to be authentic, hands-on winemakers deeply involved in every step of the process.
To this day, Jenna and Marie remain the label’s only two employees, working closely with veteran winemaker Bob Foley. This dedication ensures a personal touch, a rarity in an era of consolidation. “We’re involved in everything, which is rare these days when so many big conglomerates are buying up small wineries,” Marie explained. “For us, every vineyard we choose and every bottle we make means something.” This hands-on commitment, coupled with strategic market penetration, has allowed JennaMarise Wines to carve out a distinctive presence within the region, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle.
Their mother’s advice to work hard and trust their gut proved invaluable, particularly in male-dominated industries like football and wine. “Everything that’s worth going after takes work,” Jenna emphasized. “It’s about determination, believing in yourself and trusting your gut. But it’s also about having the right people around you — especially women who lift each other up. That’s how you keep going.”
Blending Football and Fine Wine: The 49ers Connection
The launch of JennaMarise Wines was initially a quiet affair. “We didn’t tell anyone — not even our parents — until we were getting our first fruit in,” Jenna admitted. However, as their wines began appearing at 49ers events, in their suites, and on Instagram, word quickly spread throughout the community and among players.
NFL Hall of Fame Linebacker Patrick Willis emerged as a major cheerleader, consistently reposting content and creating encouraging videos. Other players, like Ian Williams, have also shown enthusiastic support. This organic endorsement from the 49ers family added a unique dimension to the brand’s growth, connecting the sisters’ two worlds.
The convergence reached a pinnacle when JennaMarise wine made its way to the concessions stands at Levi’s Stadium, home of the 49ers. Seeing their bottles poured during games felt like a full-circle moment. With the Super Bowl scheduled to take place at Levi’s this year, the sisters are particularly excited to share their wines with NFL fans nationwide. “It’s surreal,” Marie said. “People send us photos of our bottles on the stadium wine list, and it still gives us chills. Whether it’s being shared at Levi’s or around the table with our family during the holidays, having our wine enjoyed together is everything we ever hoped for.”
The Future of JennaMarise: Passion Over Expansion
Reflecting on their journey, the sisters count the day they bottled their first vintage as their proudest moment. What began as an uncertain dream culminated in a tangible reality. “Then, when we opened them for the first time after aging — instead of laughing, we both cried,” Jenna recounted. “Every varietal tasted exactly how we dreamed it would.”
As for the future, Jenna and Marie are clear that growth will never compromise the personal touch that defines JennaMarise Wines. They envision potentially creating a light wine but have no plans for massive expansion. Their commitment is to remain intimately involved in every aspect of their craft. “We don’t want to be a huge winery with a bunch of employees,” Jenna stated. “It’s a passion thing for us — we always want to be involved. We feel like we can’t get too big if we still want the two of us doing everything.” Their story is a powerful reminder of how dedication, family legacy, and unwavering passion can transform a quiet dream into a celebrated reality.
