Jeanne Newman
Founder - Jorian Hill

Jeanne Newman was born in Cleveland, Ohio. After graduating from Connecticut College she received her J.D. from the University of Southern California Law Center where she was an editor of Southern California Law Review. While at law school, Jeanne met her future husband, Gary Newman, and the two soon began sharing an appreciation for Central Coast wines. After becoming a member of the California Bar in 1980, Jeanne began her legal career as an associate in the entertainment department at Loeb & Loeb. That same year, she and Gary were married. After serving as a television business affairs executive at various companies, including MGM, Jeanne joined Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren & Richman, L.L.P. in 1988, where she soon became a partner.

In addition to representing the creators of many top scripted television shows, she also specializes in helping international clients enter the U.S. television market. Some of Jeanne's clients have been responsible for such shows as "Big Brother," "Extreme Makeover," "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" and "Deal or No Deal." Working with these clients and others, Jeanne has helped to create new business models and pioneer new law in the field of reality television.

In 2005, Jeanne embraced a new challenge when she founded Jorian Hill along with her husband Gary. A family-owned winery located in Santa Ynez Valley's beautiful Ballard Canyon, Jorian Hill is dedicated to crafting exceptional Syrah and Viognier using estate-grown fruit. In preparation for this exciting new endeavor, Jeanne traveled with her family to France's Northern Rhône to consult with top vintners and winemakers about farming techniques and winemaking methods. In addition, she took courses at University of California, Davis to augment her knowledge of cutting-edge viticultural practices.

"It's been an interesting transition for me," says Jeanne, "going from representing clients who create things, to creating something myself. It has been really enjoyable breaking away from my more business-oriented existence, and working with composts instead of contracts for a change."

As a lawyer and a mother of three children-twins Hillary and Jordan, and her youngest son Reed-Jeanne brings her passion for family, business and creativity to her role at Jorian Hill. "I've always been dedicated to being involved with my children, even while working. When you own a winery, every day of harvest is 'take your kids to work day,' and every walk through the vineyard is an opportunity to share something new. It's been great watching them take to it. Reed already considers himself vice president of tractors, power tools and livestock. This is the best thing that has ever happened to us, and for that, we are grateful."