The amphitheater at The Culinary Institute of America at Copia will be named the Jackson Family Wines Amphitheater in honor of a $2 million gift from the Jackson family to the world’s premier culinary college.
The outdoor venue features tiered seating for 600, or 390 with a table setup. As a premier cultural and special event space, it is expected to host thousands of people each year who are passionate about wine, food, and culinary and beverage education.
“Wine education has always been an integral part of our company’s mindset,” says Julia Jackson, a proprietor of Jackson Family Wines. “My father emphasized the importance of education for the trade and consumer to ensure that wine was accurately and favorably looked upon as an important part of American culture. There’s a natural synergy between culinary arts and wine and my family is thrilled to support the wine and food community through the visionary educational work of the CIA.”
Founded in 1982 by Jess Jackson and Barbara Banke, Jackson Family Wines has grown to become a distinctive wine collection rooted in extraordinary estate vineyards situated in the world’s most significant wine regions. A cornerstone of the Jackson family’s wine business is its commitment to high-quality wines made with integrity and responsible winegrowing practices.
“The Jackson Family Wines Amphitheater provides a lasting legacy of the company’s leadership as a passionate, world-class, family-owned wine business,” says CIA President Dr. Tim Ryan. “The generous gift from Jackson Family Wines also further cements its admirable, long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability, as well as to the CIA and its students.”
As part of the collaboration with the CIA, Jackson Family Wines will be incorporated into food and wine enthusiast and special event programming at the CIA at Copia. “Today’s wine consumer craves a deeper understanding of the relationship between food and wine,” said Rick Tigner, CEO of Jackson Family Wines. “Our partnership with the CIA at Copia unites our shared commitment to education in the vineyards, the garden, the kitchen, and at the table, to inspire both the consumer and trade alike.”
Adjacent to the Jackson Family Wines Amphitheater on the first floor of the CIA at Copia will be the new home of the Wine Hall of Fame, of which Jess Jackson is a 2009 inductee. The CIA at Copia is the ultimate Napa Valley destination for exploring, experiencing, and enjoying the world of food and wine.
