Community Spotlight
Jason Mikami
Founder, Mikami Vineyards
Legacy, Leadership, and Lodi Wine
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At a recent Ascend NorCal event, we had the chance to connect with Jason Mikami—tech leader at Uber by day, award-winning winemaker by night. Jason is the founder of Mikami Vineyards, a boutique family winery in Lodi rooted in Japanese American history and guided by a philosophy of humility, quality, and generational legacy.
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A third-generation Japanese American, Jason shared how his grandfather immigrated to the U.S. in 1896, laying the foundation for what would become a multi-generational farming and winemaking journey. Rather than pursue rapid growth, Jason chose a more deliberate path—focusing on sustainability, craftsmanship, and honoring the land his father once farmed.
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Since launching Mikami Vineyards’ first vintage in 2008, Jason has steadily built a reputation for excellence. His Zinfandel, grown on the family’s estate vineyard, has earned 90+ point ratings and top awards from Wine Enthusiast and the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. In 2017, he introduced Petite Sirah, which has quickly followed suit with double gold medals and critical acclaim.
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Jason also leads engineering teams at Uber. With degrees from UC Berkeley and an MBA from UC Davis, he reflects the balance many AAPI professionals navigate—pursuing technical excellence while staying grounded in culture, family, and values.
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In many ways, Jason’s journey reflects the heart of Ascend: Lifting as we lead, honoring where we come from, and building something meaningful for those who come next. His daughter Kate has already begun helping with harvests and blending sessions. While Jason doesn’t pressure her to follow in his footsteps, he’s proud to share those memories and traditions with her.
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He also brings this spirit to the broader community. Jason has spoken at the Japanese American National Museum and the Japanese American Museum of San Jose—blending wine education with stories of Japanese American resilience.
“I wanted to honor my father and grandfather by putting our name on something we could be proud of. Growth wasn’t about quantity—it was about quality and legacy.”
-Jason Mikami
At our Ascend Foundation NorCal Charity Event on May 19, 2025, Jason’s warmth, generosity, and storytelling made a lasting impression. Whether pouring wine or connecting with guests, he brought people together in a way that perfectly reflected our values: leadership, authenticity, and community impact.
We’re grateful to have Jason as part of the Ascend NorCal Community Network and look forward to partnering again—whether through a future tasting, heritage event, or leadership discussion.
