Our mission

Welcome to 34th Parallel, where our mission is to bring the small family winemaker back to prominence in an industry currently dominated by multi-national corporations. The members of 34th Parallel are committed to introducing high quality, small volume wines to our customers.  It is our goal to team with independent producers from around the world, to distribute their wines to new markets, and to share those wines with connoisseurs and neophytes alike.

Our Story

34^th Parallel is a partnership between Jeff Shaeffer and Kym Jenke.  Kym’s wine making experience and his history of hosting interns from around the globe, have led to an extensive network of friends and business contacts amongst the international winemaker community.  Jeff’s background in sales and the relationships he has fostered in the US wine industry, have led to a network of friends and business contacts throughout the US.  It seems a natural fit that these two would bring their networks together to help independent producers from around the globe introduce their wines to the US market.

Our Wineries

Jenke Vineyards is the first of what we hope to be many producers that share our vision.  Jenke Vineyards is the culmination of six generations of Jenkes who have grown grapes in the Barossa Valley. Kym Jenke started the winery in 1989, in his neighbor’s shed.  The current winery is situated on the estate property, right next to the original home of his ancestors (now Jenke Vineyards tasting room).

Our Partners

We have many partners that work tireless hours in order to bring our wines to you, the people.  The levels of involvement vary from the vigneron, to the winemaker, from the cellar mascot, to the cellar “rat”, from the cooper to the bottler, from the freight handler to the customs agent.  This section will give you a glimpse of our partners in action.

Check out our partners in action:http://www.34thparallel.com/winegallery