Janet began her love of wine though travel to many wine regions around the world.  She and her husband Mark took the “dive” when they purchased 28 acres in Hye, Texas, planted seven acres of vines and started making wine at home in 2019, dedicating their efforts to 100% Texas wine.  Janet jumped fully into winemaking in 2020, working alongside many talented Texas winemakers at the Kerrville Hills Winery Incubator Program.  She completed the Texas Tech Winemakers Certificate Program in 2022 to compliment her cellar experience.  Portree Cellars opened their Hye tasting room at the end of 2023 and her wines have won numerous awards, at the San Francisco Chronicle, TEXSOM, Vintners Cup/Texas Monthly Magazine, Houston Livestock Stock Wine Competition and accolades from James Suckling and Cristaldi & Co.

Portree Cellars joined Texas Wine Growers in 2025 to support the promotion of 100% Texas wines.  In 2026, Janet was elected Vice-President of the organization and looks forward to advocating on behalf of the organization for Texas agriculture and winemaking.

Prior to her wine journey, Janet worked for LyondellBasell in various business management positions, most recently as Director of their Americas polypropylene business. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a B. S. in mechanical engineering.  Besides winemaking, she loves painting, cooking, travelling and enjoying time with family and friends.  Her art covers the walls of their tasting room and many of her wine bottles.