Justin Winery
Growing up in The Central Valley, The Central Coast has always been a getaway for many in my Family and Friends. A place to enjoy cooler weather for indoor and outdoor venues, appreciate farm to table atmospheres and follow some of our locals on their paths to building their business dreams in new area codes. The wide variety of activities enjoyed across this beautiful coastline has leant itself to a patina of experiences as a child to a married couple. One of which I’d like to share as we returned to a favorite when visiting Paso Robles, Justin Winery.
As time has gone on and school ended and work began, I started to enjoy tasting wines and figuring out what I liked and what wasn’t my preference. This is the part where my Circle of Friends helped guide me through this trek moving from White wines to Reds and understanding what a White varietal Meritage was from a GSM to Bordeaux blends. To my novice ears, they all sounded like a car part or candy and I love chocolate, so I was hooked.
This is how I came to appreciate the Winemaking style of Justin Baldwin whose career as an Investment Banker evolved into becoming the namesake for Justin Winery by purchasing 160 acres in 1981 with an aim to make world-class Bordeaux-style blends in Paso Robles Adelaida region. This is the inspiration behind the name of one of their Signature Cabernet Sauvignon wines, Eighty One stems from. Another well-loved Flagship wine for more than 25 vintages since 1987 is Isosceles. This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot to mirror “Left Bank” wineries of Bordeaux with the 2016 vintage earning 91 points from The Wine Enthusiast™ (if you’re into knowing the rating of your wine.) On my personal criteria, I value an inky purple glass that will bond with my steak, chicken or fish dinner as well as my slice of chocolate cake or a movie. A good wine makes friends with everything in my book of unofficial findings and 100% opinion.
I’ll wait to apply for my sommelier status, but in the meantime I do appreciate when I can sit down with those knowledgeable in their craft and open to discussing and sharing the love of their products. This is always the atmosphere I am greeted with when visiting Justin Winery. In 2010 Justin sold the Winery to Stewart and Lynda Resnick the owners of Fiji Water whose iconic squared edges bottles are a nice accompaniment to your tasting experience at both The Wine Society Lounge for Wine Club members only, and The Estate Tasting Room that is open to the General Public. Other tasting options are available for Reserve Tasting, and either the Private Chateau or Cellar Tastings.
There is also a new convenient location at Downtown City Park to explore tastings and seated dining at the Downtown Tasting room which is a shorter drive. A new perk has been added in 2019 with roundtrip shuttle transportation to the Winery for guests wanting to experience the multicourse menu available at The Restaurant at Justin. Reservations are required and fees vary by day of service.
Both locations are a great experience with a focus to quality from the moment you are greeted to the last pour. I’ve had the pleasure of tasting at The Wine Society Lounge which affords cheese parings in an intimate seated venue with your Wine guide providing information on the history of Justin Winery and wine notes. The Estate Tasting Room underwent a remodel and has beautiful views of the Vineyards with both indoor and outdoor seating options. A favorite of mine is to enjoy a tasting and then pick a bottle of my favorite friend to share at Lunch at The Restaurant on site. Last time it was the Reserve Malbec with a Justin cheeseburger and Fries while sitting outdoors with a great group of Friends soaking up the view. This menu will rotate over the season and there is a focus to use products sourced from Local Suppliers. Be still my Farm to Table heart! I loved the Private Chateau tasting with personalized touches and a lineup of beautifully aged “I can’t see through them” purple wine selections amidst the beauty of the Chateau. We were told this was a former residence for Justin Baldwin, and upon entering it was clear to see his deep appreciation for art and passion for quality. The grounds are breathtaking and a wonderful experience to share with people you love. Some of the Member Events are held in this location as well and are truly a sight to enjoy.
My Bucket List includes being able to stay at The Justin Inn and tasting the evolution of this beautifully crafted wine in its inaugural release of the 2015 vintage Platinum Reserve a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Winemaker Scott Shirley which will replace its predecessor Eighty One. Justin Baldwin said in an interview from Nov 2013 by Steven Biller he invested in Paso Robles for its pioneering quality as at the time, there were only eight wineries in the area and called his venture a labor of love. He stated “Blends are my passion. When you blend, you can highlight portions of a vintage that might go unnoticed. You take the best of what you’re given.” Maybe that’s a part of what endears this Winery and Paso Robles to me as I love to bring my Family and Friends to this area to share in the wealth of growth from its David and Goliath roots. An area that had gone unnoticed has over time built a name and reputation for itself as a place for sharing in the talents of a craft, blending that with the fibers of family and loved ones to share along the road of life.
Vino Veritas about Justin Winery
Winery Located at 11680 Chimney Rock Road Paso Robles, CA 93446 Tel: 805.238.6932 Fax: 800.237.4152
Downtown Tasting Room Located at 811 12th Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446 Tel: 805.238.6932
All detailed information can be found at www.justinwine.com
Justin Downtown Tasting Room: Grab-and-go snacks and beverages available or seated dining. Menu available on the website
The Restaurant at Justin: Serving Brunch, Lunch and Dinner. Menus and reservations available on the website.