Justin Winery Paso Robles
With a very successful 30 year history and an annual 50,000+ case production of Bordeaux blends (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc) and other single grape varieties (Red: Tempranillo, Malbec, Zinfandel, Petit Verdot / White: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier), Justin Winery is remains a must visit when staying near, passing through, or staying in Paso Robles.
Although a bit removed from downtown itself (located at the end of Chimney Rock Road in the Adelaida Valley) on the West side of Paso Robles, its definitely worth the ride. 
Besides some outstanding wines (which I will get to in a moment), the grounds include an inn, restaurant, well-maintained gardens and place to picnic as well as for those of us really into wine, examples of various trellis systems including one designed and implemented in the Justin vineyard itself.
One of the more iconic wines produced is the Justin Winery ISOSCELES Bordeaux blend (first production year was 1987), somewhat akin to a left-bank Pauillac or Margaux with a different blend each year of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc (and perhaps Petit Verdot). Not sure where the name came from except to say that the definition of “Isosceles” as a triangle is having two sides of equal length. Perhaps the origin for naming it Isosceles was the concept of equal parts of each variety (although in practice the Cabernet Sauvignon normally plays the major part of the blend). In any case, this blend has been lauded with a London International Wine & Spirit Competition’s Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande trophy in 1994 for the Best Blended Red Wine Worldwide and named number 6 wine in the world by Wine Spectator in 2000 for the 1997 ISOSCELES offering.
Learn more about Justin Winery Wines
However, in this very competitive industry great wines are not enough. In the most recent Justin Winery Newsletter Justin Baldwin explained, “I am often asked what the most important thing at a winery is. The answer is easy – great wines! However, that answer is always followed up by a list of the next most important items on the list. They are in order of importance – marketing, marketing, and marketing!”
Unlike some owners, Mr. Baldwin has put into action that which he has preached – from hiring a well known and successful 
luxury wine brand marketer – Jason Shorrock as VP, Director of Sales and Marketing, to a strong Social Media effort including Facebook and Twitter, its own Justin Winery blog, Smart Links (using QR codes), its own Newsletter, Wine Club (Justin Wine Society), hosting events, charitible giving, and certainly its bed and breakfast and restaurant.
While all of the marketing activity above provides brand recognition and buzz for the winery, at the end of the day personal attention, friendly service and knowledgeable staff are essential to building a strong wine brand. I can happily say that this is exactly what I experienced when visiting the tasting room earlier this Fall. Not only were the wines all well made, but the staff were enthusiastic about their product and their company.
“To belong in the company of the finest wines in the world” is Justin Baldwin’s mission statement.
I can confidently say that he has put together a strong team and the right strategy to achieve what he set out to do. So when visiting Paso Robles be sure to take the drive out to Justin. You’ll enjoy the grounds, the courteous staff, and certainly the wines.
Paso Robles, Spain??
Courtesy Paso Robles City Website
It wasn’t very long ago that I mentioned I was heading to Paso Robles to visit some wineries. A colleague at work responded “oh, so your heading to Spain?”. OK for those into wine we all know Paso Robles is just about half way between San Francisco and Los Angeles, but to many Paso Robles is still somewhat of an unknown.
Compared to Sonoma or Napa Valley, Paso Robles is very young in wine terms having been known more for its cattle and cowboys until only a few years ago. Sure, there have been wineries in Paso Robles for some time, but until just a few years ago that number was closer to a dozen versus the couple of hundred you will find today. Whether you drive North, South, East or West from Paso, you will run into one winery after another. My kind of vacation spot!
Lots of delicious Syrah (likely the most planted Rhone variety in California often co-fermented with Viognier) can be found across the valleys, but also some lesser known reds such as Grenache, Counoise, and Mourvedre, as well as for the whites Viognier (a great alternative to Chardonnay), Roussanne, Marsanne and Picpoul Blanc.
There is such a focus on the Rhone varieties that a group of wineries call themselves the Rhone Rangers. Some of these are fairly well known such as J. Lohr Vineyards, Justin Vineyards, and Robert Hall, while others are much smaller, boutique wineries such as Adelaida Cellars, Halter Ranch Vineyard and Jada. For a complete list I suggest visiting The Rhone Rangers.
Unlike Napa Valley and somewhat Sonoma, Paso Robles is still pretty laid back. Many of the wineries offer a complimentary or $5 tasting fee (refundable with purchase), although some do charge more for a tasting of their reserve wines. However, across all of the wineries I visited (and there were many 
, I found the people pouring to be friendly, very knowledgeable and passionate about their wine.
Whether you are partial to red or white varieties, table or port (try Roxo Cellars, – the tasting room is right downtown on the square) you won’t be disappointed!
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