I am not 100% sure if this blog should be titled “places” we like or “things” we like. Regardless, you HAVE to know about Justin Vineyards. A couple of years ago, Steph and I were working on some designs and we decided to open a bottle of wine for inspiration. (Yeah, not the first time that's happened.) She asked if I’d ever heard of Justin and I said I hadn’t. She and hubby Brit discovered the small winery on the way back from Vineman 70.3 that year. Rumor has it they had to move wheels and gear bags around so they could return to San Diego with multiple cases in the trunk. Just sayin...
Anyhow, we cracked open a bottle of Justification and I was in love. There whole selection is lovely and you have to check out their corks. With clever inspiration & puns on them, I now have enough to fill up a bike case, and they make fun holiday ornament gifts for friends.
Here's the lowdown on this wonderful place.
Former investment banker Justin Baldwin founded the Justin Vineyards & Winery in 1981 after purchasing 160 acres west of Paso Robles on California's Central Coast and planting grapes.
The region’s first grapes were planted in 1779 by Franciscan missionaries. While it hasn't been validated officially, it is rumored that the good monks not only knew how to make good wine, but they also wore skinny jeans under their robes and rode around the vines on fixies. BLESS THEM!
Justin produces Bordeaux style blends that are…how would a connoisseur put it?? Oh yes...kickass. Their efforts have been rewarded with past and present vintages earning 90+ points in every major wine publication. In addition to having great wine, they also have an amazing B&B called “The Just Inn," (get it?!.) Each of the four luxury suites are appointed in beautiful European tradition. The food is insanely good. They have in-room massages that make the Just Inn a great place to recover after wine tasting and training.
Bonus points if this other awesomeness wasn't enough for you?: it's Pet-Friendly! WOOT!
There are some really good rides in the Paso Robles area if you'd like a great training trip. On the east side, you can bike out around Hog Canyon, Estrella, Pleasant and Cross Canyon. The roads are generallygood for riding though a few of them lack much of a shoulder and there are some challenging hills to be found, like the one by J. Lohr Vineyards (another great Cab & Pinot to check out, BTW)
Of course, you may want to get your training done early before the wine tasters hit the road.
So if you happen to be up near Paso Robles and need to take in some anti-oxidants, we’d encourage you to stop by Justin Winery (www.justinwine.com) and have a taste.
If you get you good one, be sure to share your cork with us! CHEERS!
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