Legend Of Justin Baldwin

Creating A Vineyard And Producing World-Famous Award-Winning Wines
Changed The History Of San Luis Obispo County

In 1981, Justin Baldwin purchased 160 acres of farmland from Gary and Marian Conway in a remote area west of Paso Robles known as Adelaida. At the time, Justin was living in Los Angeles working in the world of finance. He built a career in Investment Banking working with colleagues who managed the portfolios of wealthy individuals. He created relationships with clients while dining at fine restaurants and educating them on various investments and business strategies.

His travels took him around the world, and his burgeoning wine cellar told the story of his passion for wine he collected as he tasted and traveled – a unique journey through the 1970s and 1980s.

Justin was interested in fine food and wines, particularly Bordeaux-style wines. He acquired an impressive knowledge of both fine wines and cuisine. His bosses recognized his talents and deferred to him to select the wines and restaurants to entertain their clientele. Justin was able to travel the world (and still does) to meet the great vineyardists and winemakers.

Justin’s dream was to produce world-class Bordeaux wines. His philosophy is that wine is an art and not a science – it is an expression of the winemaker in a bottle. It reflects the winemaker’s personal taste. It is very challenging – a winemaker gets only one shot each year to create his wine from what nature provides. Think of the contrast in a chef or an artist, both of whom can revise their creations to perfection over time.

Justin pursued his dream locally, nationally, and, ultimately, internationally. This inspired winelovers and winemakers to see award winning JUSTIN Wines as a unique expression of the unique terroir of San Luis Obispo (SLO) County as well one man’s dream of pursuing excellence and ambiance.

Justin received his MBA from Golden State University and studied at Stanford School of Business before joining the investment department of Union Bank in San Francisco.

The Legend Of Justin Baldwin

Justin was born in the San Francisco area. He grew up in Piedmont and lived in Marin County. Justin’s parents were not drinkers; they occasionally enjoyed champagne. Both of his parents were born on farms in the Midwest – Pennsylvania and Minnesota.

Justin’s first glass of wine was a jug wine called Red Mountain Red. He was attending college at San Jose State; at the same time, students at CalPoly were enjoying the famous Zinfandel jug wines ladled from the barrel into jugs and milk bottles at the Rotta and Pesenti wineries in San Luis Obispo County (SLO). Justin could not imagine that he would be producing award-winning wines twenty years later in the same SLO County.

The first winery Justin visited was David Bruce located in the Santa Cruz Mountains and founded in 1964. David Bruce Winery was dedicated to producing great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Justin visited in the mid-1960s and was impressed by the remoteness of the beautiful 45-acre vineyard and winery – a perfect marriage of land, skill, and nature. Justin did not appreciate the quality of the wine at the time, but visiting David Bruce made an indelible impression on him.

During the next few years, Justin visited Napa and tasted wines at Inglenook and Louis Martini, among other local wineries. It was the beginning of the California Wine Revolution in the late 1960s, but we did not know it at the time.

Justin’s epiphany came at a wine-tasting event in San Francisco that he attended with a buddy who worked in commercial real estate. He tasted wines made from first growth Bordeaux, Premier Cru in Burgundy, and a number of Rhone Wines. A new vision was born, focused on the Bordeaux wines and his desire to make wines that would be recognized and celebrated in the company of the finest wines in the world. However Justin was not planning to suddenly start growing grapes and making wine. Unlike many others, Justin was focused on his “day job” in the banking industry. He enjoyed it very much.

Here are a few highlights:

Financial Education: Justin received his MBA from Golden Gate University and pursued further studies at the Stanford University Business School.

Career: Justin started his career at Merrill Lynch in New York City. He decided to pursue banking instead and went to work for Union Bank in San Francisco. He later transferred to Los Angeles and continued his career there.

Early Wine Education: Justin began to read extensively about wine. His sources included the world-renowned Hugh Johnson’s The World Atlas of Wine (1971). This book is viewed as a major event in wine literature because it was the first to map the world’s wine regions. There have been eight editions published. Since 2004, wine writer Jancis Robinson has co-authored The World Atlas of Wine. Hugh, an Englishman, has been writing about wine since 1960. According to Goodreads, Hugh has written 282 books with over 8,694 ratings.

Justin also read all the writings of Kermit Lynch, the writer/musician who opened his Berkeley storefront in 1972 with 35 cases of wine on the floor. Kermit Lynch was raised in San Luis Obiso where he was introduced to both Welch’s grape juice and fermentation. Kermit favored the Old World Wines, which led to his influence as a wine retailer, distributor, and national importer of authentic old world wines. He has written three books and many newsletters, recorded five CDs of his music, won two James Beard awards, and has been knighted by the French government. You can subscribe to newsletters today.

Fine Cuisine: Justin continued to enjoy good food and to think about the wines he was drinking as he dined. In his career as a banker, Justin often had the opportunity to entertain clients. He soon developed the reputation of a man who knew the finest restaurants and California Wines.

Career Abroad: Justin moved to London to work at Merchant Bank. In London, the tradition of two- and three-hour luncheon to entertain clients at fine restaurants was part of the banking culture. Justin had more knowledge about wines, particularly California wines, than his colleagues and clients. He became the person who was asked to plan the food and wines at lunches and other private banking events.

Wine Education: In London, Justin began taking wine classes in the evening. His most famous instructor is Jancis Robinson, a British wine critic, journalist, and wine writer. Jancis is one of the most famous experts on grape varieties and wine in the world. Justin also took classes from Steven Spurrier, the wine merchant in Paris who is well known for organizing the famous Paris Tasting of 1976 where two California wines, the 1973 Chateau Montelena Napa Chardonnay and the 1973 Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon were selected over the five white French Burgundies and five red Bordeaux wines in a blind tasting which brought California wines to the attention of wine lovers and critics around the world. On the weekends, Justin drove his Saab through wine regions in Europe, including Tuscany, Alsace, and Germany, to taste the wines and learn about each region.

Career International: Justin continued his career working in International Banking for Merchant Bank in London and later was transferred to Bombay, India. There, he enjoyed employing a driver and a cook. He was required to continue entertaining clients. He continued to study wine and build his reputation as an expert on wines of the world. “ In the banking world, I found I had one tool in particular that greatly endeared me to the wine world, and that was a great expense account. I did a lot of entertaining.” In the 1970s, Singapore was trying to attract high-value industries such as petroleum and gas. Justin enjoyed Singapore, which (by chance)was the biggest importer of Bordeaux at the time. He traveled to Southeast Asia and continued to do lots of entertaining.

Career Los Angeles: In the late 1970s, Justin moved back to Los Angeles and lived at the Jonathan Club downtown. He accepted a job at Union Bank and looked forward to his new position. He enjoyed his career in international banking and had no intention of leaving the banking industry. While in Los Angeles he was working through plans to own a winery. The questions were where? When? Do I need a partner, or can I do this alone?

Wine Business Education from Mike Robbins: Mike was the developer of the Alcoa Tower in Century City, California, also known as the “back lot” of Fox Studios since 1928. Mike was known for his real estate expertise. As his investments grew in value, Mike decided to purchase an old Victorian mansion built in 1876 just north of St. Helena in the Napa Valley. Mike restored the house and planted vines in an old vineyard that the original owner had planted. By 1968 Mike was producing his own wine, made at other wineries. As wine sales rose, Mike took the next step and bonded his own winery, known as Spring Mountain. Mike hired Chuck Ortman (now a resident of San Luis Obispo County) as his winemaker. Chuck, who is affectionately known as “Mr. Chardonnay,” produced high-quality Chardonnays and Cabernets. In 1974, Mike decided to expand and bought Tiburcio Parrot’s historic estate, Miravalle, on Spring Mountain. In 1976 Mike built a 100,000-gallon winery behind Miravalle. If you were a fan of the television series, Falcon Crest (1971), you know Miravalle became famous because the television series was filmed there. There was a sad ending for Miravalle. The quality of the wines began to decline as Mike’s debts rose; he filed for bankruptcy in 1990. Justin realized how important a business background and strategic planning are to success in the wine business. Managing the level of debt is crucial to running a successful winery.

Wine Business Education from Michael Bernstein: Michael founded Mount Veeder Winery in 1972. Justin loved their table wines, including the Zinfandel. Michael convinced Justin to buy the winery, and they entered into escrow. The deal was not completed; Justin backed out. He wasn’t ready. Michael operated Mount Veeder until 1983, when he sold it to Henry Matheson.

Wine Investment Education – Glen Ellen Winery: Justin met the Bruno Benziger family at a wedding in Malibu. In 1980, Bruno and his family founded the Glen Ellen Winery on the lower slope of Sonoma Mountain. The conversation turned to wine and the Glen Ellen Winery. As the friendship grew, they described the investment and asked Justin to be a partner. Justin was interested as he learned more about the winery, but he did not invest. Justin realized that he wanted to be in control of his own vineyards, wines, and business. He had all the skills to succeed. And Justin had his own dream.

Wine Mentor – Stanley Hoffman: Justin had friends whose parents were returning to Atascadero to live. They invited Justin to come for a visit. His trip to visit the family provided Justin with a very important resource that made it possible to consider planting his own vineyards and establishing a winery on the property. Justin had the opportunity to meet Stanley Hoffman, founder of HMR, and learn about his experiences in planting vines and establishing his own winery after years of learning about wine. When he was ready to establish his own winery, Stanley hired André Tchellistcheff as a consulting enologist on the design and construction of his new winery. André (1901 – 1994) is remembered as America’s most important and scientific winemaker starting in 1938; he emigrated to California to work at the Beaulieu Vineyard in Napa Valley. His contribution to California Wine History was crafting a style for high-quality California Cabernet Sauvignon. He was also an expert on vineyard frost protection, cold fermentation, malolactic fermentation, and technology. André mentored Stanley’s winemaker, his son Michael. Stanley discussed soil types and the climate in the Adelaida hills with Justin. He shared his knowledge accumulated from Jack Foott, the UC Agricultural advisor who encouraged Stanley to plant a number of grape varieties at a higher and more remote location. Stanley had recently won the first International Award for Paso Robles wines. Years later Justin would pass his knowledge to Bob Haas.

Decision Making: Justin liked the area in San Luis Obispo County and the proximity to Los Angeles. He engaged a real estate broker who found the land on Chimney Rock Road (originally named Lime Kiln Road) 15 miles west of Paso Robles. The area is called Adelaida (perhaps named after the daughter of a Spanish landholder). The land had been farmed by generations of Mennonites using dry farming techniques. Almonds, walnuts, barley, and safflower crops were grown there. Justin made the decision to purchase the 160 acres and plant his first vineyard in 1981. His business plan was to keep his job at Union Bank and come up to Paso Robles on the weekends to clear the land and plant his vineyards. It was a three-hour drive. Justin explained, “I want to do something different. I wanted to be the new kid on the block and not just rubber stamp what someone had done next to me that previously someone had done next to them.”

A Dream Is Realized – JUSTIN Vineyards

Justin was the first to design and plant a vineyard on West Chimney Rock Road.

It was in a very remote area but not far from the California coast. Justin introduced himself to his neighbors and suggested they consider planting their own grapevines. Artist Gary Conway, who sold the 160 acres to Justin, declined at that moment but eventually planted his own vineyards in 1985, built a sustainable straw bale building to house his own winery, and planted hundreds of landscapes immortalizing them. The MacGillivray family declined and continued farming and grazing cattle. Today, their land is occupied by Halter Ranch Winery and their vineyards.

Justin made a series of wise business decisions that introduced a new level of expertise for designing and planting a local vineyard. In 1981, there were very few people working as vineyard consultants or technical experts in San Luis Obispo County, and it was very difficult to hire those available in Napa or Sonoma to come to Paso Robles. Stanley Hoffman referred Justin to Dale Hampton. Dale started the process but was too busy to continue. Justin then hired Jim and Triana Smoot as his consultants.

Jim added a surveyor to the team and advised Justin to hire Juan Narvez to plant the vineyard. Each vine was planted on its own rootstock by hand. At the time, the climate in this remote area produced 52 inches of rain in 1981. The 60-acre vineyard, known as Founder’s Vineyard, was laid out 7’ by 12’ with 200 feet of rope, which were knotted every 7 feet with a plastic knife in the knot.

Justin bought a tractor. He attached an auger and drilled holes for his vines. Over the years, Justin planted two additional vineyards on his property. The DeBro Vineyard and the Estate Vineyard.

The Bordeaux varieties planted included Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. They later added Orange Muscat, Syrah, Roussanne, and Tempranillo. Zinfandel was planted extensively in the early years of establishing vineyards in the 1870s and Justin planted it also.

The vines were sourced from three growers and planted on their native rootstock. The largest was Sunridge Nursery, established in 1977 in Bakersfield. They have a thought-provoking quote on their website: “A vineyard is something that does not go away. It’s like a monument. After you plant it, you have to look at it for 20, maybe 30 years or so. A grower may just plant one vineyard in his lifetime.”

Justin also bought cuttings from a local source, Fairview Farms.

The Foundation Plant Services at UC Davis was another important resource. It was established in 1958. Earlier in the 1950s there were severe virus problems in California vineyards. The University of California and the USDA scientists worked together to develop methods for grape virus detection and the treating and elimination of these viruses. The Foundation is the only dedicated grape importation facility in the United States.

Grapes Grown 1981 To 2010

Cabernet Sauvignon

Chardonnay

Sauvignon Blanc

Viognier

Orange Muscat

Merlot

Cabernet Franc

Syrah

Nebbiolo

Port (style)

JUSTIFICATION (right bank)

ISOSCELES (left bank)

Winemakers 1984 To 2010

Justin Baldwin

Chris Johnson (consultant)

Tim Spear (UC Davis)

Tom Westberg (consultant)

Steve Glosner (Cornell)

Jeff Branco (University Bordeaux)

Fred Holloway (Fresno State)

1981 – Edna Valley Vineyard and Winery Making History Simultaneously

The demand for Chalone’s Chardonnay was so great that Chalone’s vineyards in Monterey County could not supply all the grapes needed. The winery owner, Dick Graff, discovered new sources of premium Chardonnay grapes in the Edna Valley, just south of the city of San Luis Obispo. The growers were John and Catherine Niven, who planted their Paragon Vineyards in 1972.

Chalone Winery and Paragon Vineyard partnered to build the first winery in the Edna Valley in 1981. The name of the new winery was Edna Valley Vineyard. The winery was equipped with state-of-the-art winemaking technology, a scientific laboratory, a bottling room, and an underground concrete cave for barrel aging. It was a replica of the Chalone Winery founded by Dick Graff and Phil Woodward. Paragon Vineyard supplied the grapes and Dick Graff made the wine at the new winery. This brought a lot of attention to quality vineyards in San Luis Obispo County at the same time Justin was purchasing land to plant his vineyards in an area where Bordeaux varieties would thrive.

The Focus Is On The Fruit

Professor Thomas J. Rice visited the vineyards in 2005 and describes the focus in the vineyards, “is getting the fruit to ripen to the levels that Holloway and Sass feel are correct, not just by the numbers. They hone in on the physical maturity of skins, seeds, and juice, not just chemical maturity. Their growers and their estate vines are meticulously managed…..complicated canopy management, green harvest, and strict bunch triage before and during harvest all play a part. The growers are invited every year to a blind tasting of the wines from the fruit, with ranking done before they know who produced what. That alone is going to get the attention of any serious vigneron. Fred Holloway says he does not do most of the talking at these events. The growers are constantly piping up about how they can grow better fruit, and the results are in the bottle.”

Wine Making – The Best Is Yet To Come

Justin wanted to create Bordeaux-style blends. His exposure to wines created by Chateau Margaux and the “Left Bank” Bordeaux wines inspired him to make these wines with the grapes grown in his own terroir.

Justin built his winery in 1985, which was an easier task than hiring a well-known winemaker to work and live in Paso Robles. Justin found it was almost impossible to hire a winemaker with expertise on Bordeaux wines and convince him to move to Paso Robles, which was well known for premium grapes but not for fine wine at the time.

Justin had planted the grapes to make Bordeaux-style wines; he decided to make these wines with consultants advising him. Justin hired Chris Johnson as his first consultant for winemaking. 1984 was his first vintage.

That vintage, 1984, dramatically changed Justin’s private world and the landscape in Paso Robles. Justin has often said, “Quality trumps everything.”

The 1984 Justine Reserve Wine won the Sweepstakes Award at the Los Angeles County Fair in 1988.

Justin created the ISOSCELES label as tribute to the “left Bank” Bordeaux wines in France.

Justin transitioned from the Investment Banking World, first working as a consultant in 1991. He developed a series of business plans to expand this winery and staff to focus on expanding his International reputation as a first-class producer and destination winery. He developed plans for distributing his wine and for marketing it nationally and internationally.

On the personal side, Justin married in 1990. Deborah and Justin moved to Paso Robles in 1992, built a home, and welcomed two sons into the world. Their partnership was both business and personal. Together, they developed JUSTIN Vineyards and Winery into a destination for travelers and wine lovers. It included a restaurant on site which now boasts a Michelin Star, a romantic French Inn, three world famous vineyards, the winery, an active wine club, the Wine Caves, and the elegant ISOSCELES Center for special events with their marketing extraordinaire.

Justin hired Steve Glossner as his first full-time winemaker in 1994. Steve moved to SLO County in 1993, with the focus and experience needed to make world-class wines. Steve was familiar with the excellent wines made in the Edna Valley. Steve had a friend who worked at the award-winning Chalone Winery in Monterey County. Chalone’s 1974 Chardonnay won worldwide recognition in the 1976 Paris tasting.

The 1994 ISOSCELES wins the Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande trophy for Best Blended Red Wine Worldwide at the London International Wine and Spirit Competition in 1997. The ISOSCELES Award brings worldwide attention to JUSTIN Vineyards and Winery but also to Paso Robles and California winemakers. Justin works with Paso Robles winemakers\, friends, and neighbors to market the area as a destination.

In the same year, CalPoly Professor and geologist, Thomas J. Rice discovered the unusual soils in Justin Vineyards and neighboring Carmody McKnight Vineyards and began analyzing the soils and found them fascinating as well as very unusual.

In 1998 legend has it that Justin built the small auberge style hotel adjacent to the vineyards without a building permit with two friends. It is known as JUST INN. It provides a luxurious place of rest and beauty with fine food just a few steps away. The concept was new – stay at one winery for a few days rather than drive from tasting room to tasting room on narrow, winding roads.

The year 2000 brings enormous changes and visibility. Wine Spectator ranks Justin’s 1997 ISOSCELES as the 6th best wine in the top 100 wines in the World. Justin’s wines are internationally known, elevating Justin’s status and highlighting Paso Robles vineyards and wines. ISOSCELES is found on wine lists around the world and is celebrated as one of the most “poured wines by the glass” in restaurants located in the United States. Justin is in demand, often traveling, promoting Paso Robles and JUSTIN wines around the world. Deborah focused on marketing in the Paso Robles area and managed the JUST INN. Justin became the wine ambassador for JUSTIN Vineyards and Winery and Paso Robles AVA. He continues to serve the industry in this role today.

The staffing of the winery expands in the year 2000. Ken Sass joins Justin as an intern and is promoted to Associate Winemaker and Grower Relations Manager in 2002. Fred Holloway becomes the Winemaker in 2003 and the Wine Caves are completed for aging the wines. Matt Trevisan worked as a cellar rat for two years before rising to the position of Assistant Winemaker. The Wine Club expands, and the elegant ISOSCELES Center is completed – a location for wine dinners, special events, and wine club members. The focus was always on the fruit with traditional methods – cold soaking the reds, extended maceration, new French oak barrels, minimal fining and filtration, and bottle aging.

Justin produced dessert wines that received acclaim. Deborah’s Delight is made from Orange Muscat, fortified and aged in stainless. The Obtuse becomes a great favorite, a fortified Port-style wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon with Portuguese varieties.

In the year 2009, JUSTIN Vineyards and Winery produced 50,000 cases. The accolades kept coming. JUSTIN Vineyards and Winery produced the Cabernet Sauvignon that was the 9th most poured wine in the country according to Wine and Spirits Magazine.

The Wine Awards received are too numerous to list in one place. The most memorable include:

LA County Fair Grand Sweepstakes
SF Chronicle Best of Class/Best of Show
London IWC World’s Best Blended Wine
Wine Spectator #6 Wine of the Year
Decanter 4 Stars
Restaurant Wine 3 Forks
Connoisseurs Guide 3 Puffs
Wine and Spirits Top 10 Most Popular Restaurant Wines
Hundreds of Gold, Double Gold, and 90+ ratings

The Next Chapter Of JUSTINS Vineyards And Winery – Justin Baldwin Becomes The “Ambassador.”

On December 6th, 2010, Justin Winery and all assets of the business, including 82 acres of award-winning grapes, the winery, the tasting room, the restaurant, and the bed and breakfast is sold to Roll International Corporation, later rebranded as The Wonderful Corporation. The sales price was in the range of $21 million for the winery and its properties, according to the San Luis Obispo County Auditor Controllers Office.

However, wine and Justin are paired forever. He continues his role as both Founder and Ambassador of JUSTIN Vineyards and Winery. He has hosted and attended hundreds of wine events around the world, starting in 2010 and continuing. He educates and advocates for the wine industry and for Paso Robles.

Justin realized his dream with more acclaim and success than he could ever have imagined. As a wise entrepreneur and businessman, he moved on at the pinnacle of his success.

The most important marketing decision he made was to focus on becoming internationally known for his wines. Justin was passionate about winemaking. His focus was to be the #1 in quality, locally, nationally, and internationally. Justin had both the high-quality product and the business experience to achieve his goals. He decided to focus on developing a network of over 100 wholesalers, which requires a large production. His wines are known all over the world.

Justin’s thoughts on friendships include this conversation: “I have too many friendships to list here. I have enjoyed working with fellow vintners in growing respect for our wines, members of the community expanding awareness of the area, and all those with whom I have been fortunate to share my life’s passion. I take pride in the many former JUSTIN team members who went on to establish their own brands, services, and contributions to the appellation. I like to think I passed on some industry skills, but take more satisfaction knowing they share my passion for excellence, willingness to give back and respect for our community.”

Personal Awards And Recognition Received By Justin Include:

Robert M Parker Jr. Wine Hero of the Year and Star of Paso Robles
James Beard Foundation Great American Winemaker Award
Quarterly Review of Wine Top 3 Cabernet Producers of the Year
PRVGA Wine Industry Person of the Year
Commandeur L’Ordre du Bontemps du Medoc
Forbes Paso Pioneer

Final Comments From The Wine History Project

Justin and Deborah went their separate ways to pursue their individual passions, investments, and interests.
Justin formed lasting friendships in San Luis Obispo County. There are too many to list, but a few of the legendary winemakers include Gary Eberle, Ken Volk, John Munch, Pebble Smith, Chris Johnson, and Steve Kissler. Doug Beckett. Jerry Lohr, Tom Martin, Archie McLaren, and Jim Clendenen.
Justin served on the Wine Institute Board for 12 years.
In 2014, Wine Enthusiast honored Paso Robles as the Wine Region of the Year.
In 2016, Wine Enthusiast honored Justin Vineyards and Winery as the American Winery of the Year.
Justin has always had other passions, including art and music. He built a beautiful collection of paintings and sculptures, many of which are displayed at his home in the California desert. He remarried and resides in Oregon.

Timeline:

1977: Justin reads the Hugh Johnson’s World Atlas of Wine from cover to cover while spending a weekend in Mendocino. He continues to educate himself by reading, taking classes, attending tasting events, and developing relationships with top winemakers and chefs around the world.

1981: Justin purchases 160 acres of land on Chimney Rock Road from actor Gary Conway and his wife, Marian, through a real estate broker.

1981: Justin is mentored by Stanley Hoffman, who explains soils and climate in the Adelaida area. Stanley recommends using consultants for viticulture and winemaking. Justin hires Dale Hampton, Jim Smoot, and Triana Smoot, consultants to assist him in designing and planting the vineyards with Bordeaux grape varieties.

1981: Justin purchases a tractor and clears the land. Juan Narvez is hired to plant the vineyard by hand. Vines are purchased on their own rootstock from Sunridge Nursery, Fairview Farms and Plant Services Foundation.

1983: The Paso Robles AVA is approved.

1984: Justin and John Munch made champagne in 1984 with the help of Pebble Smith. They crushed the grapes in a little basket press.

1984: The Central Coast Wine Classic including founders KCBX, Archie McLaren and Larry Shupnick were supported by Justin from 1984 to the last event in August 2017. His contributions to the Central Coast Wine Classic include serving as an Advisory Board member, a consistent active participant, presenter and auction lot provider each year. Justin introduced and cultivated attendees nationwide and internationally

1984: First harvest in the Justin Vineyard and first winemaking by Justin with the help of consultant, Chris Johnson.

1985: Justin supervises the building of the Justin Winery on Chimney Rock Road.

1987: Most of the wines produced are now estate bottled.

1988: Justin Reserved Wine receives the Sweepstakes Award at the Los Angeles State Fair. Justin is a pioneer in producing Bordeaux-style blends from his estate vineyards on the California Central Coast.

1988: Justine creates the new label ISOSCELES as a tribute to the Left Bank Bordeaux wines. He formulates his marketing strategy to make his wines known as among the best in the world and receive international recognition.

1988: He also develops plans to elevate the name and quality of all wines produced in Paso Robles AVA.

1990: Justin and Deborah Baldwin are married.

1990: Justin creates a new marketing image for Paso Robles.– hot chefs and hot wine spots. The event is called a Winemaker’s dinner. The purpose is to educate the public about Paso Robles as a region and to introduce Justin Wines, as the finest in the region, perhaps the world. One of the first dinners included five top chefs from Hawaii. Justin estimates that he moderated 100 wine dinners over a 25-year period.

1991: Justin resigns from Union Bank and transitions through a number of consulting jobs to working at his winery full time. Justin develops a new concept in Paso Robles, the destination winery with food and lodging for guests in a county setting. The plan is to create a restaurant serving fine cuisine made by a “hot” chef at lunch and dinner. Justin wines would be paired with each course. Wines could be tasted separately in the Tasting Room.

1992: Deborah and Justin Baldwin move to Paso Robles.

1992: The restaurant, Deborah’s Room, opens at the winery. It is enjoyed by guests and locals alike. Chefs are hired to create extraordinary food.

1993: Winemaker Steve Glossner moves to Paso Robles.

1994: Winemaker Steve Glossner is hired at Justin Winery as head winemaker. Matt Trevisan works at the winery and is promoted to Assistant Winemaker.

1997: The 1994 ISOSCELES wins the Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande trophy for Best Blended Red Wine Worldwide at the London International Wine and Spirit Competition. The ISOSCELES Award puts Paso Robles on the map. Justin works with Paso Robles winemakers to market the area as a destination

1997: A comprehensive vineyard study for Justin Vineyards and the neighboring Carmody McKnight Vineyards, owned by Gary and Marian Conway, begins. The soil in both vineyards is extraordinary and rare.

1998: The lodging for guests opens at JUSTIN Vineyards and Winery under the clever name of Just Inn. The small auberge type inn adjacent to the vineyards provides a luxurious and unique place for guests to enjoy their visit with wines and fine food just a few steps away at the restaurant.

2000: Wine Spectator ranks Justin’s 1997 ISOSCELES as the 6th best wine in the top 100 wines in the World. His wines are internationally known, elevating Justin’s status and highlighting Paso Robles vineyards and wines. ISOSCELES is found on wine lists around the world and is celebrated as one of the most poured wines by the glass in restaurants located in the United States.

2000: Ken Sass joins Justin as an intern.

2002: Ken Sass is promoted to Associate Winemaker and Grower Relations Manager.

2003: Fred Holloway becomes the Director of Winemaking. Ken assumes responsibility for winemaking, and Matt takes the role of Assistant Winemaker.

2003: Wine Caves are completed for aging Justin wines.

2006: The ISOSCELES Center is completed – a location for wine dinners, special events, and wine club members.

2009: JUSTIN Vineyards and Winery produced 50,000 cases.

2009: JUSTIN Vineyards and Winery produced the Cabernet Sauvignon that was the 9th most poured wine in the country according to Wine and Spirits Magazine.

2010: On December 6th, 2010, Justin Winery and all assets of the business, including 82 acres of award-winning grapes, the winery, the tasting room, the restaurant, and the bed and breakfast, are sold to Roll International Corporation, later rebranded as The Wonderful Corporation. The sales price was in the range of $21 million for the winery and its properties, according to the San Luis Obispo County Auditor Controllers Office.

2014: Wine Enthusiast honored Paso Robles as the Wine Region of the Year.

2016: Wine Enthusiast honored Justin Vineyards and Winery as the American Winery of the Year.

Legend Of Justin Baldwin

Creating A Vineyard And Producing World-Famous Award-Winning Wines
Changed The History Of San Luis Obispo County