JUSTIN Food & Wine Blog

Happy Holidays from JUSTIN!

  

We’re getting into the holiday spirit here at JUSTIN, and for me, that means shopping! In fact, I was able to find a gift for everyone on my list just by browsing our tasting room…

The Wino

This one is easy – JUSTIN wines make the perfect gift for everyone! For the beginning wine drinker, choose your favorite varietal and a JUSTIN logo glass. Use ribbon to tie one of our Sommelier Corkscrews to the bottle, and your novice is ready to go! For the more seasoned drinker, we offer several holiday three-packs. From ISOSCELES verticals to “The Art of Blending” (SAVANT, JUSTIFICATION, and ISOSCELES), there is a three-pack for all tastes…and the best part is they’re all ready to gift in a wooden JUSTIN wine box.

 

The Foodie

We have a huge selection of jams, local olive oils, balsamic vinegar, fine cheeses, crackers, baking mixes, chocolate, even cuttlefish ink pasta  – and you know if it’s JUSTIN, it’s top-shelf! From the most beautiful embroidered napkins to salt pigs and salad servers, let our staff help you pick out the perfect fixin’s for a classic holiday gift basket.

The Outdoorsy One

 
It may be chilly now, but come summertime the outdoorsy one on your list will love grilling up a storm over our JUST Grilling Chips (French oak, wine-infused chips made from barrels that used to hold JUSTIN Wine). While grilling, be sure to keep the sun off your face with a JUSTIN Logo hat.

The Pup

Here at JUSTIN, we are big dog people…and we know your pup is just as spoiled as ours are! We carry locally-made dog treats, JUSTIN Wine Dog Society collars, leashes, and sweatshirts, and of course the book Wine Dogs 2, featuring our own wine dogs, Sunny and Francios.

The One Who Has Everything

For some people (or that special someone!) only the best will do. The JUSTIN Experience Package includes two nights at the JUST Inn, a wine paired dinner for two in Deborah’s Room, en suite couple’s massage, access to personal trainer and spa facilities, and a private educational tour and barrel tasting. $1450/$1160 Wine Socitey; call 805-238-6932 x 3223 for availability.

 
For even more ideas, flip through our official holiday catalogue. To order, visit the tasting room or call the Wine Society at 805-591-3200.

Happy Holidays from Our Family to Yours!

What is your most memorable JUSTIN Moment?

 
Have you always dreamed of spending a night in the lap of luxury at the JUST Inn? What about savoring a five-course meal at our critically acclaimed Deborah’s Room fine dining restaurant alongside Justin and Deborah Baldwin, or attending a private barrel tasting with one of our Certified Sommeliers? If you have the best JUSTIN story, you have the chance to win all of the above!

Here at JUSTIN, we are always receiving letters and photos from our loyal fan base....like George Sheth, who rented out the entire JUST Inn for a family reunion (that's him and his family above, with Justin and Debby Baldwin). We love hearing your JUSTIN Moments, and we think the rest of the world should get to hear them, too…so we are hosting a JUSTIN Moments contest!

There are just four easy steps to enter:

1. Visit our Facebook Page (http://facebook.com/JUSTINwinery) and “Like” us!  You must be a fan to upload your picture or video.
2. Reflect upon your most memorable JUSTIN moment. Maybe you served JUSTIN at your wedding and toasted with ISOSCELES on your anniversary, or perhaps the JUSTIN Times was your reading material on your way to Bordeaux, with a bottle of JUSTIN as your traveling companion.
3. Upload a photo or video, along with a story describing your JUSTIN Moment.
4. Vote! The JUSTIN team will choose our five favorite Moments, and it will be up to our Facebook Friends to choose the winner.

The Moment with the most votes wins! The winning Moment will be featured on our Facebook page, Blog, Twitter, and website, and will be published in the 2011 Spring JUSTIN Times. 

Click here to see the entries we have received so far – there are some GREAT stories!

The deadline to submit your “most memorable JUSTIN moment” is January 31, 2011. 

 

 

 

Deborah's Room Fall 2010 Menu

The menu at Deborah’s Room, the fine dining restaurant at JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, changes with the season. Our meats, veggies, fish, and fromage are made, raised, or purchased locally whenever possible, making for an always-new delight. When I’m lucky, I get to taste items off of Chef Will’s menu – after all, it’s important to be able to tell potential dinner party guests about each dish (it’s a tough job…)! Here are some of my favorites from the Fall 2010 menu.

 

Heirloom Butternut Soup, with Rye, Sage, and Whipped Maple. Chef Will uses “secretive Chef chemistry” to whip maple syrup into a foam that doesn’t dissolve – and squash, rye crumbs, and sage are a classic autumn pairing.  The soup goes perfectly with JUSTIN 2009 Chardonnay.

I’m a huge fan of Pier 46, where Chef Will buys his fish. My favorite fish on the Fall menu is the Local Seabass with Potato confit. All of the great flavor and texture of Chilean sea bass, but it’s local and much more sustainable! Chef Will’s Seabass pairs with JUSTIN 2008 Reserve Tempranillo.

 

Chef Will’s Chocolate Pot de Crème is served in an adorable mini Bell jar. The whipped birch cream on top leaves a tingle on the tongue like that of root beer; a surprising sensation. The chocolate perfectly complements our port wine, JUSTIN 2009 OBTUSE.

Click here to see the complete menu. The Fall 2010 Menu will only be around until December 16, so make sure to come see us before then! To make a reservation for lunch or dinner, please visit Open Table, call 805-238-6932 ex. 3224 or e-mail innkeeper@JUSTINwine.com.