Happenings

JUSTIN Harvest Hard Body Fitness Competition

Congratulations to the winners of the 2009 JUSTIN Harvest Hard Body Fitness Competition, Mike Giese and Susan Graham!

The JUSTIN Harvest Hard Body Fitness Competition is held every year at JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery. All wineries in the Paso Robles appellations who produced wine under their own bonded winery number in the current vintage are eligible to compete. Each winery can enter a maximum of two men and two women. There will be one female and one male winner, winners receive $500!!!

Check back during Harvest 2010 for more details about the next competition!

Pictured from left to right: Debby Baldwin, winner Mike Giese, JUST Fit Gym Trainer Rich Pollock, winner Susan Graham, and Justin Baldwin.

Grower of the Year

It all starts in the vineyard. The recognition we place on the recipient of this award demonstrates what it takes to grow the quality fruit needed to produce JUSTIN wines. It takes tremendous sacrifices, hard work and long hours to make it happen. Our growers are dedicated to producing the highest quality fruit and work closely in achieving our objectives with JUSTIN Grower Relations Manager, Paul Kaselionis. Some of our growers would argue its easier dealing with Mother Nature but together Paul and our grower team make an unbeatable combination.

For 2009 we are proud to recognize Bill Kesselring, KVCS Inc., as our Grower of the year.

“In recognition of our relationship and his outstanding execution of quality vineyard practices JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery is pleased to acknowledge Bill Kesselring, KVCS Inc., 2009 Grower of the Year.”

Distributor of the Year

The Country Vintner

Our association with most of our wholesalers date back for years. Over that time we develop an appreciation for each other and the teamwork necessary for us to each be successful. The key to achieving our mutual objectives is working together. Understanding goals and executing plans doesn’t just happen. When it does happen everyone is a winner. In 2009 The Country Vintner demonstrated beyond any doubt that they can make it happen for JUSTIN. They seamlessly exceeded all goals and established new levels of distribution and effort for JUSTIN.

Accordingly, we are proud to recognize Laura Taffe and the entire team of The Country Vintner for their tireless and well executed efforts in 2009. Way to go!

“Having exceeded all expectations in embracing and promoting our merits and virtues and exemplifying the highest possible spirit of cooperation in support of the attainment of our objectives and excellence JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery is honored to designate
The Country Vintner, JUSTIN Distributor of the Year 2009.”

Big Kahuna of the Year

Stephen Greenwood

In honor of our first recipient of this award being a Hawaiian native it was given the title of "Big Kahuna". Each year it is awarded to that individual who most captures the spirit of JUSTIN in representing our wines. Past recipients have included retailers, wholesalers and sommeliers.

For 2009, we are proud to single out the efforts of Stephen Greenwood. His tireless energy and market savvy resulted in major advancements for JUSTIN in Upstate New York, Connecticut and Maine. Stephen works with our marketing company, The San Francisco Wine Exchange.

Thank you Stephen.

“In recognition of his exemplary performance in executing our vision and supporting our goals and objectives while maintaining high standards, being inclusive in action and being and having fun JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery is privileged to honor Stephen Greenwood as the 2009 BIG KAHUNA."

Employee of the Year

Raul Sanchez, Shipping Supervisor & Fred Holloway, Vice President, Director of Production & Winemaking

Our most important resource is not our grapes but our employees. As a team we strive to accomplish our mission statement. No single position at JUSTIN is more important than another but each year an employee stands out for their beyond the call of duty performance. In 2009, we had two exceptional employees who deserved this honor and it is with pride that we announce Raul Sanchez and Fred Holloway as recipients of the Employee of the Year award.

Raul began his career at JUSTIN as a harvest intern and gradually worked his way up into the Warehouse Supervisor position he holds today. In 2009, Raul’s workload increased substantially as he facilitated the move into our new warehouse building in Paso Robles. In addition to maintaining the warehouse, processing daily shipments, and performing essential tasks during wine club shipments and bottling, Raul also took on the responsibility of filling wholesale orders. Even with the added workload, Raul has continued to deliver high quality work with an exceptionally positive attitude. It is his attitude and strong work ethic that make Raul such an asset to the JUSTIN team.

For nearly 30 years, Fred Holloway has been making wine. In 2008, Fred implemented a new, state-of-the-art Mistral sorting system. It did the job well, but was slow. After the 2008 harvest, Fred took the initiative to develop his own sorting system based on how far a ripe berry could fly. His tireless efforts in designing the new sorting system paid off with the 2009 harvest, as his new sorting system reduced time spent sorting berries by more than 50% over 2008. Fred is a past recipient of the Employee of the Year Award, but that does not prevent him from attaining this honor yet again. It is his dedication to winemaking and pursuit of excellence and efficiency that make him such an exceptional part of the JUSTIN team.

It is with gratitude that we recognize Raul Sanchez and Fred Holloway as JUSTIN 2009 Employees of the Year for their exemplary & tireless contributions to the success of JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery.

Lifetime Wine Achievement Award

Frederick L. Dame

After more than a quarter of a century producing wine we have been fortunate to know many of our leaders in the wine industry. In an attempt to recognize their contributions and the guidance they provide we created the Deborah & Justin Baldwin Lifetime Achievement Award. Past recipients have been active at all levels of the wine industry, ranging from finance to winemaking. They are all true professionals and we are honored to know them. They have each made a difference and we are proud to acknowledge them.

In 2009, the Justin & Deborah Baldwin Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Frederick L. Dame, Master Sommelier.

"His unassuming manner, his vast knowledge and his unbridled generosity have earned him the respect of his peers and all those fortunate to know him.

He is a true wine industry original!

His innovative ways have Heightened wine knowledge, enjoyment and service at every level of our industry. His tireless effort in championing the education, development and preparation of countless wine industry personnel has significantly advanced our profession.

His spirit, guidance and unselfish dedication are an inspiration to all"