Happenings
JUSTIN Harvest Hard Body Fitness Competition
Congratulations to the winners of the 2008 JUSTIN Harvest Hard Body Fitness Competition, Raul Sanchez and Dinah Lundbeck!
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 2009 for more details about the next competition!
Pictured from left to right: Debby Baldwin, winner Raul Sanchez, JUST Fit Gym Trainer Rich Pollock, winner Dinah Lundbeck, 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 2008 we are proud to recognize Vineyard Professional Services, 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 Vineyard Professional Services, 2008 Grower of the Year.”
Distributor of the Year
TIE! - Frederick Wildman, NY & NJ and Unique Wine Company, WA
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 2008 Frederick Wildman, NY & NJ and Unique Wine Company, WA 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 the management and the entire teams of Frederick Wildman and Unique Wine Company for their tireless and well executed efforts in 2008. 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
Frederick Wildman, NY & NJ and Unique Wine Company, WA, JUSTIN Wholesalers of the Year 2008.”
Big Kahuna of the Year
Brian Patterson
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 2008, we are proud to single out the efforts of Brian Patterson. His tireless energy and market savvy resulted in major advancements for JUSTIN in the Northwest Region. Brian works with our marketing company, The San Francisco Wine Exchange.
Thank you Brian.
“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 Brian Patterson as the 2008 BIG KAHUNA."
Employee of the Year
Paul Kaselionis, Grower Relations Manager
Our most important resource is not our grapes but our employees. As a team we strive to accomplish our mission statement. No single position in JUSTIN is more important than another but each year one employee stands out for their beyond the call of duty performance.
In 2008 Paul Kaselionis was honored as our JUSTIN Employee of the Year. Paul came to us mid-way through 2008 to one of the most challenging harvests we've experienced to date. His perserverance and dedication stunned us all, and produced excellent results. Paul was able to overcome a number of obstacles in his first year at JUSTIN and we're proud to recognize his efforts by naming him employee of the year for 2008. We are proud of you!!!!
“It is with gratitude that we recognize Paul Kaselionis as the JUSTIN 2008 Employee of the Year for his exemplary & tireless contributions to the success of JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery.”
Justin & Deborah Baldwin
Gerald A. Hirsch
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 2008, the Justin & Deborah Baldwin Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded posthumusly to Gerald Hirsch, founder of Heritage Wine Cellars, our IL distributor. The award was accepted by Jerry's son, Steven Hirsch.
"His unassuming manner, his vast knowledge and his generosity earned him the respect of his peers. He was a true industry pioneer. He brought innovative ways and wines to the forefront of our business, championed education and passionately developed the preparation and advancement of countless wine industry personnel. His spirit, guidance and unselfish dedication were an inspiration to all."