“One sip of first growth Bordeaux and I knew I had to make my own. The rewards of pioneering are greater than the risks.”–Justin Baldwin

Vintage Albuquerque salutes the achievements of Justin and Deborah Baldwin who founded Justin Vineyards & Winery in 1981. They were motivated by a desire to produce world-class wines reflecting the unique soils and climate of their 160-acre central coast property located in California’s Paso Robles appellation.

Making wine is a family operation for these former investment and mortgage bankers. They live at the vineyard with their children Evan and Morgane, and dogs Sunny, Zamboni and Francois. In addition to the vineyards, winery and tasting room, the Baldwins own and operate the highly acclaimed country inn, The JUST Inn, and its intimate gourmet restaurant, Deborah's Room, also on the property. For more than a quarter century Justin and Deborah Baldwin have set the standard for quality in all that they do. Reflecting all their contributions, they have been named the Paso Robles Wine Industry persons of the year.

Justin Baldwin will serve as the Honorary Chair for the 17th edition of Vintage Albuquerque. He has been a pioneer of Bordeaux-style blends and single varietals that combine Old World tradition with New World techniques. Justin was the first to produce this style of wine on the Central Coast of California, and he is today recognized as a world leader in the category. The Winery’s prime focus is on a “left bank” Bordeaux style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, named Isosceles. Justification consisting of Merlot and Cabernet Franc is its “right bank” cousin. Varietal bottlings include Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah and lesser amounts of Tempranillo, Zinfandel, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Port, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

Justin is an active participant in the broader world of wine, serving as a frequent panelist at prominent food and wine events worldwide and on the boards of the Family Winemakers of California, the Wine Institute and the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, among others. His wine-industry leadership has garnered broad recognition: the coveted Pichon Lalande trophy for "World's Best Blended Red Wine," a listing on the Wine Spectator’s Top 10 Wines of the World, designation by Robert M. Parker, Jr. as one of his "Wine Heroes of the Year" and the "Great American Winemaker Award" of the James Beard Foundation. Justin’s fame extends beyond the shores of North America to France where has been recognized as a Commandeur d’ Honneur De L’Ordre Du Bontemps Du Medoc.