Wineries

Wineries

John Alan Winery

wine splashing in the glass - Pixabay

The Fords are renowned for their passion for family, friends, travel, and, of course, wine. John and his wife, Kimiko, have journeyed extensively throughout California, often favoring cozy bed-and-breakfast inns as they explore the local wine scene. With a degree in geology, John’s fascination with science and soil laid the groundwork for his deep interest in the history and technology of winemaking. As their appreciation for wine blossomed, John and Kimiko shared their enthusiasm with family and friends, who became regular companions on wine excursions to Northern and Central California.

By the early 1980s, John and Kimiko began dreaming of creating their own estate winery destination, complete with an elegant Tuscan-style bed-and-breakfast inn. This vision soon attracted the involvement of John’s brothers, Steve and Lance, who also embraced the dream. Captivated by the stunning landscapes of the Central Coast, the brothers were drawn to the rapidly growing wine region.

In 1999, the Ford brothers took a significant step by purchasing a 24-acre parcel of land in Templeton, California, which would become Moss Lane Estates and John Alan Winery. This picturesque property now features an 11-acre vineyard and a beautiful cut flower garden, providing a serene setting for wine lovers seeking to immerse themselves in the rich viticultural heritage of the area.

For those exploring California’s wineries, John Alan Winery offers a unique experience that reflects the Fords’ love of wine, family, and the enchanting landscapes of the Central Coast.

John Anthony Vineyards

small bites and wine tasting - Pixabay

Quiet, nice little place by our hotel (Andaz Napa). Good place to go for a quick bite and maybe a little wine, nice since it's open late and convenient. Nice ambiance. Wine is spectacular. Not cheap, but you get what you pay for. Definitely check this place out if you are wondering around downtown Napa.

Jordan Estate Winery

corks and wine glass - Pixabay

The wines speak for themselves... The grounds, ambiance and staff are first class! Jordan only makes chardonnay, very French....not oaky or buttery like most California chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Both are quite good. They have also started pressing their own olive oil.

Joseph Swan Vineyards

rows of wine barrels - Pixabay

Mr. Swan makes some very nice California pinot noirs and zinfandels. Sure, this is not OPUS ONE facility-wise, but Rod makes great wine at more than fair prices. I appreciated their willingness to educate people and enjoyed their 07 Tannat.

Joyce Vineyards

ai generated grape cluster - Pixabay

The origins of Joyce Winery trace back to 1972, when Russell Joyce’s father, Francis, discovered the small rural town of Carmel Valley, California. Francis was searching for a place where he could establish both a dental practice and a race shop for his race cars, reflecting his professional racing career. The proximity to the renowned Laguna Seca Raceway and the rural charm of the area appealed to him, especially as a small-town farm boy from Wisconsin. After settling down and starting a family, Francis embarked on a new passion: winemaking. In 1986, he planted a small 5-acre vineyard around the family home, marking the beginning of Joyce Winery.

Russell Joyce, born in 1986, grew up immersed in vineyard work from a young age. His childhood involved tasks such as pulling weeds, hand-terracing vineyard rows, and pressing grapes in the small micro-winery on the property. This early exposure nurtured a passion for winemaking, even though he was unaware of it at the time. A self-taught winemaker, Russell dedicated his adult life to transforming Joyce Winery into a sustainable and thriving business, hoping to one day pass it on to his children. His work in produce and metal fabrication in the Salinas Valley helped support him financially, but his passion for winemaking remained unwavering.

The next chapter for Joyce Winery began with Russell and his father setting up a small production winery in an industrial building in the Salinas Valley, which operated from around 2006 to 2019. Facing space constraints, Russell and his wife Charlotte sought a rural property, vineyard, or winery to purchase and develop into a family estate. After several unsuccessful attempts, Russell found the old Ventana Winery in Soledad, California. Despite its dilapidated appearance, Russell saw potential in the site due to his familiarity with the Arroyo Seco AVA from years of fruit purchases. In 2020, a handshake deal was reached with the former Ventana Winery partners, marking a new chapter for Joyce Winery.

Russell has since revitalized the old winery and developed much of the surrounding barren land into a new organic vineyard. He has collaborated with the original Ventana Vineyard owners to plant new Gamay vines. All long-standing fruit contracts are with neighboring family-owned vineyards located within a 10-mile radius of the winery.

Judd's Hill

glasses of wine, wine bottle with chateau in background - Pixabay ai generated

The reds were all fantastic..I really was pleasantly surprised. Their tasting room has a large table that they invite you to sit at, or , you can go outside and sit at those smaller tables, if you choose to. Wines are fantastic and the people here are passionate, welcoming and knowledgeable. They host a number of fun events and perks for wine club members. They also are well known for their micro-batch wine making - come make your own wine from start to finish (blending, bottling, labeling) with the experts!

Juslyn Vineyards

wine and cheese - Pixabay

When British ex-patriots Perry and Carolyn Butler moved to California in 1982, they never dreamed they would own 42 acres of prime vineyard land in the heart of Napa Valley. They arrived in California as high-tech pioneers and founded their own computer company in the San Francisco Bay area. After routine 80-hour work weeks, the couple relaxed during weekend trips to Napa Valley, where they were bitten by the wine bug. Dreams of high-tech dominance soon turned to thoughts of returning to the land and grape growing. Our tasting included the 2006 Perry's Blend at $75, a blend that has more Merlot than Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2007 which has more Cabernet Sauvignon and sells for $80. The 2006 is 47% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, with only 665 cases produced. The 2007 is 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, with 672 cases produced. The 2007 was described by the winery as possessing a "tremendous aromas of flowers, blue, red and black fruits, graphite and forest floor" but both of us got an even better nose from the 2006. The 2006 was softer with cherry and chocolate on the palate and good but soft tannins. The 2007 was bigger with more tannin, but also very well balanced. Both wines were very drinkable now but should cellar well. I later shared a bottle of the 2006 with friends, and it was even better at home after being given some time to open up.

Justin Vineyards and Winery

corks and wine glass

NOTHING but the best to report to about JUSTIN. The Vineyard and Wine Tasting Room are very nice, almost like being in another country. Peaceful and serene. The wine tasting room is relatively new, I believe we were told they opened about 6 months ago (from their prior location). The room was modern, tasteful, and chic. JUSTIN offers dinning in a beautiful dinning room that overlooks the vineyard. Of course, plan on making reservations ahead of time. The wine tasting was a success. We discovered their 2011 Right Angle and their 2011 Reserve Malbec. Both are AMAZING.

Kaleidos Wine

woman, cat, wine

While waiting for his vines to mature, Steve Martell crafted his first few vintages using grapes from friends and neighbors. Even as his vineyard reaches full production, he plans to maintain some of these contracts. The exceptional quality of this fruit adds depth and dimension to the young grapes from his estate.

The Kaleidos label holds personal significance for Martell. It's named after his mother's shop, where she sold kaleidoscopes and other art. This name resonates deeply with him and perfectly represents his wines. Just as a kaleidoscope blends light and colors into unique images, his vines merge the elements of soil and sunlight to create distinctive fruit characteristics.

Each sip of Kaleidos wine reflects Martell's meticulous attention to detail. He invites you to taste the fruit of his passion. Kaleidos wines are available for tasting at the Tin City tasting room located at 3075 Blue Rock Road, Paso Robles.

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