It was a perfect day for lunch and a wine tasting at Justin Vineyards & Winery. Located on the western side of Paso Robles in the mountains, Justin has a MICHELIN-starred restaurant, exceptional wine, cave tours, bike tours, and even on site accommodations. Even in the dead of January, the vineyard views were gorgeous.

Note: the road to Justin winds around the mountains and I got a bit carsick on the drive over. Plan accordingly if you struggle with winding roads and bring some Pepto or ginger ale! The drive is worth it. Plan to visit several wineries in the area while you’re on the west side.

But the must-order item here is Justin Winery’s famous burger, which you can order right there on the dog-friendly patio to enjoy with your wine flight. We also upgraded our fries to truffle fries, which are an absolute must. I will dream about the gruyere sauce on the fries! Want to know exactly what’s on the burger? Justin Vineyards actually published the recipe so you can make it at home!

For a place with a Michelin star, it should be noted that the food served on the patio (including the patio) is all very reasonably priced. The restaurant has a separate menu and has now earned a place on my bucket list!

It was honestly one magical wine after the next. The 2020 Savant is half cabernet, half Syrah and smells gorgeous. It’s a dry, cozy wine that’s perfect for fire pit sippin’. The 2017 Justification (cabernet franc) was amazing with the burger and truffle fries. 

The 2019 Platinum Reserve Cabernet smells surprisingly light. Sarah had one sip and said, “That’s what Jesus drank. You know? When he turned water into wine? It was this.” It’s a big, bold cabernet sauvignon with a sharp finish. When in California, right?

But it was the 2020 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon that stole my heart. This wine, which is 100% cabernet, sings like a Disney princess on the way down. It’s an incredibly smooth wine with notes of cherry and chocolate. Our server Carly told us that it’s the staff’s favorite and it’s easy to see why! I shipped a bottle back to Texas to take on some fabulous picnic this spring.

Carly was absolutely delightful, walking us through every wine with great care and explaining how Paso Robles is becoming a mini Rhone Valley. Carly, if you’re ever in Texas, you must come over for dinner sometime! If you love a relaxed but guided wine tasting experience, then Justin Vineyards is the perfect place for you.