J&J Cellars is the most recent chapter in the story of Jim Judd; farmer, entertainer, father, pilot, retired executive, and grandfather. With the help of the entire family he proves time and again that great grapes make great wine.
It is certainly worth a delightful country drive to verify this. J&J Cellars is located along the new 12-mile Pleasant Valley Wine Trail in San Miguel, California, just a stone’s throw north of Paso Robles. The Judd family has been growing grapes there for well over a decade.
Their wines sport many labels, which may seem daunting to first-time visitors, but the ultra-gracious staff makes it all seem simple. It is explained that the J&J Cellars label is reserved for the winery’s premium wines. Juliet Fiero wines are Sparkling and non-estate white wines; Autumn Flight wines are generally small production and special value wines; and James Judd & Son wines were originally produced by Jim and his son, James. Since then, James has created an additional label with his partner, Eric Alvarez, called A Cellar Full of Noise. Samples from all of these brands are available in the tasting room.
J&J Cellars offers all of its wines in the spirit of everyday value and enjoyment. In addition, J&J Cellars ?Wine Club offers its members special discounts on wine and merchandise, as well as special pricing for the event center, ideal for weddings, private dinners, reunions, and corporate events.
Guests like to sit outdoors and admire the panoramic vineyard views surrounding the tasting room. They can picnic by the fireplace, play bocce with a group of friends, or play ball with their dog! A visit to the tasting room is an experience guests always recommend to others. It’s a destination that always makes people feel welcome and right at home.
WHAT TO BUY
Autumn Flight Barbera – $10
Black currant, coffee, smoke
’09 J&J Malbec – $18
Ripe blackberry, spicy notes
’10 J&J Cabernet Sauvignon – $19
Ripe cherry, cinnamon spice, vanilla bean
’06 A Cellar Full of Noise – $19
Tempranillo Cinnamon, black currant, strawberries
CONTACT
805-467-2891
info@jjcellars.com
jjcellars.com
TASTING
Tasting Room Open Fri–Sun 11–5
2850 Ranchita Canyon Rd.
San Miguel, CA 93451
SPECIAL NOTES
Picnic grounds, gift shop, deli, weddings and receptions, wine club events.
Touring & Tasting is a media company that produces a wine and travel magazine and is also partner in the Hitched Wine Club.
Steve Cooper is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Hitched. You can follow him on Twitter at @hitchedmedia.
