For some of us, the santa rita hills are the shrouded and shadowed fields that we run away to. For others, it is home. There's a sense of understanding and heritage that comes with years spent watching an out-of-the-way town segue from festivals of blossoming marigolds to celebrations of world-class wine. Meeting someone with a deep appreciation for their hometown, with all its ills of the past and wills for the future, is a rare find.Justin conveys that sense of dedication to the terroir and history of Lompoc. We became acquainted with this skilled winemaker on a sunny afternoon stop at Temperance Cellars in the wine ghetto. In response to our inquiries, he happily delved into the meaning behind his label--it's a tongue-in-cheek nod to Lompoc's origins as a Temperance Colony, with the result that local vintners today celebrate the area for being home to some of the greatest grapes on the planet.Justin's wines are no exception. His fruity punch of a grenache and spicy sugarplum of a merlot showcase some of the best that the environs of santa ynez, los olivos, and the santa rita hills have to offer. And as can be expected by the brand name, his sense of humor carries people through the doorway and keeps them at the bar for hours. We loved hearing his tales of racking up six or seven winery tastings in a single day, learning his trade in a trial by fire under the OGs of the industry, and figuring out the tantalizing difference between various santa maria style BBQ sides (if you see a pop up food truck selling offbeat items like broccoli salad and jalapeno poppers, we highly recommend you nab at least half a dozen of the latter to pair with the sauvignon blanc tierra).In a bigger sense, Justin's support of his hometown is multiplied a millionfold in the support he receives. Friends, allies, and family can be found throughout the tasting room playing the part of musicians, hosts, or club members. It was no surprise when the gentleman who poured us our tastings during the grand opening introduced himself as Justin's dad! We have visited Temperance time and time again, with a feeling of welcome that only grows stronger. Here's to the next time, and the next...ad infinitum.
For some of us, the santa rita hills are the shrouded and shadowed fields that we run away to. For others, it is home. There's a sense of understanding and heritage that comes with years spent watching an out-of-the-way town segue from festivals of blossoming marigolds to celebrations of world-class wine. Meeting someone with a deep appreciation for their hometown, with all its ills of the past and wills for the future, is a rare find.Justin conveys that sense of dedication to the terroir and history of Lompoc. We became acquainted with this skilled winemaker on a sunny afternoon stop at Temperance Cellars in the wine ghetto. In response to our inquiries, he happily delved into the meaning behind his label--it's a tongue-in-cheek nod to Lompoc's origins as a Temperance Colony, with the result that local vintners today celebrate the area for being home to some of the greatest grapes on the planet.Justin's wines are no exception. His fruity punch of a grenache and spicy sugarplum of a merlot showcase some of the best that the environs of santa ynez, los olivos, and the santa rita hills have to offer. And as can be expected by the brand name, his sense of humor carries people through the doorway and keeps them at the bar for hours. We loved hearing his tales of racking up six or seven winery tastings in a single day, learning his trade in a trial by fire under the OGs of the industry, and figuring out the tantalizing difference between various santa maria style BBQ sides (if you see a pop up food truck selling offbeat items like broccoli salad and jalapeno poppers, we highly recommend you nab at least half a dozen of the latter to pair with the sauvignon blanc tierra).In a bigger sense, Justin's support of his hometown is multiplied a millionfold in the support he receives. Friends, allies, and family can be found throughout the tasting room playing the part of musicians, hosts, or club members. It was no surprise when the gentleman who poured us our tastings during the grand opening introduced himself as Justin's dad! We have visited Temperance time and time again, with a feeling of welcome that only grows stronger. Here's to the next time, and the next...ad infinitum.
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