J & J is a bit out in the boonies but then again half the wineries around Paso are in the boonies and that is part of the adventure. A nice drive back through the vineyards and up a hill and the adventure begins.

The J and J Cellars picnic area

We only had time for a brief tasting and look around. The tasting room is comfortable, well appointed, but not special. The picnic area is very nice and the tasting room staff is conversant. The wines are not expensive, tend to be medium to robust, very nice quality, and we found some great case sales. We brought home a case of their Autumn Flight Estate 2008 Syrah. This is a nice robust Syrah with deep color, big nose with a little oak, and an enjoyable extended finish.

So would we return? Yes. The reason would be the friendlier than normal atmosphere and the wine styles meet our preferences and budget.

- jim

I’ve been on the Highway 101 wine road for two days and gps mapped the wine towns of Paso Robles, Solvang, and Los Olivos.

We’ll soon add them to our online maps. I’ll also use this info to produce a video of wine towns next summer.

As usual I stopped into the Tastes of the Valleys wine bar in Solvang. This cozy and inviting basement hideout is always a great place to meet interesting people and taste local wines of very limited production. The staff is always engaging and friendly. I would be there often if I didn’t live 4 1/2 hours away. I left with three very interesting bottles to taste with Katya.

- jim