Back-to-back top 100 wines and stunning hospitality areas underscore Jada’s award-winning estate wines
—With unsurpassed hospitality, a dedication to sustainability, and award-winning wines, it’s no surprise Jada Vineyard & Winery is at the top of visitors’ lists when it comes to tasting room experiences in Paso Robles. Situated in one of the top Rhone-producing areas in the region, the 95-acre estate boasts stunning views, with three distinct hillsides dominating the property.
“The breathtaking landscape and the white hills of the Willow Creek District are what attracted us to this area,” said Jada General Manager Joshua Messina. His father, Jack, was the original founder of Jada and has since retired. “With our new hospitality and tasting areas, we are able to highlight the beauty that initially drew us here to Paso.”
The Messinas, second-generation Italian immigrants from New York, converted fields of barley to a vineyard yielding world-class Rhônes and Bordeauxs. Recently, Riboli Family Wines added Jada to their portfolio of organic and sustainable, small-lot estate vineyards and wineries.
“It’s been a nice marriage of families and cultures,” Messina said. “We were always family-run so that has felt very natural, but the Ribolis bring a powerful 100-year legacy to our foundation. Both families have always emphasized customer service, and treating our guests and employees like family. We also were thrilled they wanted to continue our tradition of organic farming and estate wines.”
Variety of tasting experiences
Over the past year, the hospitality side of the winery has been elevated dramatically. Tasting experiences are available at a range of fees. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are always welcomed.
“We give very intimate and detailed tasting experiences. Having a knowledgeable team is crucial to those efforts, and we receive so many compliments about our staff,” Messina said, adding there are two level-one sommeliers on staff. “We also love having the ability to now host some amazing outside events and gatherings.”
The Bowery Garden, situated under the estate’s signature sweeping redwood trees, is ideal for intimate picnics. Small groups of friends will enjoy exclusive Jada wines by the glass or bottle, curated charcuterie platters, and outdoor games.
The Tree House, an elevated indoor-outdoor tasting experience, welcomes groups of up to six. Enjoy nature at its finest with views of the vineyards from the heated outdoor deck or sit inside at the bar with a flight of wine.
The Oak Lounge accommodates up to 50 guests, with a full 17-foot bar, fire pits, bistro seating, and a luxurious lounge area. Enjoy panoramic vineyard views of the valley, vineyard, and oak groves.
The Grove, a true V.I.P. experience, includes a private wine educator, concierge service, and exclusive tasting flights for groups of up to 12 people. Situated in a more intimate and private area of the oak grove, it’s referred to as “the icing on the cake of our hospitality options” by Messina.
The charcuterie options at Jada are unsurpassed, with each item paired with a specific wine. The team works with local and international cheese producers as well as local fruit and nut growers to craft their pairing platters.
Top winemakers & wines
For the second year in a row, a Jada cabernet was selected for Jeb Dunnuck’s annual list of Top 100 Wines including the 2019 WCS Cabernet Sauvignon (98 points). In addition, Jada has continually garnered 90+ point scores from Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, and Wine Enthusiast for almost two decades.
“Jeb Dunnuck’s Top 100 is a prestigious list, with some of the best cab producers in the world often included,” Messina said. “Making the list is emblematic of the quality of the wines we’ve been making.”
After joining Jada in 2015, Head Winemaker Joshua Harp reached out to Anthony Biaggi to help with revamping the farming program and production techniques. Assistant Winemaker Nate Hall was added to the team in 2017 and, in 2019, helped Jada celebrate its highest-scoring vintage to date.
When asked to choose their favorite wine from the Jada lineup, Messina, Harp, and Hall all agreed that, “we don’t make anything unless we can do it well and we are passionate about it.”
Still, they have several must-tries for our readers: their Passing By Cabernet (2021 Top 100 Wine), the popular Jack of Hearts Bordeaux blend, and their Jersey Girl Cotie-Rotie style syrah. Additionally, their Hell’s Kitchen Rhone blend is a perennial favorite of critics and customers alike.
Harp, a big fan of Jada’s merlot showcase, Strayts, says, “This merlot, with bright acidity and a wonderful balance of fruity and savory notes, pairs well with dishes that aren’t too rich or spicy, including roast chicken and lamb.”
Summer wines to enjoy include Jada’s newly released 2022 XCV Viognier, 2022 88 Chardonnay, and their 1149 Grenache Rosé.
Sustainability in practice
Messina and his team worked with some of the top biodynamic specialists to begin farming organically back in 2014.
“Our commitment to sustainability is comprehensive, not just on the production side but in everything we do,” Messina said. “We are thankful the Riboli Family took steps to get us formally certified. We would argue this approach contributes to what makes our fruit better; not only in taste, but also better for the environment.”
With 300+ olive trees and fruiting trees, and 20+ acres of dedicated oak groves on the property, Jada strives for a balanced ecosystem on its estate.
Messina adds, “Sustainability is also about the future. It’s not just about selling the next bottle of wine. It’s about the future of our families and the land we farm together. We live here, we work here, this is our home, so we have to take good care of it.”
Visit Jada Vineyard & Winery at 5620 Vineyard Drive in Paso Robles; open daily from 11 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Call (805) 226-4200 or visit jadavineyard.com for more information and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
—Megan Friberg
