A Family Affair

Another new discovery on this last trip to Paso Robles was J Dusi Winery.  A friend of ours suggested we stop by this winery and introduce ourselves to winemaker Janelle Dusi.  It was fairly late in the day and the place was hoppin'!  We slid in to a recently vacated space along the bar and were immediately met with a friendly face and a small wood appetizer plate with some treats on it.  When I mentioned that we hadn't ordered this, I was told, "They're Italian.  They have to feed you!"  Loved that and I was on board for the ride.  Though hectic in the tasting room, Janelle took a few moments to chat with us.  We also met Janell's mother, Jonny, and her grandmother, who was so spritely and fun.  They were all so friendly and made us feel right at home.  I love that these generations of women are working together to support Janell's dream and make some really great wine.  The story is easy to find online, but basically, Janell's grandfather grew grapes that he sold to other wineries.  Janell wanted to learn how to make wine, and after some resistance, her grandfather agreed.  The rest is history, as they say.  I loved the Pinot Gris and would gladly have taken home all the dessert wine I could cram into our car.  Unfortunately, my credit card has a limit.  We took our friends a couple of days later and enjoyed sitting outside under one of the umbrellas, enjoying the fresh air.   Stop by and say hi to the Dusi family, you'll be glad you did!

Cheers!

Join me on a journey of wine experiences - not just wine, but the winery, the people and the journey to get there.  You never know what will happen along the way!