Justin Baldwin
First Press Honorary Chair
Former investment and international banker, Justin and his wife Deborah, founded JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery in 1981 when they purchased 160 acres west of Paso Robles on California's Central Coast and planted their estate vineyards.
Since its inception, Justin has focused his efforts on producing world class Bordeaux style blends from the estate vineyards for the JUSTIN label. Justin is a pioneer in producing this style of wine on the Central Coast and his efforts have been rewarded with past and present vintages earning 90+ points by the major wine trade publications. More encompassing recognition has come from awards such as the Grand Sweepstakes award winner, Best of class, Best of Region, the coveted Pichon Lalande trophy for "World's Best Blended Red Wine" and Wine Spectators Top 10 Wines of the World. Vintages have received numerous accolades by capturing Decanter Magazine's "4 Stars", Restaurant Wine's "3 Forks" and Connoisseurs Guide's" 3 Puffs". Justin has consistently earned the praise of the wine press with recognition from the likes of Robert M. Parker Jr. naming Justin Baldwin one of his "Wine Heroes of the Year" and the "Star of Paso Robles", the James Beard Foundations "Great American Winemaker Award", Quarterly Review of Wine's "Top 3 Cabernet Producers of the Year", and Wine Enthusiast's "Top Cabernet and Blended Wine Producers List" for seven years running.
Food and JUSTIN wines go together. In fact, JUSTIN is the only winery on California’s Central Coast to retain a full-time chef whose kitchen works daily to pair acclaimed JUSTIN wines with fresh seasonal and vineyard grown offerings. Justin is an active participant in the wine world. He is a frequent panelist at prominent food and wine events worldwide, is a board member of the Family Winemakers of California, board member of the Wine Institute, board member of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, vice-chair Paso Robles AVA committee, co-founder of the West Side Grand Crew, the Far out Wineries of Paso Robles and The Wellness Community Central Coast. For their contributions he and his wife have been named the Paso Robles Wine Industry persons of the year and Justin has been made a Commandeur d’ Honneur De L’Ordre Du Bontemps Du Medoc.
Justin lives on the vineyard with his wife, Deborah: their children Evan and Morgane, and their dogs Sunny, Churchill and Francois. In addition to the vineyards, winery, and tasting room, they own and operate the highly acclaimed country inn, The JUST Inn, and its intimate gourmet restaurant, Deborah's Room, also on the property.
To reach Justin Baldwin, Justin@JUSTINwine.com
Edward Plotkin
First Press Event Chair
Edward Plotkin, Vice President of MidFirst Private Bank, has over 13 years of experience in financial advising and asset management predominantly in the Scottsdale area. He specializes in the tax advantaged diversification of highly concentrated equity positions and corporate/institutional cash management, within wealth management and estate planning. Prior to joining MidFirst Private Bank, Edward was vice president of investments with the Fruehauf Wealth Management Group at UBS. He previously was a financial advisor for Merrill Lynch, as well as founder and president of ELP Asset Management, Inc.
Edward earned a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Arizona. Along with his professional experience, Edward is a founding member of the Arizona Chapter of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD), a non-profit organization that promotes professional board standards among corporate boards and its members. His community involvement includes various leadership roles with Scottsdale Healthcare Foundation, Friends of Public Radio Arizona, Fresh Start Women's Foundation, and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Edward's widespread professional experience and service in leadership roles is matched by his appreciation and enthusiasm for collecting fine wines. It is this level of enthusiasm, along with Edward's involvement and commitment that has helped shape this event into the Southwest's premier and most distinguished celebration of fine and rare wines.