Today we’d like to introduce you to Albert Lewis.
Albert, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Julian Wine & Chocolate is a Wine Bar & Tasting Room dedicated to the exciting wines of San Diego County’s higher elevation vineyards. We seek out unique, honest and delicious wines from local vintners close to home. We also offer Chocolate Tasting from chocolate made in San Diego County. We love chocolate and we love wine!
We do wine and chocolate tastings from 12-6 pm on weekends and offer wines by the glass or bottle. While you’re at Julian Wine & Chocolate, check out our primary business, Julian Station (julianstation.com). We have a restaurant serving delicious hormone and antibiotic-free grass-fed hamburgers, The Cooler craft beer bar, Julian Hard Cider’s tasting room, old fashioned arcade games for the kids, shops, a scenic back patio and live music every Sunday from 1-4 pm.
Here’s a little info about why we’re different from other wine bars around San Diego County:
We focus almost exclusively on mountain wines. Mountain wines naturally come from cooler climates. Higher elevation vineyards mean cooler nights and a longer growing season for the fruit. This extended season results in thicker skins which lead to naturally dark color concentration and deep and focused flavors and aromas in reds. Both red and white mountain wines retain more naturally occurring acidity for a lively and food-friendly wine with little or no added acid.
Great wine is honest wine. A true expression of what the land, the growing season and the climate has to offer. An expression of terroir. A wine without coloring agents added tannins and other unnecessary additives. A wine that let’s the varietal character of the grapes shine through. A wine that is different every year. A wine that isn’t tainted with pesticides and herbicides. A wine that excites, intrigues, puzzles and assures the drinker of the brilliance of creation. Cheers to that!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Definitely not! We owner financed the property and had to get a real loan within five years. That proved much harder than we thought. It’s been a continual struggle paralleled by continual progress and successes. I continued to work two other businesses for the first six or so years. Now it’s my main business but it’s still humble so I run two other small businesses to supplement our income. I’ve learned a lot…but I’ve got a lot more to learn!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Julian Wine & Chocolate – what should we know?
We own Julian Station and Julian Wine & Chocolate, both located at the historic Julian Station complex. It’s basically like a family-oriented roadhouse with food & drink plus fun for the whole family.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My wife Lydia has always been a critical behind the scenes partner. I’ve consulted her on most big decisions related to the business. We wouldn’t be where we are without her. And my kids have helped out a lot too!
Contact Info:
- Phone: 7608858364
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: intagram.com/julianwineandchocolate
- Facebook: facebook.com/julianwineandchocolate
- Twitter: twitter.com/julianwinetaste
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/julian-wine-and-chocolate-julian
Image Credit:
Albert Lewis
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