Riboli Family Wines appoints Justin Lewis director of food services
Chef Justin Lewis.
– Riboli Family Wines has appointed Chef Justin Lewis as director of food services, a newly created position overseeing culinary programs at the family’s tasting room and restaurant locations in Los Angeles and Paso Robles. The role includes oversight of Jada Vineyard & Winery and San Simeon Estate Winery in Paso Robles’ Willow Creek District.
Lewis’ background includes serving as culinary director for the Nomada Hotel Group in San Luis Obispo, corporate executive chef for Firestone Walker Brewing Company in Paso Robles, and executive chef at the Malibu Inn. He said his approach emphasizes seasonal menus and locally sourced ingredients.
Among his first projects will be developing the culinary program for the upcoming restaurant at San Simeon Estate Winery at Peachy Canyon and Willow Creek Road. “The menu is an homage to the Central Coast,” Lewis said. “We’ll showcase local treasures like Grassy Bar Oysters, Mighty Cap Mushrooms, Etto pasta, and other fresh, organic ingredients sourced locally.”
At Jada Vineyard & Winery, Lewis will expand culinary offerings to include small plates paired with the estate’s wines. He will also oversee events at the Riboli Family Wines Winemaking and Event Center in Paso Robles for public, trade, and media guests.
“Riboli Family Wines began California’s wine story in downtown Los Angeles in 1917 with San Antonio Winery,” Lewis said. “Being from L.A. and now living on the Central Coast, joining this family is meaningful to me. I was already familiar with Jada, and since the Riboli family acquired it, the wines have remained exceptional—now with a commitment to organic practices and enhanced hospitality spaces that honor the natural beauty of Willow Creek.”
Lewis and his fiancée are also developing a regenerative farm and vineyard, raising Navajo-Churro sheep, a rare heritage breed with 400 years of Southwestern history. “We’re first-generation farmers,” he said. “Our goal is to care for the land and give back to Mother Nature through sustainable, mindful practices.”
More information is available at riboliwines.com.
