Our People
"It takes a dedicated team to make it work."
Hospitality:
William Torres
Deborah's Room Executive Chef
William Torres developed a passion and love for food and cooking at a very young age while watching his Grandfather and Mother cook in the kitchen. This passion was the driving force in his attending the California School of Culinary Arts in Pasadena, CA. where he graduated with top honors in 2003. While attending C.S.C.A., he gained valuable experience in the kitchen working on events for Spago Catering, Patina, The Playboy Mansion, and Aubergine’s in Newport Beach. Will began his culinary career at the elite West Hollywood hotspot KOI for a year working his way through the different stations in the kitchen and taking on a leadership role. Making a choice to be closer to his family, Will moved to the central coast and began working as the Sous Chef at JUSTIN Winery in February 2005. Will left JUSTIN to take on an instrumental role in the menu development and kitchen operations as the Executive Sous Chef of the recently opened Level 4 in Downtown Paso Robles.
Will is now back as the Executive Chef at JUSTIN Winery and has made the menu his own demonstrating his distinctive cooking style while trying to use fresh, organic, and local ingredients. Will is elated to have the opportunity to bring a new culinary venture to the JUSTIN Family. When not busy in the kitchen or staying current on new culinary trends he loves to spend time with his wife Kari, their 3 year old daughter Madisyn and their 7 month old son Mason.
To reach William Torres, will@JUSTINwine.com
Timothy Argie
Deborah’s Room - Dining Room Manager
Bio coming soon...
To reach Timothy Argie, Timothy@JUSTINwine.com
Alex Martin
Sous Chef
Alex Martin joined the JUSTIN Team on New Years Eve of 2008. Alex’s passion for food started in High School when he attended the Paso Robles Culinary Academy and worked with C.E.C Phillip Riccomini. That inspired him to attend the C.S.C.A Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena, CA. Through these dynamic culinary, patisserie, baking, and hospitality training programs Alex was provided the opportunity to build a strong foundation for his future. He also gained valuable experience while working for Wolfgang Puck Catering Co. and at Traxx Restaurant located at the Historic Union Station in Downtown L.A.
After culinary school, Alex returned home to the Central Coast where he assisted as Sous Chef with the opening of Matthew’s at the Airport alongside C.E.C. Matthew Riley. After 2 years at Matthew’s, Alex was presented with the opportunity to open Panolivo Restaurant in San Luis Obispo as Executive Chef. Alex later became the Pastry Chef at Artisan and had an amazing experience working alongside Chef/Owner Chris Kobayashi.
Alex is also a two-time Pinot and Paella Cook-off winner and recently competed in the 2009 Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Regional Juenes Commis Competition where he placed second. Inspiration is brought to him every day by local farmers, winemakers, and guest chefs from around the world. When not busy at JUSTIN Alex loves to travel, snowboard, golf, and just enjoy life.
To reach Alex Martin, alex@justinwine.com
Kevin White
Deborah’s Room – Server
Bio coming soon...
To reach Kevin White, Kwhite@JUSTINwine.com
Mary Fotinakes
Event Coordinator/JUST Inn Manager
Before joining JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, Mary Fotinakes enjoyed working weddings and special events. A passion for wine and people brought her to JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery early in 2007. Her position as Event Coordinator keeps her busy meeting new people and learning more about the wonderful world of wine. Past experience working in the beauty industry translates well in a job that demands an eye for aesthetics. When away from the winery, Mary's social life keeps her busy as well as her new found love of painting.
Mary is on maternity leave starting March 20, 2010 and will be returning June 15, 2010. If you need any assistants with events or the JUST Inn please contact Lauren Hruska at lauren@justinwine.com or 805-238-6932 ext. 3319.
To reach Mary Fotinakes, mary@JUSTINwine.com
Lauren Hruska
Assistant Event Coordinator
A lifelong commitment to living the good life brought Lauren to JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery December, 2009, one day after moving to Paso from Cambridge, Massachusetts. She began her winery journey in the tasting room as an avid student of JUSTIN wines before making her way to the JUST Inn and to assistant with Event Planning.
A graduate of Boston University, Lauren's English degree set the groundwork for an arrow-straight career path that has included journalism, graduate admissions, costume design, business analysis, and latte making. As she puts it, her resume reads like patchwork quilt, but she has truly found her home at JUSTIN, where daily she makes use of her various skills in writing, smiling, and not driving in Boston. Most days at JUSTIN, you can find her hard at work dreaming up JUST Inn descriptions, sampling the Deborah's Room menu, and playing with the winery doggies. Her favorite book is Nobody's Fool, she like to weld tiny hats, and she owns more pairs of shoes then her father thinks is necessary.
To reach Lauren Hruska, lauren@justinwine.com
Laura Quirk
JUST Inn Innkeeper/Concierge
Laura joined JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery in the winter of 2009. Before working at JUSTIN, she graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with a degree in Food Science and Nutrition and a minor in Wine and Viticulture. Laura has previously worked for Paso Robles wineries and is now thrilled to be part of the JUSTIN family.
To reach Laura Quirk, innkeeper@justinwine.com