Our People

“It takes a dedicated team to make it work.”

The Restaurant at JUSTIN:

William Torres
The Restaurant - Executive Chef

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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, and their two children, Madisyn and Mason.

To reach William Torres, will@JUSTINwine.com

Tim Barakat
Chef Tournant

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Chef De Tournant Tim Barakat has been living on the Central Coast for over 10 years. He graduated from Cuesta College in 2001 followed by culinary school at the California School of Culinary Arts in Pasadena, California where he maintained an above average GPA throughout the program. Upon his 2004 graduation he moved to the Central Coast to fulfill his externship requirements and then, being the avid outdoorsman that he is, naturally fell in love with the area. When he is not helping the JUSTIN culinary team he likes to spend time with his wife Angela, their son Benjamin, and their dog Zoë. Tim believes in using the most locally sourced ingredients and is thankful to be in a kitchen where everyone works together to utilize what the great farmers, ranchers and fishmongers of the area have to offer.

To reach Tim Barakat, tim@JUSTINwine.com

Treaver Lynch
Sous Chef

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As a California native and all around food enthusiast Treaver understands the importance of local farm fresh ingredients. Treaver says, “I’ve been spoiled my whole life when it comes to food. I’m from a family of great cooks and I’ve also been blessed to be born in a state that is a virtual dreamland of foodstuffs”. This was the driving force behind Treaver attending the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco where he graduated top of his class in 2003.
 
Treaver has held various chef positions and has honed his skills in several California luxury hotel resorts.   We are pleased to have Treaver on our team and we look forward to enjoying some of his many culinary creations.  
 
When Treaver is not busy in the kitchen, or conjuring up new dishes, he is spending time with his friends and family and enjoying life’s leisurely pleasures.

To reach Treaver Lynch, Treaver@JUSTINwine.com

Timothy Argie
The Restaurant - Dining Room Manager

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Known for his command of the written word and his attention to detail in the dining room, our Dining Room Manager Timothy Argie has been a part of the JUSTIN team for over 6 years. His lengthy career in restaurant management and service includes several affluent restaurants from Ohio to California. Originally from Cleveland and of Italian descent, Timothy’s excited to be living here on California’s gorgeous Central Coast with his wife and Labrador Retriever.

To reach Timothy Argie, timothy@JUSTINwine.com

Kevin White
The Restaurant – Server

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Kevin White joined the JUSTIN team in 2006, beginning in the tasting room and eventually moving to the Restaurant at JUSTIN as a server. He graduated from Frenso State University with a degree in Anthropology and soon after, met his wife, who was an Innkeeper at the JUST Inn.

The consummate family man, Kevin is always ready and willing to boast about his adorable daughter Emma and lovely wife Susie. Kevin loves enjoying the nearby beaches and coastal towns with his family and their two dogs Naughtius Maximus and Mimi.

 

To reach Kevin White, kwhite@JUSTINwine.com

Jill Councilman
The Restaurant - Server

Jill comes to us with a culinary degree from Texas Culinary Academy in Austin, Texas. Before joining JUSTIN, Jill worked as a Pantry Cook for Old Hickory Steakhouse and Fearings in Dallas, as well as Pantry and Saute Cook for the Artisan in Paso Robles. Jill enjoys creating memories for the guests at The Restaurant through outstanding service, amazing food, and of course exquisite JUSTIN wine.

Jill's hobbies include travel, hiking, reading, and enjoying good food and wine. She lives with her boyfriend, her daughter, and their two dogs on a vineyard in picturesque Westside Paso Robles.

To reach Jill Councilman, jill@JUSTINwine.com