5 Fun Facts About LJ Crafted Wines

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Did you know there are over 200 urban wineries in the nation? As the craft beer capital of American, it's no surprise that there are almost two dozen urban wineries in San Diego, including LJ Crafted Wines. Keep reading to learn 5 fun facts about LJ Crafted Wines, San Diego's only urban winery in La Jolla.

5 Fun Facts About LJ Crafted Wines

1. It's All in the Name

The name “LJ” is both a play on winemaker Lowell Jooste's and La Jolla's initials.

2. It's in the Blood

Jooste got his start in 1980 making wine at his family's vineyard, Klein Constantia in Cape Town, South Africa. Under Jooste's creative direction, the 2007 Vin de Constance scored a 97 rating from Wine Advocate in 2012. Currently, it is still the highest rated South African wine.

Bonus fun fact: The book Fifty Shades Darker mentions the 2004 Vin de Constance. I'm not sure if it's mentioned or shown in the movie.

3. Eco-friendly

A demonstrated commitment to eco-friendly practices and sustainability include:

• Repurposed wine barrels used as tables and wall decorations
• Custom light fixtures made from the wine hoops
• Patent-pending “Wine Steward” barrel to bottle system
• Creation of a wine growler program
• Introduction of a growlette (375 ml bottle)
• Bottle redemption program
• Seasonal menu

4. Believer in Equality

The grapes used for LJ Crafted Wines are grown in Northern California, so Jooste employs veteran winemaker Alison Green-Doran. Green-Doran is one of California's first female winemakers of the modern era.

5. Wine Club

LJ Crafted Wines offers two wine club memberships: Growler Club and Bottle Club. Created for residents of San Diego County (or those who don't mind driving), Growler Club members receive a growler of the “barrel of the month” wine.

Bottle Club is a traditional wine club membership where every month members get a bottle of wine. Members have an option of picking up their “Bottle of the Month” from the tasting room. Or they can have it shipped every quarter (shipping charges apply).

LJ Crafted Wines
5621 La Jolla Boulevard, La Jolla, CA 92037
858-551-8890
4 pm to 10 pm daily