Eric Jensen

Training and Lineage

The route into wine in this Central Coast appellation ran through non-wine trades before the vineyard work began: Eric Jensen worked in Newport Beach, California, as a broker in real-estate trust sales until 2000 and as a concert and festival promoter until 2000. The production record then moved to Booker Vineyard in Paso Robles, California, where Jensen was founder from 2001–2021.

Current Practice

Rhône-style winemaking is the central brief at the estate, where Eric Jensen works as head winemaker. The emphasis is on Syrah and Grenache-based estate-grown wines from its home vineyards. The vineyard base is steep limestone hillsides planted mostly to Rhône varieties. Farming balance is pursued through certified organic practices and methods inspired by biodynamics. Cellar work is framed around vintage and fruit quality, with either a soft touch for elegance or a more intense approach for powerful wines. Cabernet Sauvignon is the second current lane through My Favorite Neighbor, where Jensen is winemaker in the Willow Creek District. That project centers on Cabernet Sauvignon grown in the appellation and the broader San Luis Obispo County region.

Career - Farmer and winemaker — Paso Robles, California (2000–present) - Head winemaker — Booker Vineyard, Paso Robles, California - Creator — My Favorite Neighbor, Paso Robles, California (2019–present) - Broker in real-estate trust sales — Newport Beach, California (until 2000) - Concert and festival promoter — Newport Beach, California (until 2000) - Founder — Booker Vineyard, Paso Robles, California (2001–2021)

Signature

Signature bottlings include Booker Oublié Paso Robles 2014.

Recognition

Recognition for the bottling came when Booker Oublié Paso Robles 2014 earned the No. 10 spot on Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2017 (2017).

FAQ What role does Eric Jensen hold? Eric Jensen is head winemaker at Booker Vineyard. What recognition has Eric Jensen received? Booker Oublié Paso Robles 2014 earned the No. 10 spot on Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2017 (2017).