Gainey Vineyards Blog

We are often asked after a solid rainfall season “how did the rain affect the vineyards?”

And it’s a tricky question, because it can be positive or negative depending on timing during the vines growing cycle. We like winter rains—and yet we don’t like rain after berry set (May/June) or too close to harvest. The amount of rain makes a difference depending on the time of year as well. Winter = great. Late Summer and Fall rains = problematic.

Option #1: Estate Wineries

Estate wineries are what most people picture when they imagine going wine tasting: a pastoral setting with Instagram-able views of vineyards, high-end wines, and outdoor seating. The Santa Ynez Valley is filled with beautiful estate wineries that fulfill all the expectations of what a day of wine tasting should be. The wine tasting experience at an estate winery can end up being more transformative and experiential. Standing in the actual place where the grapes are grown and produced helps connect people to the land, the history, and the energy of the place. It rounds out the experience in a way that a non- estate tasting rooms can’t provide.

As one of the more popular wedding venues in the Santa Ynez Valley, we love helping brides and grooms bring their vision of a vineyard wedding to life. One of the top questions we get asked is "How much does it cost to have a vineyard wedding?"

One of our favorite local wedding planners who works with us frequently, Leanne Elliott of Soliel Events, has tackled this question head-on as a featured guest blogger on our website.

Harvest has begun here at Gainey. It’s when we turn from farmers into chemists. For most of the year, we are farmers, ensuring the grapes have the best chance at growing successfully and creating premium fruit. Ample amounts of sunshine, water, soil amendment, pruning, and some good luck all play into it. But once the grapes are ready to be picked, we turn into scientists trying to manage the fermentation process, keep the pH levels correct, test for acidity, and more.

With 100% estate-grown wines, our vineyards receive a lot of attention. Good grapes equal good wine. Grapevines don’t continue to produce quality fruit decade after decade, so it’s imperative to replant as the years move forward. This year, we’ve been busy replanting some of our acreage. 

By joining our Wine Club, you receive access to wines that are not available in the marketplace. Over the years, we have been honored by the loyalty and dedication many wine lovers have shown our wines. Our customers often share touching stories with us about a special occasion at which they poured one of our wines, or how they simply enjoy a glass of our wine after a long work week.

Want some tips and tricks on wine from an expert? Our winemaker Jeff LeBard has got some advice.

Even if you don’t live locally here in the Santa Ynez Valley, getting your hands on Gainey wine is still easy if you live in Southern California. Our wines are served at a plethora of restaurants.

Here is a sample of a few places (out of hundreds) you can drink Gainey while you dine:

Fall has arrived here in wine country and that means two things: less crowds and great weather. And a perfect time of year for a picnic on our Vineyard View Lawn where you’re surrounded by vines on three sides. The leaves on the vineyards are starting to change color from green to orange/red/yellow which adds the dramatic backdrop.

Managing our wine club is not an easy job, but Lisa Kekuewa sure makes it look effortless. Find out what she likes most about her job, why growing up in the Santa Ynez Valley was so great, and her preferred way to enjoy a glass of Gainey wine.