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Feature Article
Gainey is the only vintner to actually own and farm vineyards in both the warmer Santa Ynez Valley and the cooler Sta. Rita Hills (pictured here).
Gainey Vineyard
Runs Hot and Cold*
*Vineyards, that is.
Expanding from their original, warm climate Santa Ynez Valley vineyard, Gainey is now enjoying success with its cool climate Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir/Chardonnay plantings.
by
Dennis Schaefer
January 26, 2009
The Gainey family is not often mentioned when the word “pioneer” is bandied about in Santa Barbara County winemaking circles. Sure, you’ll hear the names Sanford, Firestone and a few others cited. But the Gaineys, father Dan C. and son Dan J., have operated one of the most diversified ranching and farming operations in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County since 1962. The crown jewel just may be Gainey Vineyard and the Spanish style winery that opened its doors for tasting and touring in 1984, but the Gaineys have many more acres devoted to cattle, farming and even raising Arabian horses.
No doubt the success of their wines has allowed the Gaineys to expand their grape growing and winery operations to an even greater degree. In the mid 1990’s, they purchased and planted a large parcel, now known as Evans Ranch, on Santa Rosa Road in what was later to become the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. It proved to be a perfect cool climate site for growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. This year they solidified their presence further in Santa Rita Hills by acquiring another nearby property, and planting it to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Gainey is the only vintner to actually own and farm vineyards in both the warmer Santa Ynez Valley and the cooler Sta. Rita Hills.
Gainey’s winemaker Kirby Anderson focuses on Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.Meanwhile, back at the Home Ranch in eastern Santa Ynez Valley, they are on a mission to prove that Cabernet Sauvignon is entirely viable in this warmer region. Ten new acres of Cab were planted several years ago and will come on line shortly. And in another creative move this past year, Gainey is employing co-winemakers. Kirby Anderson, who took over the winemaking reins (from Rick Longoria) in 1997, will now focus his attention entirely on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah, while Jon Engelskirger, most recently with Turnbull in Napa Valley, will concentrate on Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
I asked Kirby Anderson to reflect on what attracted him to Santa Ynez Valley in the first place and to give some insight on the terroir of the Gainey properties.
No doubt the success of their wines has allowed the Gaineys to expand their grape growing and winery operations to an even greater degree. In the mid 1990’s, they purchased and planted a large parcel, now known as Evans Ranch, on Santa Rosa Road in what was later to become the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. It proved to be a perfect cool climate site for growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. This year they solidified their presence further in Santa Rita Hills by acquiring another nearby property, and planting it to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Gainey is the only vintner to actually own and farm vineyards in both the warmer Santa Ynez Valley and the cooler Sta. Rita Hills.
Gainey’s winemaker Kirby Anderson focuses on Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
I asked Kirby Anderson to reflect on what attracted him to Santa Ynez Valley in the first place and to give some insight on the terroir of the Gainey properties.
Appellation America: As a North Coast expatriate, can you contrast and compare Santa Ynez Valley to Napa and Sonoma?
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