April 9th – Santa Barbara County, CA – Gainey Estate Vineyards, with three vineyards across the Santa Ynez Valley and Sta. Rita Hills appellations of Santa Barbara County, has appointed Stephen Janes as Estate Director. Now in its 40th year of operations, Gainey Estate Vineyards is recognized nationally for their multi-generational family ownership, diverse portfolio of affordable to ultra-premium wines, their commitment to land stewardship and their dedication to the community of Santa Barbara County.
Before joining the Gainey Estate team, Janes has had over thirty years of wine industry experience with a heavy emphasis on winery management and operations, winery sales, marketing and distribution, and has held successful roles in Santa Barbara wine country at Margerum Wine Company, Pence Vineyards & Winery, and, perhaps most notably, at Melville Winery, where he was Partner, General Manager and Director of Sales and Marketing. It was while he was at Melville that Janes distinguished himself as an advocate and leader in the promotion of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. Janes also led sales efforts at Brewer-Clifton for seven years and launched the Sandhi wines nationally with Rajat Parr and Sashi Moorman, playing an instrumental role in the further development of the wine culture of this esteemed maritime growing region.
Janes will oversee daily operations, reporting directly to third-generation owner Dan Gainey. “The Gainey family is strongly rooted in Santa Barbara County with an amazing farming history and legacy. They’ve had a ranch and vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley for over 60 years, their winery for 40 years, and their Sta. Rita Hills Evan’s Ranch Vineyards for 20 years. Dan Gainey has built an incredible business and reputation, known for its terrific wine quality and hospitality, and I hope to continue refining and building upon all their success. It’s an absolute honor to be on board at this pivotal time in their history,” says Janes.
Dan Gainey, who assumed the reins at Gainey Estate Vineyards from his father when he was in his late 20’s, says of Janes’ appointment, “Stephen fits in very well here. He’s thoughtful, energetic, creative and incredibly experienced. It’s especially meaningful to have him on board during our 40th anniversary. With our strong foundation and Stephen’s visionary approach, our future looks even more promising.”
To learn more about Gainey Estate Vineyards please visit https://gaineyvineyard.com.
The Gainey Estate Vineyards story in the Santa Ynez Valley begins more than 60 years ago when Dan J. Gainey and his father acquired 1,800 acres of undeveloped land. At the Home Ranch, the Gainey family ran cattle and horses while growing 600 acres of fruit, vegetables, flowers, and hay. In 1984, after years of travel and appreciation of European wines, the Gainey family saw a similar potential in Santa Barbara County as a world-class growing region and developed fifty acres of Estate vineyards, planting Bordeaux varietals, Syrah and Riesling and the Gainey Estate Vineyards were born.
In 1997, the Gainey family acquired and developed the Evan’s Ranch Vineyard in the western Santa Ynez Valley, with the planting of fifty-four acres of Estate Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah, several years ahead of what was to become the most exciting cold-climate growing region in California, the Sta. Rita Hills. They further added to their Sta. Rita Hills’ holdings in 2009 with the planting of forty-four acres of Estate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at Rancho Esperanza Vineyard.
The Gainey Estate Vineyard wines reflect sixty years of farming and winemaking knowledge passed down from one generation to another with expertise and experience honed and developed over decades. They consistently control the quality throughout the entire process, from grape to glass, and make wines that respect their historical integrity and are to be enjoyed at the table with food, family, and friends.
Because of the various terroirs farmed by the family in both cold and cool climates, Gainey Estate Vineyards produces a full spectrum of wines highlighting the diverse and exciting range of what is possible in Santa Barbara County. As long-term stewards of their land, the Gainey family respects their heritage and community while farming sustainably and protecting the environment for the next generation. The history of the family’s legacy in Santa Barbara County continues with the fourth generation, motivating the family to always improve, to never rest on their laurels, to honor tradition while welcoming change and to create more lasting and memorable experiences.
