Iconic Santa Barbara property appoints Kyleen Dawson, signaling new era in elevated events and hospitality experiences
Santa Barbara, CA (March 20, 2026) – Gainey Estate Vineyards, located near the picturesque township of Santa Ynez in the heart of Santa Barbara Wine Country, has appointed Kyleen Dawson as Events Director. The Gainey family, with a rich viticultural and farming history on their 600-acre ranch in Santa Barbara County spanning over 60 years, continues to evolve its winery’s robust and vibrant special events with the hiring of Dawson. Spearheading events in 2026, Dawson’s appointment also coincides with the upcoming debut of Gainey’s revitalized and expanded culinary and hospitality offerings.
Before joining Gainey Estate Vineyards, Dawson built a reputation in the events industry by curating high-profile corporate experiences that brought clients from across the country to Santa Barbara. Known for her creative vision and attention to detail, she partnered with an extensive network of hospitality professionals to craft immersive, elevated coastal events. “Joining the Gainey Estate Vineyards family feels like a natural progression for me,” says Dawson. “I’ve always enjoyed wine and nature, so being able to create events within Santa Barbara Wine Country that inspire our customers and visitors in this beautiful setting is a professional challenge that I’m already finding rewarding,” she continues.
Estate Director Stephen Janes says of Dawson’s appointment, “Kyleen understands the ever-evolving nature of wine-oriented special events. Today’s customer desires authenticity, graciousness, and highly curated experiences. Because we’re still family-owned and operated, we’re able to provide guests with very detailed and personalized customer service. Having Kyleen on our team will ensure we continue providing our guests with the best experiences possible while also securing our winery as one of the top destinations to visit in Santa Barbara Wine Country.”
To learn more about Gainey Estate Vineyards please visit https://gaineyvineyard.com.
About Gainey Estate Vineyards:
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.
