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Tensley Wines
4.5
Biodynamic
Boutique
Organic
Regenerative
https://tensleywines.com/
In 1998, Joey Tensley launched Tensley Wines with a hundred cases, aspiring to create a well-priced, Syrah-focused brand that honors Santa Barbara County's unique vineyards. Today, as a thriving 5,000-case boutique winery, Tensley boasts Syrahs acclaimed by Wine Spectator and Robert Parker, with Food and Wine Magazine recognizing their excellence.
Joey's winemaking journey began at twelve during a French winery visit, fueling his dream. Working as a "cellar rat" at Fess Parker Winery in 1993, he honed his craft and later became assistant winemaker at Babcock Vineyards, emphasizing the importance of the vineyard. In 1998, Tensley emerged at Beckmen Vineyards, exclusively focusing on Rhône varietals from Santa Barbara County.
The acclaim started in 2001 when Tensley's Syrahs made Matt Kramer's Top Ten Wines list. The Los Olivos tasting room opened in 2004, and in 2017, Joey introduced "Fundamental Wines" with a commitment to fundamental, value-driven wines. The 2015 "Fundamental" red blend earned 92 points from The Wine Enthusiast.
Joey's dedication to sustainable and organic practices underscores Tensley's role as a distinguished, small-production winery, offering quality wines that let the vineyard's character shine. Amidst growth, Tensley remains true to its founding philosophy – crafting exceptional wines that are both well-priced and expressive of Santa Barbara County's terroir.
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Reviews
Such a great experience last weekend at Tensley! Sabrina was an amazing hostess and spent time talking with us about each wine, the vineyards, harvest etc…all of the wines were so enjoyable truly loved their Syrahs!! Can’t wait to visit again soon!
Ulysses was our host and offered amazing service! The wines were incredible and I so wish we could’ve spent more time here!
Disappointed with the service. We have enjoyed the Colson Canyon in the past and made it a point to book a stop here. Our host Ulysses failed to ask the most basic questions of us (e.g., “Where are you from?”, “How did you hear of us?”). After being seated outside, we were given one-sentence descriptions and then he left, even though we were the only ones tasting. The wine was served too warm to showcase it properly. (They were on the counter on a 113° day.) Other wineries have asked if we wanted to revisit or if we had questions. We were told after the last pour we could meet him inside where we could check out.The wines are good and the tasting fee very reasonable. However, after doing hundreds of tastings around the world and have purchased dozens and dozens of wine for my cellar, this was one of the worst tasting room experiences I’ve had. The message we got was we don’t care about our wines and your experience. I love Tensley wines but would not recommend this at all.
What a find!On my flight to Santa Barbara, I had the most recent edition of Wine Spectator identifying the top 100 wines of the world for 2018 and decided that if I had any spare time in my work schedule, I would commit to going to Tensley to try the #25 wine - the 2016 Colson Canyon Syrah.I was in luck ... time permitted ... and I was able to visit at 4:15 in the afternoon. Located in a neighborhood of small tasting rooms in Los Olivos, I wished I had time to visit more wineries (they close at 5pm), but I was on a mission.Rose, the tasting and wine club manager, welcomed me to taste the following 4 wines (regrettably, the 2016 Syrah was already sold out): 2017 Fundamental White, 2017 Syrah, 2017 Estate [GSM, Rhone] Blend, and 2017 Colson Canyon Syrah. Keep in mind that this is Pinot Noir country and Joey Tensley (the winemaker/owner) is making Rhone wines! I was very intrigued as Rose told me the story.Of the 4 wines, I found the Estate Blend and the Colson Canyon Syrah both to be standout quality, but both still very young (I think they can both age well for another 5-10 years). With some decanting/aeration, we were able to soften both of the wines and I found them to be so irresistible (at just $34 and $42 respectively) I bought them to pack in my luggage to bring back to Virginia.If you are in the area, Tensley Wines should absolutely be on your itinerary. Their wines are small batch, artisan-crafted, and still affordable. I will be back as soon as I can!
Went to tasting room in Los Olivos and had a great experience. The ladies, including Mrs T, we're awesome .... As we're the wines. So awesome that I joined the cellar club. Very high quality. Highly recommended.
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M-S 11-5pm
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