In 1998 I launched Tensley Wines with one hundred cases and one single goal – to start a well-priced, Syrah-driven brand that let the unique vineyards of Santa Barbara County speak for themselves.
Joey Tensley
From humble beginnings to bold blends
“I started Tensley with 4 barrels. Today, Tensley is a 6,000 case-a-year business.”
My first experience with wine took place when I was just twelve-years-old and my soccer team toured a winery while taking part in a tournament in France. I vividly recall the chill of the old caves and the aromas of wines fermenting in barrels. From that moment on I knew he wanted to be a winemaker. Which pretty much made me the only kid in Bakersfield with that particular dream.
Ten years later, in 1993, I got my start in the wine business working as a "cellar rat" for Fess Parker Winery in Santa Barbara County. After only three years I became the assistant winemaker at Babcock Vineyards. While there I came to appreciate the importance of the vineyard and the grower. I also came to appreciate the uniqueness of Santa Barbara County as a growing region. We're one of the only places in the world with a mountain range that runs east-west. That gives us many different, unique microclimates, so a Syrah grown in one place is so different from a Syrah grown in another. It's an exciting place to make wine.
In 1998 I moved on to become the assistant winemaker at Beckmen Vineyards where I was offered space to make my own label. At Beckmen, I developed my love for Rhône varietals and decided Tensley would produce only Rhône varietals and only source from Santa Barbara County.
I consider myself a winegrower, more than a winemaker. Every decision we make in the vineyard and winery we take into consideration how it will affect the finished bottle of wine. I want each bottle to be the best representation of the vineyard itself. We use as little interference as possible in the winery including minimal use of electricity. Most of our process is done by hand with little use of oak and sulfur so the wine stays as fresh and true to itself as we can make it.
While Tensley and its reputation have continued to grow, I have stayed true to the philosophy I had from day one – make quality wine that is well priced and always, get out of the way and let the vineyard speak for itself.
1998
Founded
4
First Barrels
6K
Cases Annually
30+
Years Crafting