Tensley
Summary
Tensley Wines is a boutique family operation founded in 1998 by Joey Tensley in Santa Barbara County, specializing in Syrah and other Rhône varieties sourced primarily from cool-climate coastal vineyards influenced by Pacific Ocean fog patterns. Their minimal-intervention winemaking approach emphasizes vineyard expression through selective hand harvesting and thoughtful oak aging, with their estate Colson Canyon Vineyard Syrah exemplifying the growing recognition of Santa Barbara's potential for world-class Rhône-style wines.
Heritage & Leadership
Tensley Wines was founded by Joey Tensley in 1998 in Santa Barbara County, California. The winery began modestly, with Joey producing approximately 100 cases in his inaugural vintage. Before establishing his eponymous label, Joey gained valuable experience working at other Santa Barbara County wineries, including Babcock Vineyards.
The winery has maintained its family-owned and operated structure since its founding, with Joey Tensley continuing to serve as both owner and winemaker. His wife Jennifer Tensley is actively involved in the business operations, helping to maintain the winery's hands-on approach. As the business developed, the Tensleys expanded their portfolio by creating a second label called "Fundamental," designed to offer wines at more accessible price points while maintaining the quality standards established by their primary label.
Vineyards & Wines
Tensley sources fruit primarily from vineyards throughout Santa Barbara County, with particular focus on the cool-climate regions of Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley. These areas benefit significantly from Pacific Ocean fog patterns and coastal breezes, creating ideal growing conditions for the winery's preferred grape varieties. A pivotal development in the winery's history occurred when Joey Tensley purchased Colson Canyon Vineyard in the mid-2010s, which produces the fruit for what has become the winery's flagship wine.
The portfolio centers firmly on Rhône varieties, with Syrah standing as the cornerstone of production. Tensley has built its reputation on single-vineyard designated Syrahs that showcase the distinctive terroir of Santa Barbara County. The winery also produces Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Rhône-style blends, complemented by smaller quantities of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Tensley's wines, particularly their Syrahs, have consistently received high scores from major wine critics including Robert Parker and Wine Spectator.
Philosophy & Practice
Tensley's winemaking approach emphasizes the expression of vineyard character and terroir. The winery typically ages their wines in French oak barrels, selecting cooperage that complements rather than overwhelms the fruit characteristics. For their Syrah production, Tensley employs some whole cluster fermentation, a technique that can add complexity and structural elements to the finished wines.
The winery maintains a selective harvesting protocol, hand-picking grapes from their vineyard sources to ensure only the highest quality fruit enters the production facility. This attention to detail extends throughout the winemaking process, which follows a minimal intervention philosophy that allows the distinctive qualities of each vineyard site to shine through in the finished wines.
Tensley maintains a tasting room in Los Olivos, California, where visitors can experience their portfolio of wines. The Colson Canyon Vineyard Syrah stands as the pinnacle of their production, embodying the winery's commitment to site-specific expression and quality-focused winemaking.