Wine Vault & Bistro is pleased to announce a 6-course wine dinner featuring Gainey Vineyards from Santa Ynez. Winemaker Jeff LeBard will be here in person to host the dinner.

Jeff has 28 years in the wine industry, with 18 being at Gainey. After these last almost two decades at Gainey, he brings a deep understanding of their vineyards along with a stylistic balance to every vintage. His work is rooted in a commitment to authenticity and site-driven winemaking, producing wines that reflect the distinct character of the Santa Ynez Valley.

We hope you'll be able to join us for what will surely be a fun evening of tasting great wines paired with great food while rubbing elbows with one of the most respected winemakers from the Santa Ynez area. Wine notes and bottle prices are at the end of this announcement if you're interested. Here's the line-up:

NOTE: Due to the complexity of this menu we regret that we will be unable to accommodate vegetarian requests or extensive menu aberrations.

MENU

Humboldt Fog Goat Cheese Salad | Smoked Juniper-Salted Beets | Oven-Cured Tomatoes | Balsamic Reduction

2023 Gainey Sauvignon Blanc (4 oz. pour)

Wild Coho Salmon | Wild Mushroom Mélange | Porcini Oil

2023 Gainey Pinot Noir (4 oz. pour)

Duck Duo: Grilled Breast + Confit Stuffed Roasted Squash

2022 Gainey Syrah (4 oz. pour)

Lomo Saltado (Peruvian-Style Stir-Fry): Wagyu Beef | Roasted Peppers | Caramelized Onions | Snap Peas

2021 Gainey Merlot (4 oz. pour)

Goat Cheese + Guanciale Tortelloni | Melted Leeks | Rosemary Jus

2021 Gainey Cabernet Franc (4 oz. pour)

White Chocolate + Brandy Infused Strawberry Napoleon

Magdala Orange Brandy (1 oz. pour)

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RSVP (IF ON A DESKTOP COMPUTER)

Click the “Contact the Host” button in the “Tell a Friend” box on to the right and respond with the info below.

RSVP (IF ON A MOBILE DEVICE)

Scroll to the very bottom of this posting. Click the “Contact the Host” button in the “Tell a Friend” box at the bottom and respond with the info below.

RESPOND WITH THIS INFO

1. your cell number and best time to call so we can call you to update your credit card info

2. how many people are in your party, and

3. answers to the HEAD’S UP questions in the paragraph below if you’re a party of 1 or 2.

HEAD’S UP

Seating is EXTREMELY limited. We have a limited number of tables for couples who want to sit by themselves so please let us know if you’re willing to sit at communal tables as that will GREATLY increase your chances of getting in. We also have the two firepit tables on the patio for two (https://www.winevaultbistro.com/fire-pit) available if you don’t mind sitting at a lower, coffee table height table. Also, please consider inviting another couple or two to join you as if you’re a party of four or six there won’t be a problem getting your own table. We are currently limiting party sizes to a maximum of six.

LOCATION & PHONE

Wine Vault & Bistro is located in the heart of San Diego between Little Italy and Old Town at 3731-A India Street on the upstairs terrace. Follow the black handrail up the stairs from the sidewalk to our front door. Our phone number is (619) 295-3939.

PARKING

On-street parking is usually available within a 3-block radius. Meters are free after 6:00 so if you park at a metered spot just put in enough money (probably less than a buck) to get you to 6:00 and then you’re home free. You can also park in the lot behind Shakespeare Pub two doors down, but do not park in El Indio's lot unless you want your car towed! If you can’t find parking next to the restaurant, there’s always LOTS OF PARKING on San Diego Avenue and the adjacent side streets just past the Chevron station across Washington Street. So please don't drive yourself crazy endlessly going around in circles waiting to pounce on that perfect spot when there's TONS OF PARKING less than three blocks away!

WINE SALES

Although some wines may be in limited quantities, all wines poured at this dinner will be available for purchase at the restaurant until sold out. We reserve the right to limit sales of any rare or allocated wines at our discretion.

WINE NOTES & BOTTLE PRICES

2023 Gainey Sauvignon Blanc ~ $16

(Santa Ynez Valley) Winemaker’s Notes: Bright citrus, honeydew melon, mineral and subtle herb aromas. Rich, mouthwatering and beautifully structured palate with vibrant grapefruit, melon and guava flavors culminating in a long, crisp finish invigorated by zesty citrus, spice and mineral tones. Delicious now with a broad range of seafood, poultry and salad dishes, but will develop further nuance with another 1-2 years of aging.

2023 Gainey Pinot Noir ~ $24

(Sta. Rita Hills) Winemaker's Notes: Bright, fragrant, fruit-forward aromas of black cherry, red raspberry, blackberry and pomegranate complemented by a whiff of rose hips tea. Intense, juicy, strawberry, cherry, plum and blackberry flavors on the palate that take on a zesty, tea-leaf spice tone en route to a long, fruitful, mineral-tinged finish.  Delicious now but will age gracefully age for the next 2-3 years.

2022 Gainey Syrah ~ $24

(Santa Rita Hills) Winemaker’s Notes: A classic example of cold-climate Syrah. It is immediately full of dark brambly fruits, dark chocolate, lavender and dried herbs. It is round, sublime and generous on the palate. Between the wonderful mélange of beguiling aromas and the mouth-filling palate, this wine provides immense pleasure and a very satiating experience. Drink now through 2034.

2021 Gainey Merlot ~ $21

(Santa Ynez Valley) Winemaker’s Notes: A sumptuous wine boasting fragrant black cherry and dark plum aromas mingled with appealing vanilla, milk chocolate and light herbal scents. Juicy and succulent on the palate, the wine’s concentrated dark cherry, plum and cassis flavors gain a zesty tea-leaf spice tone in the long, savory finish. Beautifully balanced, with supple tannins, it’s delicious on release with poultry, duck, game and beef dishes, but it handsomely rewards an additional 3-4 years of aging.

2021 Gainey Cabernet Franc ~ $28

(Santa Ynez Valley) Winemaker’s Notes: Dark purple hue bursting with bright aromas of blue and black brambly fruits mixed with earthy notes of dried herbs, tobacco, graphite and leaf litter. Sublime on the palate with terrific flavor and complexity leading to a long, delicious finish. Enjoy with any grilled meats and roasted vegetables. Drink now through 2032.

Magdala Spanish Orange Brandy ~ $35

(Spain) A Mediterranean orange liqueur made by steeping orange peels in grape brandy carefully distilled in small batches at the Torres distillery in Barcelona. Ageing in old oak casks produces an aromatic elixir, silky in texture and exceptionally elegant.

THE FINE PRINT

Due to fluctuations of supply, we reserve the right to make substitutions of equal or greater value in case any of the wines or foods become unavailable. Please, ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY NO ONE UNDER THE AGE OF 21 ... even if your babysitter flakes out on you at the last minute!

Hope to see you here. Buon appetito and cheers!

Chris