The year was 1939. Scottsdale's northern boundary extended only to Camelback Road. America's most legendary architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, had just created his "Taliesin West" in the Arizona desert, now in the heart of north Scottsdale.
Daniel C. Gainey, the owner of Josten's Department store in Owatonna, Minnesota was presented with a yearling Arabian colt by his employees at their annual sales meeting. Enamored with both the beauty of the animal and the Arizona desert, Gainey acquired a 640 parcel of land north of the unincorporated area of Scottsdale. It was appropriately named "Gainey Ranch". His passion for these gilded equines of classic stature, grace, and elegance led to a four-decade love affair during which he created his own pedigree, "The Gainey Fountainhead Arabian Horse".
In 1962, the Gainey family acquired 1800 acres in the Santa Ynez Valley, 24 miles north of Santa Barbara, California. That acquisition later fulfilled another passion of the Gainey family, a dream to create a world-class wine. The dream became a reality in 1983 when Gainey and his son, Daniel J. Gainey, began planting of premium varietal grapes and the construction of a magnificent winery called "The Gainey Vineyard". The family's tradition of excellence has led to a group of widely acclaimed and stylistically distinctive wines.
In 1980, the Gainey's sold all but 80 acres of the Gainey Ranch. Consistent with the family's vision, the storied Arabian horse ranch was transformed to a world-class destination featuring a Hyatt resort hotel, 27 acres of golf, high quality residences and offices blended into a lush desert landscaped setting. Gainey Ranch became the crown jewel of Scottsdale.
It was one bright summer day in May 1995, when Daniel J. Gainey stood upon the remaining 80 acres of ground talking with Scottsdale's most pre-eminent developers. The land was still a working ranch land stocked with purebred Angus cattle. Gainey was seeking a vision for the development of the coveted 80 acres. At that moment in time, a concept was conceived to build a "distinctively different" luxury all-suites hotel surrounded by shops, boutiques, restaurants, a world-class spa and health club and offices. Gainey embraced the concept and sold the land to the developers in 1997. Of course, that hotel is now the Gainey Suites Hotel.
So as you relax on our patio one lovely Arizona evening savoring this delightful wine, keep in mind, that beginning over sixty years ago right here in Gainey Ranch, one good thing certainly did lead to another. Enjoy!