Three Gilroy winemakers have bought 7.4 acres on the east side of U.S. 101—at 6500 Brem Lane, behind the Target and in front of UNFI—to turn an old roof tile factory into a colorful winemaking landmark.
Called the Stomping Ground, the property was bought several months ago by Jason and Janu Goelz, of Jason-Stephens Winery and Tim Slater, of Sarah’s Vineyard. It used to house a local branch of Boral Roofing, an Australian-based company that makes building supplies.
“The Stomping Ground is slated to become Silicon Valley’s hippest food and wine destination,” said Jason Goelz, in a press release. “It will be a working winery for several artisan labels; a localvore gourmet marketplace; an exciting events and music venue; a unique experience where the area’s rich agricultural history is deliciously on display. We hope to make the Stomping Ground a fresh, ever changing, ‘must-stop’ on Highway 101.”
They have discussed plans with the city and are in the process of filing for permits, but as yet haven’t been in front of the planning commission.
“With its 101 visibility, this will raise awareness of wineries in the region,” said Tammy Brownlow, CEO of the Gilroy Economic Development Corporation, who has been meeting with them. “I think it’s really exciting.”
The winemakers said they plan to have grapes planted and buildings renovated by fall after installing custom crush and cellaring equipment and case good warehousing for regional artisan wine brands—including the principals’ labels.
“The current timetable calls for wine making at the Stomping Ground, beginning with this fall’s harvest; it’s ambitious but we’d like to be crushing grapes there for the coming 2016 vintage,” said Slater.
The Gilroy City Council recently passed ordinances allowing wineries to have tasting rooms downtown in the hopes they would bring tourists to the west side of 101 and let people from other parts know how successful Santa Clara County vintners are.
“This looks like an exciting new project that will be yet another in a growing list of reasons for people throughout the region to visit Gilroy,” said Mayor Perry Woodward. “I am somewhat surprised they would choose to locate on Brem Lane. It would be my preference to see this downtown, but the investors no doubt have their reasons.”
Brownlow said the space they need for this project is too big for downtown.
According to their press release, the developers hope to add wine tasting rooms, restaurants and gourmet vendors. They will add a wine tasting room this summer. Over the years they plan to turn it into “a wine and food oasis” with event and office space and room for concerts and performances.
