About a year ago Jason and Janu Goelz , Jason Stephens Winery and Tim Slater , Sarah ’ s Vineyard launched The Stomping Ground , an interesting and ambitious project . Essentially the project has two components :’

• Transform a former industrial facility into a state of the art winemaking studio with production , custom crush and storage facilities

• Host a number of premium wineries for wine tasting , entertainment and related agri-tourism activities .

Written By Larry J . Mickartz

n the last year Jason and Janu Goelz have moved their production from Watsonville Road to the new location at the end of Renz Lane . Tim Slater also moved Sarah ’ s production to the new facility . The wine production component of the project was the major focus of operations last year . One building of the former Boral roofing tile production facility has become a 12,800 square feet refrigerated case storage facility . The old main tile production building has become a 22,800 square feet wine production and barrel storage facility . The old buildings had to be cleaned of layer upon layer of dirt and clay , new insulation had to be installed , and everything readied for wine production . During the 2016 harvest The Stomping Ground processed grapes for ten wineries . With new equipment in place this year and with more space cleaned and available for processing the number will grow . This year Janu Goelz will launch her own label , Alara Cellars , an homage to fashion and wine .

One of the interesting current projects is cleaning the eleven former tile curing vaults for eventual barrel storage . The 42-foot-deep vaults can each house about 150 barrels . The thick walls and insulation make for picturesque and ideal wine storage . More processing tanks and processing equipment are being moved in and readied for the 2017 harvest . A wine lab is being built .

The production needs of the three partners is a good illustration of the flexibility of this operation . Jason Stephens needs significant production and storage space but it also needs a tasting room on site . Janu Goelz has been working on several wine certifications such as Certified Specialist of Wine and passed the intro sommelier exam . She will be releasing her first wine this season , a 2015 Pinot Noir . She will be opening a smaller tasting venue . Tim Slater , has moved his production and storage to the new facility but his tasting room will remain at the Sarah ’ s facility on Hecker Pass .

The second component of The Stomping Ground is the tasting rooms and all things wine . Currently the partners are working with an architect to develop a conceptual plan for several tasting rooms , a restaurant , food trucks , a stage , a wine themed boutique , and maybe even a brewery . The Stomping Ground ’ s business plan envisions ten tasting rooms . They are even looking into the possibility of opening an organic produce market .

Currently only Jason Stephens has a tasting room on site . Once Janu gets all her permits and approvals she will open a smaller tasting facility . Several established and new local wineries have sought information on opening a tasting room . With seven acers the possibilities are endless . Behind the main production and tank storage building is a site perfect for a stage . Jason Stephens had a very successful Friday night music series at the old winery on Hecker Pass . However , traffic and noise issues severely limited growth . The new site has plenty of parking and music will not be an issue on the seven acer site . Watch for more plans and information in the coming months . The newly remodeled and elegant Jason Stephens tasting room , one of the old Boral offices , is a combination of a family friendly patio , a tasting room and an adults only patio . Food trucks and entertainment are regulars at wine club events . The Jason Stephens tasting room is open daily for 11:00 to 6:00 .

As The Stomping Ground project moves along on several fronts the partners , Jason , Janu and Tim , commented on the high level of cooperation and support they have received from City of Gilroy staff . Locally there is not a lot of history transforming a large industrial operation into a wine production and tasting facility . Their experience with the City has been favorable and hopefully a predictor of future growth and success for The Stomping Ground .

Janu Goelz ’ own label “ Alara ” combining her love of wine and fashion .

6500 Brem Lane • Gilroy 408.846.8463 • thestompingground . com

GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN JULY / AUGUST 2017 gmhtoday . com

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