As March comes to a close and we look ahead to April, the vineyard is quietly — but beautifully — coming back to life. We’ve already started to feel those warmer days here in Ramona, with sunshine stretching a little longer into the evenings. While we’ve been soaking it all in, we’re also keeping our fingers crossed for a few classic spring showers  to round out the season and give the vines a final boost before the growing cycle truly takes off. Because right now… everything

As we “spring forward” each March, the change isn’t just happening on our clocks — it’s happening quietly throughout the vineyard as well. After months of winter dormancy, the vines at Vineyard Grant James begin preparing for the next growing season, marking one of the most exciting transitions in the winemaking year. While the vineyard may still look peaceful at first glance, behind the scenes this is a critical time that helps shape the wines you’ll enjoy in the years ahead

When most people picture vineyards, they imagine lush green vines, heavy clusters of grapes, and harvest season excitement. But some of the most important work of the entire year actually happens in February , when the vineyard appears quiet on the surface. Winter is not downtime — it is foundation-building season , and what happens now plays a major role in the wines that will eventually fill your glass. The Vineyard Is “Sleeping”… But Not Really During winter dormancy, the

How to Start the Year with Balanced Enjoyment, Thoughtful Pairings, and Vineyard Perspective As the holidays fade and the rush of December gives way to the quieter days of January, many of us turn inward — reflecting, resetting, and setting intentions for the year ahead. In the world of wine, there’s a growing trend that goes hand-in-hand with this mindset: mindful wine enjoyment  — sometimes called Damp January  or simply wine with intention . Here at Vineyard Grant James, J

If you’ve ever had the spicy chicken tortilla soup  at Marinade on Main , you already know: it’s perfection in a bowl. Smoky, spicy, rich, comforting—basically the kind of soup that ruins you for any other version. While we might  not be able to recreate their exact magic at home, here’s a delicious, vineyard-inspired version you can make in your own kitchen. Pair it with a glass of VGJ wine, and suddenly your Tuesday night feels like a moment worth slowing down for. The Reci

A Holiday Recipe Worth Pouring A Glass For When winemaker Susanne Sapier and her daughter Cate gather in the kitchen, it isn’t just about cooking—it’s about connecting. With the holidays approaching, their recent favorite? A rich and warming fall dish: the Butternut Squash Casserole  from The Cozy Apron. Brimming with roasted squash, apples, caramelized fennel and onions, sweet sausage (optional), and Gruyère cheese—this side dish is helping Susanne’s son-in-law claim his pos

At Vineyard Grant James, we’ve always believed that great wine should be shared — with friends, with food, and often with a healthy dose of curiosity. For winemaker Susanne Sapier  and her daughter Cate , that philosophy has recently led them into the kitchen for some delicious (and sometimes delightfully surprising!) wine-pairing adventures. The two share a favorite ritual: trading recipes from the New York Times Cooking  newsletter. What started as a fun way to test weeknig

Summer in San Diego’s backcountry means sunshine, small-town charm, and tons of events to fill your weekends. Whether you're in Poway ,...

Nothing says summer like a glass of chilled rosé and a table full of seasonal bites. Whether you’re hosting a backyard dinner, packing a...

Have You Ever Thought About Traveling with Us? If you’ve ever dreamed of pairing your love for wine with adventure, then our Vineyard...