Gem 73 stands for: simple wine, shared time, and a place we make together. A moment to share with people. From our vineyard to your table.

The vineyard didn’t become an obsession immediately. I, Teresa, and Joel, my husband loved coming to our friends’ vineyards, sitting on the back deck, drinking wine and appreciating incredible views of the valley.

At some point we started to spend a lot of time going to vineries. No matter if it were our friends or strangers, everybody was sharing what they were doing, the conversations were easy and honest, and each time wine tasted special. Soon we had friends who allowed us to be there whenever we wanted to.

In 2016 Jay and Shelly, our good old friends bought a beautiful lot, from which you can see.... The beauty wasn’t just the views, but the way the valley lives: people that are easy to know and easy to connect with.

We soon retired our careers and started to build a vineyard. We just couldn’t imagine doing it in somewhere else. Sunnyslope became a home. We’re here to document it, care for it, and share it with you.

Most of us at Gem 73 grew up in farming communities across the U.S. Living in a place like that gives you a deep sense of shared purpose — everyone is working toward the same thing, side by side. During harvest, if someone gets sick or has an emergency, other farmers step in and work their land. That’s just how it’s done. That sense of community is something we’ve always wanted to build here.

It shows up in small, ordinary ways. Treating visitors as guests, not customers. Helping out when someone needs a hand. Sharing food, tools, news, ideas — whatever’s needed that day.

Not only for the people who live nearby, but for anyone who comes to visit. For us, that means open doors, staying as long as you want, asking any question, and being transparent about how we make our wine. No lines to stand in, no pressure to move along — just real time, shared space, and people looking out for one another.

Community isn’t a marketing strategy. It’s knowing the people around you —and being glad to see them. It’s spending time together — on porches, at the local markets, in the tasting room, or during our events. Nothing formal, or complicated. Just people being there for each other, because it feels good.

Well, there are five of us. Together, we do the work. No boards of shareholders, no consultants from the coast, no corporate bullshit. Just us, this valley, and whoever shows up.

Good wine is not about the views or grapes. It’s not about the brand or marketing either. It’s about slowing down, paying attention to tactile experiences and mastering the craft. It’s about doing your best to be honest and treat people and the world around you with respect.