SLO Coast's First Certified Biodynamic Vineyard! Gina and Mike Giugni's Vineyard (formerly Bassi) Is Now Officially Demeter Certified "Sunny Spot Vineyards"

At the end of August, Gina and Mikey Guigni’s 32 acre vineyard on the SLO Coast became Demeter certified, making it the first vineyard in the SLO Coast AVA to be officially biodynamic.

A second generation winegrower and winemaker, Gina is the daughter of Frank and Teena Hildebrand, who started their 14 acre Narrow Gate Vineyards in the El Dorado AVA (part of the broader Sierra Foothills AVA), certifying the vines biodynamic in 2010. They were friends of the family that started AmByth Estate, a natural wine winery (certified biodynamic) in Paso Robles. At AmByth, wine growing and winemaking is now in the hands of the second generation Gelert Hart, son of founder Philipp Hart.

Gina set out on her own, moving to the Central Coast and farming the Chene Vineyard (then certified biodynamic; it’s since changed hands) in Edna Valley and buying grapes for her own brand Lady of the Sunshine where she makes 1,500 cases of natural wine. She was featured as a SNAIL winery in Slow Wine Guide in 2024.

Mikey and Gina together are the driving forces behind Scar of the Sea, the label Mikey started in 2012.

Scar of the Sea’s SLO Coast Bassi Vineyard Pinot Gris & Pinot Noir Co-Ferment 2022 (168 cases; $36) won a top wine award from Slow Wine in 2024. Gina’s Edna Valley Chene Vineyard Chardonnay 2022, 150 cases; $46 won a Slow Wine award in the 2024 guide.

The Vineyard

Formerly it was called the Bassi Vineyard, and was owned by Mike Sinor, a Central Coast stalwart who sold the grapes to many local wineries. It’s located near Avila Beach. Mikey formerly bought grapes here.

The couple have big plans for the vineyard, which they purchased in June, planning to use almost all of the grapes for their own brands.

Currently the site grows Albarino, Chardonnay, Grenache, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Syrah.

Said Gina, “We are replanting 7 acres this spring to include Aligote, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Pink Chardonnay, Nero d'Avola and Frappato. We'll keep all of this for our production.”

A big step forward!

Both brands have wine clubs and struck a chord with wine lovers, especially in LA.

Bravo for planting these varieties and for carrying the best farming practices forward - right on the coast.

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