our story
We purchased 82 acres in 1999 in what became Sta. Rita Hills appellation, and named it “Ampelos,” which is the Greek word for vine. The name is due to, we believe all great wines start in the vineyard. Also we have close ties with Greece; we were married there and own a small bed & breakfast, called Ampelos Hotel, on the island of Folegandros.
Waking up from the dream is the belief that a farmer must know his fruit, and we are resolute in our passion to produce hands-on, minimally invasive wines that both whisper and shout about the terroir. Our vineyard is the 1st in the US to be certified organic, sustainable and biodynamic. Our commitment to eco-friendly, organic farming and wine making is evident in every sip.
A cancelled meeting at the World Trade Center on the morning of September, 11, 2001, brought us to the realization that it was time to pursue our dreams of growing grapes and making wine as if tomorrow might never arrive. We quit our corporate jobs and moved permanently to our vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills to start learning about farming and wine making.
The combination of carefully nurtured vines, sustainable farming, hand-sorted fruit, eco-friendly wine making, and the passion in a wine that is elegant, unique and supremely drinkable. The clean and cared-for fruit shines through every bottle. We love sharing the literal fruits of our journey with friends old and new!