Ampelos Cellars

In 1999 we purchased 82 acres in what would later become the Sta. Rita Hills appellation (Santa Rita Hills in California is legally Sta. Rita Hills), and named it “Ampelos,” the Greek word for vine. The name has a two-fold purpose. First, we believe that all great wines start in the vineyard. Secondly, we have close ties with Greece; we were married there and own a small bed & breakfast, called Ampelos Resort, on the island of Folegandros. We ...

Ampelos vineyard is in the eastern end of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation—a cool climate area perfect for growing Pinot Noir, Grenache, Syrah, Viognier and Riesling. Our vineyard is one of the few vineyards that get the cool breeze from the Santa Rita Hills, Santa Rosa Hills and La Parisima Mountains.

History of Ampelos Vineyard

1999 - purchased 82 acres with soils comprised of tierra loam, tierra sandy loam and   

           bot...

In growing grapes, we believe in taking care of and respecting the environment and that our vineyard needs to be in balance with nature, therefore we made the decision to go 100% biodynamic. This means we use all organic farming methods, and a step beyond. We are also the first vineyard in the US to be certified in all 3 practices: biodynamic farming, organic farming and sustainability in practice (SIP). We farm our organic vineyard exclusivel...