Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Zahoudanis.
Hi Alexis, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was raised in Manhattan Beach, California, and both my parents were entrepreneurs. My dad was a Greek immigrant who built a successful career in real estate, and my mom ran her own travel agency. Being surrounded by their drive and work ethic taught me the value of hard work from an early age. After high school, I headed to New York to attend NYU and returned to California after graduating to join my dad in the commercial real estate development business.
While real estate was his profession, wine was his passion. In the early 2000s, we took the leap and bought Ashley’s Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. That first venture was an incredible learning experience, and even though we later sold it, it opened the door for what came next. In 2006, the opportunity arose to purchase a 200-acre property in Los Olivos planted primarily to Rhône varieties, and we knew we had found the perfect place to bring our vision to life. Demetria Estate is named after my sister, Demetria, but is also a nod to the founder of biodynamic farming, Demeter.
Today, I manage Demetria day-to-day as owner and general manager. It’s a dream come true to do what I love, alongside an incredible passionate team, creating wines that reflect our estate in the Santa Ynez Valley and sharing them with people we are lucky to welcome to this special place.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been easy. We launched Demetria Estate right before the 2008 financial crisis hit. We had to make some tough choices to keep going, but never at the expense of the integrity of the brand.
Over the years, we’ve also been tested by nature, wildfires and drought. Those moments were incredibly hard, but they were never the whole story. The real story is the friendships we’ve built, the great times we’ve had on our estate patio, and the memories people have made while enjoying our wines. Through it all, I’ve been lucky to have an amazing team beside me. Their resilience and dedication are the reason Demetria has become what it is today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Demetria Estate?
Demetria Estate is a family-owned and operated winery located in Santa Barbara County’s Santa Ynez Valley. Our property is 200 acres, with 46 acres planted primarily to Rhône varietals. We farm biodynamically and keep our winemaking as natural as possible, using native yeasts and minimal intervention so the fruit can really speak for itself. One of my favorite parts of the vineyard is our herd of 60+ sheep. They are adorable but also an essential part of our sustainable farming practices.
We offer daily tastings on our estate patio, just off the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail in Los Olivos, CA. Our small, passionate team leads tastings featuring a rotating selection of Rhône and Burgundian varietal wines from the Demetria portfolio. There’s something magical about being here, tucked into the hillside, with sunlight filtering through oak trees, birds chirping and a sense of calm that instantly puts guests at ease. Beyond tastings, we host intimate indoor and outdoor events, including weddings, birthdays and family gatherings.
At the heart of Demetria is our Wine Society, where we build lasting relationships with people who love our wines and our approach to community and authenticity. We’re proud not only of the wines we craft but also of the connections we create with our guests and members.
As general manager and co-owner, I wear a lot of hats, but Demetria wouldn’t be what it is without our incredible team. Ryan Roark, our director of winemaking and viticulture, brings not only vast knowledge but also a calming presence that gives me confidence our vineyards are in excellent hands. Emily Myers, our winemaker and director of operations, is the organizational backbone, she keeps us focused and running like a well-oiled machine. Logan Livermore, our director of hospitality and events, is the warm, welcoming face of Demetria, making every guest feel right at home. And Nick Marchi, our wine club manager, is at the heart of our guest and member experience, connecting people to our wines and our story.
Above all, we take pride in being a place where guests can relax, connect with nature and enjoy an authentic wine experience.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
For those just starting out, my advice is to build a strong team and create an environment where ego is set aside and open dialogue is encouraged. Listening, really listening, has been one of my biggest lessons and growth opportunities. And if I could do one thing over, it would be launching our wine club, what we now call our Wine Society, sooner. Today, the Wine Society is the lifeblood of Demetria: a beloved community that we truly consider family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.demetriaestate.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demetriaestate/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/demetriaestate
Image Credits
Courtesy of Ali Beck
