John and Sandra Zahoudanis founded Demetria Estate in 2005 to uphold John’s Greek heritage and family tradition of farming and careful stewardship of the land. They named their splendid estate after their daughter who shares the same name as the ancient Greek goddess of harvest, Demetria.
The 213-acre property stands proudly in the hills above Foxen Canyon in the Santa Ynez Valley, California. The rolling terrain is the highest in the appellation, with vineyards ranging in elevation from 1,100 to 1,450 feet. Planted exclusively to Rhône varieties, the vineyards cover 46 acres of steep, north facing hills. The vineyards are farmed using Biodynamic principles. No pesticides or fertilizers are used, and the phases of the planets and the moon govern farming practices. Demetria Estate is one of the first in Santa Barbara County to embrace Biodynamic farming.
The renowned Biodynamic Consultant Philippe Armenier guides Demetria’s farming practices, and Australia-born Harry Waye is now the winery’s head winemaker and vineyard operations manager. Harry strives to create wines that are complex, while food friendly and approachable: not just for the connoisseur, but for the everyday wine lover. The result is two distinctive portfolios: one composed of estate grown Rhône varietals, including Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne, Picpoul Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Cinsault, Counoise, Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre; and one featuring Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from some of the finest vineyards in Santa Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley.
A visit to Demetria Estate is something one does not forget. After being admitted through a grand gate, guests travel along a winding road that provides picturesque natural beauty at every turn. They arrive at a lovely Mediterranean-style estate that feels like a private home. An inviting outdoor terrace shaded with oak trees sits to one side of the entrance. Here they can enjoy a seated tasting in a manner befitting John’s family heritage for farming and genuine hospitality.
WHAT TO BUY WINES
’11 Cuvée Sandra Pinot Noir – $65
Raspberry, pomegranate, black cherry, allspice, black truffle
’12 Viognier – $30
White peach, citrus, lychee nuts, lemon curd
’11 North Slope Syrah – $37
Truffle, spice, bacon fat, earth, blackberry, espresso, crème de cassis
SPECIAL NOTES
Wine tasting daily by appointment, Biodynamic farming practices, winemaker on site, owner on site, wine club discounts and events.
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Steve Cooper is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Hitched. You can follow him on Twitter at @hitchedmedia.
