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Phyllis Zouzounis: Pioneer, Trailblazer, and Visionary of Sonoma County Winemaking

Phyllis Zouzounis is one of the first pioneering, female winemakers, in Sonoma County. In 1980, Phyllis began her winemaking career at Dry Creek Vineyard, in Healdsburg.

In the world of wine, her story is a perfect example of how passion, education, and determination have led to her fulfilling career.

While living in San Francisco, Phyllis had a friend who introduced her to the allure of wine, and they often tasted wines in San Francisco, which led to attending public wine events. This happened before moving north to Sonoma County.

In 1979, her friend decided to move to Sonoma County, and she followed. She had decided that she wanted to become a winemaker, and Sonoma County was appealing. Without that job and a lot of enthusiasm, she was determined, so she spent well over a year not giving up on her dream and moving forward.

Phyllis Zouzounis: Pioneer, Trailblazer, and Visionary of Sonoma County WinemakingOne day, she became determined to get a job that day, and she did. Phyllis went to Dry Creek Vineyards, and owner David Stare was there. He listened carefully to her story, believed in her, and so he launched her winemaking career.

Starting in 1980, Phyllis Zouzounis strategized her entry into the wine industry, guided by her passion. Through tastings and networking with wine professionals, she nurtured her knowledge and gained inspiration from wine country. Embracing the advice she received, she confidently transformed it into action, laying a solid foundation for her successful transition into the business of wine.

Due to her intrigue and while at Dry Creek Winery, Phyllis’ journey began in the tasting room. So captivated with wine, she took winemaking courses at Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC). Later, she would take courses at UC Davis and even taught a winemaking course class at SRJC (Santa Rosa Junior College). She worked her way from the tasting room and cellar work, into the position of assistant winemaker.

Phyllis Zouzounis: Pioneer, Trailblazer, and Visionary of Sonoma County WinemakingIn 1987, Phyllis Zouzounis and her former partner, Jim Penpraze, set up Deux Amis Winery in Dry Creek Valley. Initially, they produced 100 cases of Zinfandel from a single vineyard. Over time, the winery expanded production to over 1,500 cases of Zinfandel, sourcing grapes from both Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys in Sonoma County. Jim retired in 2013, but Phyllis continues to lead the winery, now rebranded as Zouzounis Wines, and is still committed to producing award-winning wines.

From here, Phyllis Zouzounis then segued into winemaker and general manager at Mazzocco Vineyards.

When Phyllis Zouzounis fell in love with Zinfandel, she also fell in love with the growers. They took great interest in her curiosity, explaining all the elements of terroir. This education connected her dots between loving wine, appreciating the soil, and a passion for producing wine from these empowering components.

Further accomplishments along the way: Winemaker for West Wines, Bedarra Vineyards, and Tre Ricci Wines in Dry Creek Valley. She also worked for Starlite Vineyards, in Alexander Valley. In 2016, she was the winemaker for Raymond Burr Vineyards in Dry Creek Valley, until it closed. One more transformation was Deux Amis, based in the Sonoma Valley, which morphed into Zouzounis Wines. This is where you will find her today, as the sole winemaker and owner.

Phyllis Zouzounis: Pioneer, Trailblazer, and Visionary of Sonoma County Winemaking

The heart of winemaking for Phyllis Zouzounis has always been transformative fermentation. She revels in the power it bestows, coaxing grapes into becoming her vision. It’s thrilling for her.

Phyllis Zouzounis is a great believer in harmony and symmetry in wine. "My focus is balance. Balance of the vine, the fruit, and the wine. Each is extremely important to me,” she has said.

Based in Windsor, California, Phyllis Zouzounis is primarily known for Zinfandel wines, and yet she is equally talented with Sauvignon Blanc, for white wine lovers and occasions suited to white wines. And she is also enthusiastic about Petite Sirah, under her Zouzounis label.        

Learn more about Phyllis Zouzounis by watching this video.