There are many women in the business of wine. They range from owners, continue with winemakers, tasting room managers, to publicists, and viticulturists, and I’m starting with Phyllis Zouzounis. I’ve been working with wine since 1993, and have met many women in wine along the way. Some really wondrous women of wine have rocked my soul, and I have many favorites, so I’m starting a series. Being in the wine business for the last 30 plus years, I’ve met and enjoyed the company of some wonderful people.

Phyllis Zouzounis of Zouzounis Wines in her tasting room, located back of 7680 Bell Road building, Windsor, CA 95492

Phyllis Zouzounis

I am starting with legend Phyllis Zouzounis, who’s a long-time friend from my early beginnings at Belvedere Winery. We met in New Orleans at the New Orleans Food and Wine Fest, when I was Belvedere’s PR manager. Wining and dining on Royal Street, between working, was delicious, and we’ve continued to be friends between then and now. She was always so warm and friendly. Jose and I responded when she asked for help, with her Zouzounis wines, and it’s still within the first year so we’re getting there.

Phyllis Zouzounis on YouTube

Dry Creek Valley’s Start

Phyllis has had an illustrious career, since she got a job the same way I did. For her her began in 1980, while I began in the early 90s to also find my path. By wandering into a tasting room from utter frustration, Phyllis just poured her heart out to the man behind the bar. Unbeknownst to her, she was speaking with owner Dave Stare, at Dry Creek Vineyard. Dave connected with her passion and hired her on the spot. Coincidentally I’ve had that same circumstance at Belvedere Winery. Then tasting room manager Lavonne Holmes did the same for me, when I was also at my wits end. I get it!

David Stare Family at Dry Creek Vineyard. I borrowed this image from their Website. Their rights are reserved.

From that point forward, Phyllis was on a forward wine career trajectory, that was headed to the top. Today, she’s an early female, winemaking star, to anyone who knows her well. If you don’t, yet, now you have an idea. Ask your wine buyers if they are carrying Zouzounis wines, because they’re affordable and top of the line. Then Phyllis shifted from Dry Creek Vineyards, where she was on a winemaking team, to other adventures. Then she became winemaker at Mazzocco Vineyards, in 1993, and guiding that one for years.

Adventures Included Mazzacco Vineyard

Phyllis Zouzounis with Tom Mazzocco

Widely recognized as a skilled winemaker, Phyllis has collaborated with other respected figures in the industry, including Merry Edwards. Phyllis Zouzounis has become widely considered as one the few pioneering women in Sonoma County’s California’s wine, since the 1980s. She paved the way for other women to follow in her footsteps, which also includes yours truly. Phyllis is independent, spirited, passionate, and very knowledgeable. To taste her wine is tasting old world skills in a skilled new world presentation. She works with three varieties, which include Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Her most famous wines are her Dry Creek Zinfandels, though (and, she now also has one from Hopland/Mendocino County). A lot of her friend sources both live and grow grapes in Dry Creek Valley, based on their being some of the best sources. Her Zins are known to be softly voluptuous, not over the top. It takes winemakers adding another more robust variety, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Petite Sirah, to make their Zinfandels big and bold. Phyllis’ Zins are deliberately styled with only Zinfandel grapes, so they are fruity and approachable, which allows Zinfandels to pair well with a wide range of mid-range foods.

Rich Red Zin

What People Are Saying

Fellow Wine Professionals

I took a piece of this story to Facebook. It was very touching what wine people had to say about Phyllis Zouzounis, and it is very revealing. Wine writer Dan Berger said, “She has a fabulous palate!” and rightly so, Dan. Another preeminent wine writer Fredric Koeppel, wrote “Where can I get these wines to write about?” I let him know I’m on it. Jim Morris, who’s been in our business since at least 2012 said, “She is one of the Grande Dames of the wine world. She embodies grace and strength.”

Sommelier compiles tasting card of alcohol for restaurant, evaluates red wine in glass.

Friends

Colette Ilima Larson Bradley expressed the empathy side of Zouzounis so beautifully: “Phyllis was not only my most beloved neighbor ever, she is a wine legend! She’s definitely one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met,and has an amazing palate for wine. She has been one of the most dedicated woman in the industry, and we could all learn something from her. I had the privilege of providing a phone campaign for her wine club members and wine fans to place wine orders. Every client had amazing things to say about Phyllis! She has the nicest fan club I’ve ever had the privilege of interacting with. I sure miss you my wonderful old neighbor and wine friend.”

And Her Fans

The majority of people who responded, certainly had only the kindest things to say about Phyllis. For example, “She embodies grace and strength,” said Nancy Holt Clayton, Phyllis, you are the best!. Lorene Romero, “Love you Phyllis Zouzounis. Grateful to have you in my life.” Karen Kenyon Jacobson, “Such a beautiful and accurate tribute to Phyllis and her wines!! Always an inspiration!” And, finally, although I could go on, because so many reacted to her story on Face, is Ann Joly. “Phyllis definitely makes some YUMMY wine, not to mention being one of the hardest working wine gal in the business! Thanks for the post, it reminds me to get up there and grab some SB before it’s all gone. See you soon Phyll!!!”

People enjoying the wine life.

It’s a very special, poised lifestyle, with a lot fun and a feeling of class. We have arrived.

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Written by Jo Diaz, a partner of Diaz Communications, who is helping to make stars realize their dreams. Edited by partner Jose Diaz. To reprint, please contact Jo Diaz: jo@diaz-communications.com