Ampelos Cellars: A Legacy of Sustainability and Passion

History

Ampelos Cellars began as a dream, but it took a tragedy to bring it to life. In 1999, Peter and Rebecca Work purchased 82 acres in what would later become the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. At the time, they were still immersed in corporate careers, living a fast-paced life that left little time for their passion for wine. That all changed on September 11, 2001. A canceled meeting at the World Trade Center that morning became a wake-up call, pushing them to reassess their priorities. They left their corporate jobs behind and moved permanently to their vineyard, dedicating themselves to learning the art of farming and winemaking.

They named their vineyard “Ampelos,” the Greek word for vine, a nod to their belief that great wine begins in the vineyard. Their connection to Greece runs deep—they were married there and even own a small bed and breakfast, Ampelos Hotel, on the island of Folegandros.

From the start, the Works were committed to sustainability. Their vineyard became the first in the United States to achieve certification in all three major sustainability categories: organic, biodynamic, and sustainable. They embraced a hands-on, minimally invasive approach, ensuring that every bottle expressed the unique character of the Sta. Rita Hills. Ampelos wines quickly gained recognition for their purity, balance, and sense of place.

Over the years, Ampelos has remained a small, family-run operation dedicated to crafting wines with integrity. Even as the vineyard changes hands, the Ampelos Cellars brand continues under Peter and Rebecca’s guidance, ensuring that their philosophy lives on.

Winemaker

Peter Work is not your typical winemaker. With a background in business rather than viticulture, his journey into winemaking was unconventional but deeply passionate. After leaving his corporate career, he immersed himself in every aspect of farming and winemaking, guided by a philosophy of minimal intervention and respect for the land.

Peter believes that a winemaker should first be a farmer, understanding every detail of the vineyard before ever touching a barrel. That belief led to his commitment to biodynamic and organic practices, long before they became mainstream in California winemaking. Instead of relying on chemical inputs, he focused on soil health, biodiversity, and natural fermentation to bring out the best in his fruit.

His approach results in wines that are vibrant and expressive, with each bottle telling the story of a specific vintage and vineyard site. Whether it’s a crisp Viognier, an earthy Pinot Noir, or a bold Syrah, Peter’s wines reflect his dedication to sustainability and craftsmanship.

Even as the vineyard itself transitions to new ownership, Peter remains at the helm of Ampelos Cellars, ensuring that his winemaking philosophy continues to shape the wines for years to come.

Lompoc Wine Ghetto

The Lompoc Wine Ghetto is not your typical wine country destination. There are no grand estates or rolling hills here—just a collection of industrial buildings transformed into functional winery spaces. But what it lacks in scenery, it makes up for in character.

This urban wine scene is home to some of Santa Barbara County’s most respected winemakers, offering a no-frills, quality-focused approach to tasting. Ampelos fits right in, with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that encourages visitors to focus on the wine itself.

The Wine Ghetto is ideal for those who want to explore multiple wineries in one stop, with tasting rooms just steps from each other. It’s a refreshing change from the more traditional wine country experience, making it a favorite for those in the know.

The Wines We Tasted

Ampelos produces a diverse lineup of wines, all made with an emphasis on sustainability and terroir. Here’s what we tasted:

• 2022 Clairette Blanche – $29 – 88 PTS
  A bright, refreshing white with citrus and floral notes. Light and crisp, with a clean finish that makes it an easy-drinking option.
• 2023 Viognier – $29 – 90 PTS
  Full of ripe peach, honeysuckle, and a touch of spice. Balanced acidity keeps it fresh, making it a great match for food.
• 2020 Pinot Noir Lambda – $39 – 85 PTS
  A lighter style of Pinot with red berry flavors and earthy undertones. Pleasant but not as complex as some of the other Pinots in the lineup.
• 2020 Pinot Noir RHO – $49 – 90 PTS
  More structured and layered than the Lambda, with dark cherry, spice, and a silky texture. A standout among the Pinots.
• 2020 Syrache – $30 – 88 PTS
  A blend of Syrah and Grenache, offering juicy red fruit, spice, and a smooth finish. Versatile and approachable.
• 2020 Syrah Gamma – $37 – 90 PTS
  Deep and rich, with blackberry, pepper, and a touch of smoked meat. Well-balanced and expressive.
• 2022 Carignane – $35 – 90 PTS
  A unique and lively red with bright acidity and rustic charm. Red fruit and herbal notes make it an interesting departure from the more common varietals.

The wines showcase Peter’s careful vineyard management and commitment to sustainable farming. The Pinot Noir RHO and Syrah Gamma stood out, but the Viognier was a pleasant surprise as well.

Wine Club

Ampelos offers three wine club options, each designed to cater to different preferences:

• Filos Plus – A mixed club featuring Viognier, Rosé, Pinot Noirs, Syrah, and Grenache. Includes 12 bottles per shipment, twice a year, with a 20% discount and complimentary tastings.
• Filos Red Wines Only – Focuses on Pinot Noir, Syrah, Grenache, and blends. Ships 2–3 bottles quarterly, with a 15% discount and exclusive events.
• Filos Mixed Wines – A mix of whites, rosé, and reds. Similar benefits to the red wine club but with more variety.

Members receive increasing discounts over time, up to 35% after eight years. It’s a well-structured club with plenty of perks, making it a great option for fans of Ampelos wines.

Tasting Options

Tastings at Ampelos are affordable and flexible. The $15 tasting fee is waived with a two-bottle purchase, making it easy to try a variety of wines without a big commitment.

Both indoor and outdoor seating is available, creating a relaxed atmosphere where visitors can take their time enjoying the wines. Reservations aren’t required, making it an easy stop whether you’re planning ahead or just dropping by.

Sale of the Winery

One of the most significant recent developments for Ampelos is the sale of its vineyard. While Peter and Rebecca Work will continue producing wine under the Ampelos Cellars brand, the vineyard itself has been sold to Chiara Shannon and Joe Brent.

Chiara, a sommelier and sustainability advocate, and Joe, a trial attorney, plan to continue the vineyard’s legacy of biodynamic and organic farming. They aim to achieve regenerative certification by 2025, ensuring that the property remains a leader in sustainable viticulture.

While ownership of the land has changed, Peter and Rebecca’s influence on the region’s wine industry is undeniable. Their early embrace of biodynamics helped pave the way for a more sustainable approach to winemaking in Santa Barbara County.

Conclusion

Ampelos Cellars is more than just a winery—it’s a testament to passion, sustainability, and the pursuit of a dream. From its beginnings as a post-9/11 life change to its role as a leader in biodynamic farming, Ampelos has always been about more than just making wine.

The wines reflect that philosophy, offering a true expression of the Sta. Rita Hills. Whether it’s the bold Syrah Gamma, the elegant Pinot Noir RHO, or the refreshing Viognier, each bottle tells a story of careful farming and thoughtful winemaking.

Even as the vineyard transitions to new ownership, Ampelos Cellars remains in good hands, ensuring that its commitment to quality and sustainability continues. For anyone looking to explore Santa Barbara County’s most thoughtful and terroir-driven wines, Ampelos is a must-visit.