Levendi Winery & David Gianulias: A Napa Story Poured from Greek Roots
By: Jodi Salerno
On a crisp Napa afternoon, sunlight spills across rows of Cabernet vines, their leaves fluttering in a breeze scented with lavender and ripe fruit. In the tasting room on First Street, a bottle of Levendi’s Sweetwater Cabernet breathes quietly in a decanter, waiting to reveal its dark cherry and cedar secrets. Behind the counter, a guest lingers over a glass, smiles and repeats the Greek word printed on the label — Levendi.
“It means celebrate life,” explains co-founder David Gianulias, his voice warm with both pride and invitation. “That’s the whole point of what we do here. Every bottle is meant for a moment worth remembering.”
It’s not just a marketing line. It’s a family creed. And like all good stories, this one begins far from Napa.
From Greece to California: The Roots Run Deep
Long before Levendi’s first vintage, the Gianulias family was already blending hard work, hospitality and land stewardship. Their journey began in Greece, where vineyards and olive groves were as much a part of daily life as the evening meal. In 1926, the family immigrated to the United States, bringing with them an old-world sense of connection between soil and soul.
David’s father, James Gianulias, carved out his own legacy in California real estate — building hundreds of award-winning communities — but he never lost touch with the agricultural rhythms of his heritage. Wine wasn’t just something to drink. It was a way to gather people.
A Turning Point: From Real Estate to Riesling (and Cabernet)
David, however, didn’t initially set out to be a vintner. After studying at UC Santa Barbara, he tested the waters in entertainment and later joined the family’s real estate business, G Companies. But in 2000, he and family friend Todd Rustman began talking seriously about launching a winery that would honor their Greek roots while showcasing Napa’s exceptional terroir.
The vision was clear: make small-lot, handcrafted wines with patience, precision, and heart. No shortcuts. No compromises.
The Velvet Bomb Moment
Levendi’s first commercial release, the 2001 Sweetwater Cabernet Sauvignon, was more than a debut — it was a declaration. David recalls bringing the very first case to Antonello, a fine Italian restaurant in Costa Mesa.
The sommelier, Steve Ebol, poured a taste, swirled the glass, and paused. Then, with a smile that could fill a room, he said, “It’s a velvet bomb.”
He ordered 100 cases on the spot. Just like that, Levendi had its first official sale — and a nickname for its flagship wine.
Crafted by a Napa Pioneer: Winemaker Alison Doran
Levendi’s winemaking is entrusted to Alison Doran, a trailblazer whose career spans more than five decades. A UC Davis graduate with a degree in Fermentation Science, Alison honed her craft under the legendary André Tchelistcheff at Simi Winery before spending time in Alsace, France, where she deepened her understanding of old-world style.
What sets Alison apart is not just her technical training but her philosophy. She spends much of her time in the vineyards, managing vine vigor and ensuring fruit ripens with concentration and balance. “If you don’t start with great fruit, you can’t make great wine,” she says. Her approach is to harvest at the precise moment of ripeness and coax every ounce of “pop & jump” from the grapes.
Alison’s wines are known for their harmony — structure balanced with elegance, richness tempered by freshness. It’s a style that reflects her dual influences: the precision of European winemaking and the bold confidence of Napa Valley.
Signature Wines That Tell a Story
Levendi’s portfolio has grown well beyond its first Cabernet, now showcasing both power and finesse across varietals, including Red Blend, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay
A Tasting Room with a Pulse
In 2022, Levendi opened its downtown Napa tasting room, transforming a former bank into a warm, wood-trimmed space where regulars and first-time visitors feel equally at home. The staff, many of whom have been with the winery for years, aren’t just pouring — they’re telling the Levendi story, one glass at a time.
Breadsticks from Pane Vino, snacks from Oxbow Market, and a curated playlist make it more than a tasting — it’s an afternoon well spent.
Beyond the Bottle: Community & Connection
Levendi doesn’t stop at wine. In 2023, they launched The Napa Crush, a quarterly print publication highlighting local restaurants, shops, and events — further weaving themselves into the fabric of downtown Napa life.
For club members, Levendi offers tiered wine allocations, exclusive events, and even perks at Chardonnay Golf Club, the family’s vineyard-bordered golf course.
Where Past Meets Future
David still spends part of his time leading G Companies, but his heart is firmly planted in Napa soil. “Wine is different from every other business I’ve been in,” he says. “You can’t rush it. You can’t fake it. It forces you to be patient — and that patience pays off in the glass.”
Today, Levendi’s bottles can be found in top restaurants and private cellars, but the heart of the operation remains in the vineyards, the tasting room, and the hands of the people who believe in the magic of great wine.
And in every pour, there’s a reminder of that Greek toast: Levendi — celebrate life.
Tasting Room Info
Address: 1465 First Street, Napa, CA 94559
Hours: Mon, Thurs, Sun 2–7 pm; Fri–Sat 1–9 pm (Closed Tue–Wed)
Phone: 707-699-2306 | 877-LEVENDI (538-3634)
Website: levendiwinery.com
Fun Fact
Levendi’s first big restaurant account came from a chance conversation at Antonello in Costa Mesa — proof that sometimes, the best business meetings happen over a shared bottle.
Yours Truly,
Jodi Salerno
Tudaloo on the Town!
