L.A. Lepiane – California

Based in Santa Barbara, California, Alison Thomson’s winery takes its name from her great grandfather Luigi Lepiane who settled in Hollister CA after emigrating from Calabria. Founded in 2013, Alison’s simple goal is to craft vibrant, balanced and exciting wines that reflect her passion for Italian food, life and wine. Armed with a degree in Biology, Italian and Masters in Viticulture from U.C. Davis, Alison spent time working in Piemonte with Barolo’s Sergio Germano and in the US with the likes of Manfred Krankl of Sine Qua Non. Embracing the region’s unique ability to grow Barbera and Nebbiolo alongside more well known grapes like Grenache, Alison sources grapes from Santa Barbara County.

The Black Oak Grenache is fermented with 50% whole clusters and is matured in neutral oak. The Barbera is sourced from the Walker Vineyard in Santa Ynez. Total annual production is only 300 cases.