Column: Say ‘opa’ at Boutz Cellars
– After visiting Boutz Cellars (Boutz being short for the family name Boutzoukas), and tasting their Greek wines, you may well stand up and yell, “opa!”
“What’s your favorite wine?” You’ve probably been asked or heard someone ask that question hundreds of times. The answer is usually something like: “Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, Syrah, Zinfandel” or some other well-known “common” varietal.
But have you ever heard someone say, “Assyrtiko, Moschofilero, or Vidiano?” Probably not. A visit to Boutz Cellars in the Adelaida district in Paso Robles may well change your mind about what your favorite (white) wine is.
The Boutz family is primarily grape growers, but also produces small quantities of artisanal wine. Although they grow and produce wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache, and other Rhones, it’s their Greek Varietals that are the heart and soul of Boutz Cellars. You can’t sip any of these without saying “wow,” and you will be hard-pressed to find Greek Varietals anywhere else in the region. They are that unusual and rare, and oh boy, are they good!
There are only a handful of growers and producers of Greek varietals in the states, and Boutz may be the only one in the Central Coast area that grows these grapes.
Left to right: James Boutz and Manoli Boutz.
It’s about family
This is strictly a family operation. James (the father and founder) has great stories to tell about wine and Greece. Their Vidiano is an indigenous grape to the family village in Crete, where his grandparents were from, Anomeros. The grape, almost extinct, thrives in Paso Robles and is known as “the white wine that thinks it is a red wine.” The grapes are an homage to Greece, offering the curious wine lover the opportunity to taste wines that are not often found in many places. As it happens, the Boutz vineyards and terroir offer exquisite growing conditions.
Wine tasting the Boutzoukas way
Please note: Tastings are by appointment, and during most of the year will take place on their intimate, pleasant deck, overlooking the vineyards. You’ll be hosted by any (or several) family members: Father and mother, James and his wife Mia, Manoli and his wife Nicoletta.
Tastings will include several of their Rhone or Bordeaux varietals, but it’s the Greek varietals that you may want to focus on. Of eight different Greek Varietals, the following are currently being poured:
- Assyrtiko (from Santorini)
- Moschofilero (from the Peloponnesse region)
- Vidiano (From the Isle of Crete, where James and Manoli are from)
Planted in 2021, and coming online soon are:
- Agiorgitiko (from the Peloponnese region)
- Xinomavro (a red grape from Macedonia)
- Liatiko (a red grape from Crete)
And, to continue the heritage, the following two reds are being planted this year:
- Mandilari (from Crete)
- Kotsifali (from Crete).
Make it a point to visit and taste with the Boutzoukas family. The sincere hospitality of the family and the wines, which are different from what you are used to, will be a highlight of your next trip to Paso Robles.
The saying “it’s Greek to me” takes on an entirely new meaning when you visit this unique vineyard, taste their wines, and meet the family. So, make your reservation and look forward to a beautiful Greek wine adventure. Opa!
Opa! – (An enthusiastic Greek expression most often associated with excitement and fun.)
Don Sonderling is a freelance writer covering California’s (and areas beyond) unique lifestyle culture of Wine, food, adventure, and hospitality. He may be reached at: donsonderling@gmail.com.
