Coming of age during China’s Cultural Revolution, Ektimo Vineyards founder Dominic Xie’s passion for wine brought him around the world. From his homeland in China, to Mediterranean Europe, Mr. Xie’s pursuit eventually landed him in California.
Ektimo’s current winemaker, Lisa Bishop Forbes, joined the vineyard in 2015 after making a career for herself in both winemaking and enology at Joseph Phelps Vineyards Chalk Hill Estate and Dry Creek Vineyard. Armed with her extensive experience and passion for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (which Ektimo has since won gold medals in both varieties), Ms. Forbes continues to help Ektimo build their name in the winemaking community.
Ektimo’s Wine Tasting Room Manager, Julius Orth, spoke with WineInfo.com about the importance of Ektimo’s location. “Currently, the majority of our wines are made from grapes sourced in the Russian River Valley,” Orth said. “It does not hurt that the Russian River Valley grows arguably some of the finest grapes in the country if not the world. These are the building blocks for making great wine, and then it falls upon our winemaker to create their work of art, much like a sculptor reveals a masterpiece hidden in a piece of rock.” Orth also added that they anticipate more varieties of Pinot Noir in Ektimo’s future.
2018 brought six gold medals for Ektimo – a huge accomplishment, especially given the winery’s size. “We are attracting the attention of judges and consumers alike,” Orth said, noting this was the first year they’d entered major competitions.
Ektimo Vineyards focuses on pure, aromatic wines that reflect the unique geography of their vineyard. It’s appropriate then that Ektimo’s namesake is the Greek word meaning “to appreciate,” as the vineyards serve as thanks to the places Xie has traveled and the bounty they’ve provided. “Every wine we make is a unique work of art all on its own,” Orth said. “To experience it, is to embrace and enjoy a moment in time that reflects the past and present simultaneously, while offering a looking glass into the future.”
Ektimo offers daily wine tastings Tuesday – Sunday at their Russian River Valley estate.
For more information, visit Ektimo Vineyards.
Recent Ektimo Vineyards Gold Medals:
