Learn more about the the history of Rancho de Vega

OWNERS

Demetrios (“Jimmy”) and Karen Loizides, Santa Ynez Valley residents and business owners who relocated to the area in 2011, had always been drawn to the region due to its similarities to Demetrios’s ancestral and grape-growing village of Kathikas, Cyprus and then his childhood town of the untamed Bulawayo, Zimbambwe. A childhood that included farming, working their land, and spending dawn to dusk in the warmth of the Mediterranean sun. Demetrois and his wife Karen were captivated by the Santa Ynez Valley, and the glimmer of similarities of his childhood village, that brought a sense of "home" to Demetrios. They soon realized their dream, purchased a farm, and wanted to share with friends and community. From there is where a winery, restaurant and catering operation that offers a genuine "farm to table" model grew. It's the Loizides family's goal to give back to the community that welcomed them, by way of providing great wine and honest food that is grown and produced on our estate.

WINEMAKER

Steve Clifton began his winemaking career in 1991 when he left his previous incarnation as a musician and nightclub entrepreneur behind and begged his way into a tasting room position at Rancho Sisquoc Winery. Little by little he forced his way into the cellar and in time had worked his way up to Assistant Winemaker under Stephan Bedford.

Over the next few years Steve’s on the job schooling would include winemaking positions at Beckmen, Brander and Domaine Santa Barbara wineries. To round out his knowledge in the marketing and sales areas of the industry, Steve managed the Wine Cask retail store in Santa Barbara from 1995-1998.

Steve began his own production with Palmina in 1995, dedicated solely to Italian grape varieties. At the same time he formed a partnership with Greg Brewer and founded Brewer-Clifton producing exclusively Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Both wineries have garnered international acclaim and accolades.

Steve has worked as a winemaker on projects as far flung as Italy, Argentina and Walla Walla Washington, but has always known that Santa Barbara County is where his winemaking roots and passion resides.

Steve has two sons, Roman and Luca.

EXECUTIVE CHEF

Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Christopher first tested the culinary waters at Santa Barbara City College, and decided to continue on to graduate from California Culinary Academy in 2004. His first job out of school was also where he loved to eat with his family as a child, Michel Richards Citronelle under Executive Chef Isabelle Alexandre. He continued his career moving back to northern California to work at Va De Vi in Walnut Creek, which led to opening the sister restaurant at the Presidio location, Pres A Vi.

Dennis Lee is who he credits most of his culinary knowledge. The chef at Namu (SF) taught him the importance of sustainability, sourcing locally, and using only the best ingredients at the peak of the season. Dennis self-taught knowledge, dedication, and work ethic is who he attempts to resemble daily.

After 7 years in San Francisco, Christopher met his wife, Randi and decided to move back to Santa Barbara where he continued his career at restaurants such as Bouchon, Brothers at The Red Barn, and The Hungry Cat. After having their three children, Aubrianna, Rudy, and Otis, Christopher took a position at UCSB to hone his management skills, as well as be more available at home.

Upon arriving at Vega Vineyard, Christopher was beyond himself with the opportunity being presented, and thrilled to bring his knowledge and skills to the team. Christopher is humble in his work and thoroughly enjoys making delicious, beautiful food for people to enjoy.

Christopher and Randi moved to the Santa Ynez Valley in 2016 and have loved every minute of raising their family in such a beautiful, family friendly community. When not at work you can find Christopher cheering on his kids in their extracurricular activities or home gardening and spending time with the family animals.