L.A. Lepiane Wines at Little Dom’s

Bringing the past into a Californian present

By Danaë Petsimeris

On April 10th, Little Dom’s Seafood hosted a winemaker’s dinner in collaboration with L.A. Lepiane. Set in their Carpinteria location a few blocks from the ocean, the ambiance echoed the setting—sculpted fish on wooden frames hung on the walls, and leather bar stools lined the vintage bar. The event blended retro charm with a modern twist. For an intimate experience, guests were invited to sit in a private room beside the deli. The team clearly knows how to set the mood.

Just before sunset, at 6 p.m.—an early dining hour I’ve come to appreciate, even if it doesn’t align with my traditional French clock—guests gathered around a long table adorned with dusty pink carnations and white snapdragons in glass jars. Each place was marked with a personalized invitation and playful conversation starters to spark dialogue with neighbors. As the sun prepared to dip, Alisson Thomson, owner and winemaker at L.A. Lepiane Wines, introduced the evening with a 2023 L.A. Lepiane Rosé of Nebbiolo from Santa Ynez. I’m usually not a fan of rosé, but Alisson changed my mind—this was the best I’ve ever had. With aromas of grapefruit blossom and watermelon, it offered a refined profile. The warmer Santa Ynez climate brought balance to the wine’s sugar and acidity, and aging in neutral barrels gave it a smooth texture. The rosé was paired with oysters on the half shell, served with a shallot tarragon mignonette. All of Little Dom’s seafood is fresh and local, and I was especially delighted to savor oysters before the months without an “R” begin.

The evening was about being present, learning about local wines, and enjoying freshly prepared food. Alisson led us through it with care, sharing the story of L.A. Lepiane Wines—a tribute to her great-grandfather Luigi. While living in Italy as a student, Alisson deepened her passion for wine and, almost unknowingly, followed in Luigi’s footsteps. She knew he made wine but didn’t realize he had once dreamed of opening his own winery. One day, she did some research and found files at UC Davis with paperwork stating his wish to start a winery. So, she reignited that dream by crafting Italian varietal wines under his name—taking old traditions and giving them a twist through today’s craftsmanship.

The atmosphere at Little Dom’s was calm, and paired with Alisson’s thoughtful approach to wine, it offered space for storytelling. Most guests arrived as strangers, but the warm setting made it easy to connect—sharing stories, family histories, and travel dreams. As the sun set and the sky shifted into deeper shades of blue, the 2018 L.A. Lepiane Nebbiolo from Alisos Vineyard followed suit. With notes of cherry, balsamic, and orange pith on the nose, this elegant red was perfectly paired with a classic potato purée, subtly infused with fennel. It was served alongside a wood-grilled skirt steak topped with caramelized Treviso and a Nebbiolo reduction, all seasoned with rosemary blossom.

We finished with frozen Carpinteria cherimoya and honey, served with whipped crème fraîche and pistachio biscotti, paired with the 2023 L.A. Lepiane Malvasia Bianca from Santa Ynez. Aromatic and floral, the wine’s dry acidity brought balance to the dessert.

Eating fresh food and sipping refined wine connected me to my roots. I couldn’t help but reflect on how humans always find ways to reconnect with their heritage. I was deeply touched by Alisson’s artistry and skill—an elegant bridge between past and present.