Ellie Anest, the dynamic co-founder and CEO of Eleven Eleven Winery, has an inspiring journey that begins on a working farm in Nebraska and winds its way through diverse professional landscapes to the heart of Napa Valley. Raised amidst the rustic charm of her family’s agricultural operations, Ellie developed a deep respect for nature and a keen understanding of the value of hard work and patience. Her father’s dedication to farming and her mother’s creative flair in cooking and gardening instilled in Ellie a passion for nurturing ideas and seeing them come to fruition. This background, combined with her academic achievements at San Diego State University and extensive experience with Fortune 500 companies, has uniquely positioned Ellie to bring a blend of practicality and creativity to the world of winemaking. In this Q&A, Ellie shares insights into her journey, the philosophy behind Eleven Eleven Winery, and the collaborative spirit that fuels its success.  

Regine T. Rousseau: Having grown up on a working farm in Nebraska, how do you think your agricultural background has influenced your approach to viticulture and winemaking at Eleven Eleven Winery? Are there specific farming principles that you have adapted to the cultivation of your vineyards?

Ellie Anest: Having grown up on a working farm in Nebraska, my agricultural background greatly informs my approach to viticulture and winemaking at Eleven Eleven Winery. Raised in a small town where our family’s livelihood depended on nurturing the land, I learned the importance of respecting nature and the environment. This connection has shaped our winery’s core values, emphasizing principles such as sustainability, patience, and attention to detail in our vineyard work. The vineyards serve as the starting point in the winemaking process, highlighting the intimate link between farming and crafting high-quality wines. In selecting our winemaking team, including Kirk Venge and Brett Weis, we sought individuals who shared our values and commitment to excellence, ensuring that our vineyard practices align with our vision for the future of Eleven Eleven Winery.

Regine: Where did the name Eleven Eleven come from?

Ellie: When it came to choosing a name for Eleven Eleven, I knew that it had to go beyond the founders’ names. It had to encompass something more profound and connect with people on a deeper level, honoring the everyday moments that make life extraordinary. Eleven Eleven represents those special moments in life that feel like fate, where everything aligns perfectly. It symbolizes synchronicity, inspiration, and soul. The significance of the time 11:11, which represents a harmonious and balanced moment on the clock, is also reflected in our winemaking process. This careful attention to detail and balance makes our winery’s name a truly perfect choice.

Regine: Could you describe the flagship wine of your winery and what makes it unique? What winemaking philosophy do you adhere to in order to create distinctiveness of your wines?

Ellie: Our flagship wine, the Eleven Eleven Laki’s Cabernet Sauvignon, is a single vineyard, single varietal wine that holds great significance for us. Planted in 2000 and purchased in 2012, this vineyard represents where it all began for us. We recognized it as home to some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon in the Napa Valley, and since acquiring the property, we have worked tirelessly to ensure that the farming practices and resulting wine from this vineyard truly reflect its essence and our identity. With sustainable farming practices and covering 3.5 acres within our 35-acre property in the Oak Knoll District, our Eleven Eleven Laki’s Cabernet Sauvignon embodies the heart and soul of this vineyard.

Our winemaking philosophy focuses on producing varietal-specific wines predominantly single vineyard single varietal that showcase the unique attributes of their vineyards. By emphasizing small-batch, boutique production, we ensure each wine reflects the terroir and individuality of its source. Kirk and Brett adopt a selective approach to winemaking, partnering with families who share our values and have a deep-rooted commitment to grape growing and winemaking culture. All of our vineyards benefit from diverse micro-climates, providing ideal conditions for cultivating a variety of grapes, which allows us to produce 14 distinct varietals. Our ongoing transition to organic farming practices enhances the authenticity and purity of our wines, ensuring they truly reflect the natural essence of our land, creating distinct wines from throughout the Oak Knoll District.

Regine: Your partnership with Carol Vassiliadis led to the creation of Eleven Eleven Winery. How does this partnership influence the decision-making and creative processes at the winery? Can you share an instance where this collaboration brought a unique perspective to a winemaking challenge?

Ellie: In 2012, my partner and dear friend, Carol Vassiliadis, and I embarked on a venture that brought us to the captivating Napa Valley, revealing a world of endless possibilities within its beautiful wine country. Initially exploring a luxury rental business, our path unexpectedly led us to a remarkable property in the Oak Knoll AVA, which housed a magnificent 3.5-acre vineyard. This serendipitous discovery ignited our shared passion for winemaking, inspiring us to unlock the vineyard’s potential in crafting exceptional Cabernet wines.

Though 11+ years have passed since our inception, Carol remains involved in our journey, entrusting much of the decision-making to me and our dedicated team at the winery. At Eleven Eleven, we value the power of collaboration, fostering a culture where passion and creativity thrive among our talented team members – from those tending the vineyards and overseeing production, to the hospitality team welcoming guests into our tasting room. Their unwavering belief in my vision to build a wine brand and a welcoming sanctuary for all visitors has been an incredible blessing.

One significant instance where Carol’s partnership brought a unique perspective to a winemaking challenge was the development of a new varietal. Carol requested that we add a Riesling to our portfolio, proposing her vision to push our winemaking team further. She offered her deep understanding of our brand’s identity, leading to insightful discussions that ultimately resulted in the creation of a unique wine now known as Carol’s Song. This classic Riesling with a Californian twist represents the incredible value that Carol brings to our team and adds another wondrous dimension to our winery’s exquisite offerings.

Our narrative is woven with the stories of these remarkable individuals who have poured their hearts and souls into nurturing our foundation – from Carol and myself to every person who has graced our doorstep. Eleven Eleven stands as a testament to the profound impact of the dedicated individuals who form our team. Each person who has contributed to our journey, shaping us into who we are today, holds a special place in our hearts. As we look towards the future, we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering a strong, collaborative team that serves as the cornerstone of Eleven Eleven’s ongoing success.

Regine: Given your interest in cooking and your family’s creative background in this area, do you have any favorite food and wine pairings you can recommend to our readers, particularly involving wines from Eleven Eleven? Feel Free to share a recipe. 

Ellie: Given my deep love for entertaining and my family’s Greek heritage, I find immense joy in the art of curating delightful food and wine pairings. One combination that holds a special place in my heart, particularly during the vibrant summer season, is the harmonious duo of a refreshing Greek Salad and a tantalizing slice of Spanakopita. Elevating this pairing to new heights, I suggest savoring it alongside the exquisite Eleven Eleven Beckstoffer Sauvignon Blanc.

Spanakopita Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 package of frozen phyllo dough, thawed
  • 2 pounds fresh spinach, washed and chopped
  • 1 bunch scallions, chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 3 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add scallions and sauté until softened.
  3. Add chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach mixture, fresh dill, parsley, feta cheese, ricotta cheese, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
  5. Unroll the thawed phyllo dough and cover it with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
  6. Brush a sheet of phyllo dough with melted butter and layer another sheet on top. Continue this process until you have a stack of 5-6 sheets.
  7. Spread a generous portion of the spinach and cheese mixture along the length of the phyllo stack.
  8. Roll the phyllo dough into a log shape, enclosing the filling. Brush the top with more melted butter.
  9. Place the filled phyllo log in the prepared baking dish, forming a coil shape.
  10. Repeat the process with the remaining phyllo dough and filling until you have used up all ingredients.
  11. Brush the top of the coil with any remaining melted butter.
  12. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy.
  13. Allow the Spanakopita to cool slightly before slicing and serving it alongside the Greek Salad with a glass of Eleven Eleven Beckstoffer Sauvignon Blanc.

This Spanakopita recipe yields a delicious and flaky spinach and cheese pie, perfectly complementing the vibrant flavors of the Greek Salad and the crisp acidity of the Eleven Eleven Beckstoffer Sauvignon Blanc. Enjoy this delightful pairing for a flavorful and satisfying meal experience.

Regine: You’re actively involved in various non-profit organizations and community efforts. How do you see Eleven Eleven Winery contributing to the community and philanthropy, particularly within the wine industry? Are there specific initiatives or events that you believe bridge your philanthropic goals with your passion for wine?

Ellie: Through Eleven Eleven, we take great pride in our contributions to philanthropic endeavors that hold personal significance and resonate deeply with the core principles of our winery. The powerful mission of the V Foundation for cancer research, where Eleven Eleven lends its support, aligns with our dedication to making a tangible impact in the fight against cancer. Beyond this, I am honored to serve as a board member for the Queen of the Napa Valley Foundation, a role that connects my philanthropic aspirations with the very heart of Napa Valley’s community. Additionally, our involvement in the Greek Orthodox Church Women’s Philanthropic organization underscores our commitment to giving back and uplifting those in need within a cultural context that is profoundly meaningful to our family.

Furthermore, as part of our unwavering dedication to our community, we actively engage with the Napa Valley Vintners Association, finding unique and meaningful ways to support and uplift the local Napa community. This ongoing commitment underscores our belief in the profound role that the wine industry can play in fostering positive change and leaving a lasting, meaningful impact on the lives of others.

Regine: How do we find out more about you and Eleven Eleven?

Ellie: If you’re interested in finding out more about Eleven Eleven and staying up-to-date with our latest offerings and events, you can visit our website, www.elevenelevenwines.com. There, you’ll find detailed information on our wine selection, upcoming tasting experiences, and other exciting happenings at the winery. For a more engaging journey, we encourage you to connect with us on Instagram @11.11.wines. By following us, you’ll get a glimpse into our unique personality, stay informed about our latest releases, and access exclusive behind-the-scenes details about our winery events.

We believe that our website and social media presence are valuable resources for anyone looking to delve a little deeper into the world of Eleven Eleven, and we hope that you’ll join us on this journey!

Ellie Anest’s journey from the fields of Nebraska to the vineyards of Napa Valley is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit, deep-rooted values, and unwavering dedication to quality. Through Eleven Eleven Winery, she has successfully blended her agricultural heritage with a sophisticated understanding of business, creating wines that are both exceptional and reflective of their unique terroir. Her partnership with Carol Vassiliadis and the talented team at Eleven Eleven embodies a collaborative ethos that fosters creativity and excellence. Ellie’s commitment to philanthropy and community engagement further underscores the profound impact that Eleven Eleven Winery strives to make, not only in the wine industry but also in the broader community. As she continues to nurture and grow Eleven Eleven, Ellie Anest remains a shining example of how passion, hard work, and a commitment to core values can lead to extraordinary achievements in the world of wine.