Our Team
James Boutzoukas
It started when James was about 9 years old during his first trip to Greece to visit his grandparents where he became fascinated with wine and its role in our culture. Making wine was a family event, harvesting fruit from their own vineyards and literally stomping on the fruit with their feet while celebrating and drinking last year’s wine. It wasn’t just the process of making wine that intrigued him, but the family collaboration that came with it and how proud they were about what they created.
James couldn’t wait to adopt the family customs. For the last 30 years, friends and family gathered at our Florida home eagerly awaiting the delivery of 1.5 tons of wine grapes from California! Lucky for James, his wife, Mia, loves to throw a party and wine making at the Boutzoukas’ quickly became an annual event!
After 32 dedicated years in the bridge repair industry and having a son with a passion for farming and an incredible palete, what better place to land than the fastest growing wine region, known for its diverse wines, Paso Robles, California.
Manoli Boutzoukas
Son of the Boutz Cellars father-and-son duo, Manoli plays a role in nearly every part of the business. From managing the estate vineyards and being the assistant winemaker to James in the cellar to maintaining equipment and leading the tasting room experience, he helps shape the heart of Boutz Cellars both behind the scenes and face-to-face with guests.
After transitioning from a career in ironworking to agriculture in 2016, Manoli discovered a deep passion for farming and winemaking that continues to drive him every day. While he spends countless hours among the vines ensuring the fruit is farmed with care and harvested by hand, he is just as passionate about hospitality. Whether he’s pouring wine for longtime club members or introducing first time visitors to rare Greek varietals, Manoli genuinely loves creating connections and sharing the family story through every glass.
Maria & Joanna Boutzoukas
Maria and Joanna Boutzoukas are the artists behind every Boutz Cellars label, bringing our stories to life through their distinct and deeply personal work. Maria, who has always been drawn to the arts, created each art piece by hand using a fountain pen, a process that gives every label its intricate detail and unmistakable character. Her illustrations feel both timeless and expressive, capturing the spirit of each wine with intention and care.
Joanna, living in Crete, Greece, brings another layer of meaning to the collection. Through her own artistic contributions and her life immersed in the rhythms of the island, she helps keep our brand closely tied to its roots. Her connection to Crete grounds our work in the traditions, history, and culture that inspire everything we do.
Together, their art is more than design—it’s a bridge between past and present, between California and Greece, and between the wine in your glass and the story behind it.
Mia & Nicoletta Boutzoukas
Yia Yia Mia (James’ wife and formerly known around the winery as Mama Mia) and Nicoletta (Manoli’s wife) are the behind-the-scenes team helping keep Boutz Cellars running smoothly. Together, they manage just about everything outside of the bottle, overseeing marketing, operations, event planning, human resources, and the countless details that keep the winery moving forward. From coordinating events and wine club experiences to turning new ideas into reality, they help provide the structure, organization, and support that allow Boutz Cellars to continue growing while staying true to its family roots.
The Vine Tenders
Behind every bottle at Boutz Cellars is a team whose work begins long before sunrise and often ends after sunset. Manoli, our Vineyard Manager, alongside Miguel and Francisco, care for our estate vineyards through every season — pruning in the cold mornings, mowing through long summer days, and tending each vine by hand with patience and pride. In this industry, it’s said, most of the wine making is done in the vineyard which is why we meticulously care for and hand harvest our grapes. This dedication, hard work, and deep connection to the vineyard is what helps shape the vibrant, expressive wines we are proud to share at the table.