Katy Bendel Daniels
My passion is to introduce indigenous and ancient varietals from the original wine making countries; especially winemakers from Central Europe who were cutoff from the free marketing since the World Wars. All of our wines are world class quality and I want the world to know how fabulous they are.
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
EXPERIENCE
Old World Vines Corporation. 8545 Arjons Drive, Suite N. Owner - Imports & Distribution
BY KATY BENDEL DANIELS
SKILLS & EXPERTISE
Regional Expertise: Eastern Europe
Regional Expertise: Greece
Wine Sourcing and Purchasing
Regional Expertise: Greece
Wine Sourcing and Purchasing
Importing
Distributing
Public Speaking
Distributing
Public Speaking
My passion is to introduce indigenous and ancient varietals from the original wine making countries; especially winemakers from Central Europe who were cutoff from the free marketing since the World Wars. All of our wines are world class quality and I want the world to know how fabulous they are.
MY LIGHT BULB MOMENT
Sitting in Dobrovo Castle's wine cellar on a storming night drinking an amphora style merlot ... it was out of this world! GALLERY
VIDEO
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Learn About Central European Wines, fyi Carpathian Wines is our former dba
MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
- Rdéce Amfora 2008 by Erzetič Winery - Gold at Sunset International Wine Competition 2014
- Sivi Pinot 2011 by Kupljen Winery - Gold and Best of Class at Sunset International Wine Competition 2014
- Malagouzia 2012 by Domaine Porto Carras - Gold and Best of Class at Sunset International Wine Competition 2014
- Assyrtiko 2013 by Domaine Porto Carras - Silver at International Wine & Spirits Comp. London 2014
- Athiri 2013 by Domaine Porto Carras - Bronze at International Wine ↦ Spirits Comp. London 2014
- Chardonnay Cuvée: Spirit of Jeruzalem received a Bronze medal The Decanter World Wine Awards 2012
- Sivi Pinot Amphora 2006 by Erzetič Winery received Silver medal Decanter World Wine Awards 2010
- Cabernet Sauvignon Amphora 2007 by Erzetič Winery received Commended medal Decanter World Wine Awards 2010
CLIENTS
- Hi Times Cellars, Costa Mesa
- K&L Wines, San Francisco
- Juniper & Ivy
- 3rd Corner Wine Shop & Bistro
- Wine Sellar & Brasserie
- Village Vino
RAVE REVIEWS
Ciao Katy, I really enjoyed learning about your wines--which I feel are excellent, vibrant and succulent--and savoring varietals I know nothing about. Julia (Julia Child) would have approved!
- Mark Russo, Napa, CA, Black Bottle Winery
Many of us have been scared off by Retsina, a white wine smelling and tasting of pine resin that every tourist to the islands must try. It's too bad though, because behind that crazy wine are extraordinary mineral driven whites and brilliant reds that make you want to jump into the glass and swim laps of joy! Porto Carras produces terrific examples of the latter wines.
- Rita Pirkl, San Diego, CA, Owner of Village Vino
I love how wines can take you to a whole new place. What is neat about these Greek wines is the the new enthusiasm for the terroir even with their ancient history.
- Todd, San Diego, CA, 3rd Corner Wine Bar
- Mark Russo, Napa, CA, Black Bottle Winery
Many of us have been scared off by Retsina, a white wine smelling and tasting of pine resin that every tourist to the islands must try. It's too bad though, because behind that crazy wine are extraordinary mineral driven whites and brilliant reds that make you want to jump into the glass and swim laps of joy! Porto Carras produces terrific examples of the latter wines.
- Rita Pirkl, San Diego, CA, Owner of Village Vino
I love how wines can take you to a whole new place. What is neat about these Greek wines is the the new enthusiasm for the terroir even with their ancient history.
- Todd, San Diego, CA, 3rd Corner Wine Bar
Share
It all began on our first trip to Central Europe. We fell in love
with the wines, the people and the cultures throughout the Czech
Republic, Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary. When visiting these countries
one will see castles on hilltops with vineyards growing to the castle
walls and across the hillside with backdrops of craggy mountains, one
will experience wonderful heart-filled wines and soulful cuisine. The
people are passionate and welcoming and the cultures revolve around
sharing food and wine. The wine culture in these regions goes back
before the Greeks and Romans and the stories from the people today are
heartfelt and rich with culture.
The winemakers and families we met had amazing stories of how the land was linked to the ancient times from the Huns and Celts to the Greek and Roman civilizations, what their ancestors endured to keep their vineyards and farm land during the World Wars and Socialist rule. Many lost their land and worked hard to barter and purchase it back or purchase new land so they could return to their farming roots. The experiences shared in these countries has only increased our love of old world wines and ancient varietals. Greece alone has two of the most ancient varietals that are beautiful, rich and aromatic.
We specialize in unique premium and boutique wines from the old countries of Europe. Some of these wines are emerging on to the world class market and some are gems we have discovered and would like you to discover them with us. These wines are from families who are passionate about their land and producing first class wines. Many are now winning medals with Decanter, receiving over 90 points with Wine and Spirits magazine, and taking top honors in highly competitive European wine competitions. Some of the wines are available in limited production ... some as small as only 800 bottles. Some of these varietals do not exist in the United States and are indigenous to the country they've been imported from. They are special and make long lasting memories.
Join us in experiencing these special wines. We know you'll enjoy them as much as we do.
The winemakers and families we met had amazing stories of how the land was linked to the ancient times from the Huns and Celts to the Greek and Roman civilizations, what their ancestors endured to keep their vineyards and farm land during the World Wars and Socialist rule. Many lost their land and worked hard to barter and purchase it back or purchase new land so they could return to their farming roots. The experiences shared in these countries has only increased our love of old world wines and ancient varietals. Greece alone has two of the most ancient varietals that are beautiful, rich and aromatic.
We specialize in unique premium and boutique wines from the old countries of Europe. Some of these wines are emerging on to the world class market and some are gems we have discovered and would like you to discover them with us. These wines are from families who are passionate about their land and producing first class wines. Many are now winning medals with Decanter, receiving over 90 points with Wine and Spirits magazine, and taking top honors in highly competitive European wine competitions. Some of the wines are available in limited production ... some as small as only 800 bottles. Some of these varietals do not exist in the United States and are indigenous to the country they've been imported from. They are special and make long lasting memories.
Join us in experiencing these special wines. We know you'll enjoy them as much as we do.