Gus Kalaris ~ Owner

Axios was founded by Gus Kalaris in 1999. He started as the founder and owner of Constantine Wines, a wine distribution and import company founded in 1986 that has enjoyed a great reputation for premium offerings.  Under his leadership, Constantine Wines has experienced uninterrupted growth since decades. Kalaris has received several awards and national recognition for his charitable endeavours and serves on many charitable and philanthropic boards including Cystic Fibrosis and the Cal Ripken Sr Foundation.

Robert Egelhoff ~ Winemaker

Robert Egelhoff is one of Napa Valley's most popular winemakers, with over thirty years of viticulture and winemaking experience.  Egelhoff launched his career as vineyard manager for Beckstoffer Vineyards, where he worked for three years.  In addition, he has coordinated production for over three dozen nationally recognized brands.  An essential philosophy behind Egelhoff's approach to winemaking is a hands-on involvement in directing vineyard and winemaking practices while closely monitoring the results.  For Axios, Egelhoff pick grapes from finest vineyards and manages all aspects of the winemaking process, a close involvement that is founded on his rigorous demands for quality.

Their Wines

Capital collaboration between proprietor Gus Kalaris and winemaker Bob Egelhoff has formed Axios as a super-premium Cabernet Sauvignon of Napa Valley "cult" status.  Axios, meaning worthy in Greek, reflects Gus' vision to craft a wine of Bordeaux influence that represents the richness of its' Napa Valley origin.  Fact - This wine was proudly served at a reception hosted by President Bush at The White House in March of 2002.

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of surpassing Lou Gehrig's consecutive game streak, Ripken has teamed up with Napa Valley’s AXIOS winery to make a luxury Cabernet Sauvignon.  The wine is named "2131" after Ripken's record-breaking number of consecutive games.  One-third of the profits from the wine will be donated to the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, which supports at-risk youth through baseball-related programs.  This collectible wine is a limited run of 2,131 bottles and sold individually in wood-and-glass boxes.

Worthy is the subsequent label of Axios. It is the Greek word for worthy. Worthy’s Cabernet Sauvignon dominated Bordeaux blend enjoyed instantaneous success when it stormed into the market in 2001.  Over the years it has been recognized as a household name in cult wines.

Kalaris, it is named after the owner Gus Kalaris, evolved from Gus' love of the great wines of Burgundy and his passion for producing California wines reflective of the uniqueness and beauty of their terroir.  It is the newest addition to their family of wines mostly coming from Calistoga Kalaris Family Vineyard.  Staying real to the vision of the brand, these wines are hand-crafted with small production and of the highest quality.  

The label for Truth was the inspiration behind this wine's name itself. As said, by looking at one's own reflection unveils the truth.  This fascinating label was proudly displayed at the SFMOMA's exhibition "How Wine Became Modern" in 2010-2011.  Beyond the packaging one will find an outstanding bistro style wine at a value price point.”

Telios brand is a new entry to the portfolio of Axios. The name Telios is of Greek origin meaning "complete", in the most successful way possible, reaching the pinnacle.  It shadows all the same protocols and philosophy of all of their Axios Napa Valley wines, achieving perfect balance.

Philotimo is a significant wine with a powerful mystical name. The wine is the idea and creation of Napa Vintner, Importer and Distributor, Gus Kalaris. Philotimo is the first blend of Greek and American wines. Kalaris wisely selected the perfect counterpart for this blend through his relationship with Greece’s finest Xinomavro producer, Alpha Estate owner Angelos Iatridis.

Awards

Axios has been receiving several awards from the foundation. You can find the full list of awards here