Seppi Wines: The Story

SEPPI Craft Sparkling Wines is the debut project from vintner Kelsey Phelps, granddaughter of Napa Valley wine pioneer Joseph Phelps. The name “SEPPI” was the Phelps grandchildren’s nickname for Joe, whom, always the eccentric and loveable character (and particularly smitten with Italy at the time), decided he wanted to be called “Giuseppe” instead of grandpa. The young grandchildren had trouble with the pronunciation of Giuseppe, and thus the nickname Seppi was born!

My dear friend Kelsey Phelps. created SEPPI Craft Sparkling Wines to carry forward her grandfather’s legacy after his passing in 2015. Her goal is to make wines that uphold the highest quality standards of the Phelps family while expressing her own modern take on California winemaking. Learn more about Seppi Wines and shop Seppi wines online here.

Get to know Vintner Kelsey Phelps

Kelsey grew up in the wine industry, learning from her grandfather at the dinner table, in the vineyards and by watching him build an iconic business. Like Joe, Kelsey is an entrepreneur at heart. She practiced law in Silicon Valley before following her dream to join her family in the wine industry. Kelsey opted to start her own company, SEPPI Craft Sparkling Wines, so that she could focus on creating wines that directly reflect her tastes and personality.

Since her transition to winemaking, Kelsey was named a finalist for the WSET/IWSC “Future 50” industry leaders award. She is a Level 1 accredited sommelier with both the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Wine & Spirits Education Trust, and an active member of Women of the Vine and Spirits. Kelsey believes in working hard, but that success is meaningless without joy, fun, and a little lighthearted humor along the way.

The Blanc de Blanc ($56) is beyond lovely and super bright yet creamy and fresh at the same time. This Blanc de Blanc is perfect with food, especially Asian food which is what I first tasted it with.  Learn more about the Seppi 2017 Blanc de Blancs online here.

The 2017 Brut Rose ($48) is another beautiful wine and If found it so drinkable that it’s perfect on its own. It’s both delicate yet balanced, and light and flavorful. Be careful, it’s so good you’ll easily enjoy a bottle or two without even trying!  Learn more about the Seppi 2017 Brut Rose online here.