Meet Theodora Lee | Vintner and Owner, Theopolis Vineyards

We had the good fortune of connecting with Theodora Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Theodora, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Well, success is very subjective, and a relative term. We believe that Theopolis Vineyards has been successful as a brand as we provide quality wine and pleasure in a bottle. Our formula for success is simple; be the best at your chosen craft. As a country girl from Dallas Texas who had no exposure to wine until I moved to California, one of my biggest successes has been the consistent recognition by the wine industry. In 2016, the September Issue of Somm Journal listed the 2013 Theopolis Vineyards Estate Grown Petite Sirah as Best in Class, meaning it is considered the best Petite Sirah in the world. In 2020, I was recognized as a 2020 Wine Industry Leader by Wine Business Monthly. In 2021, I was a Wine Enthusiast’s 22nd Annual Wine Star Award Person of the Year Nominee. In December 2021, our 2018 Theopolis Vineyards Estate Grown Petite Sirah was ranked #16 in the Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Cellar Selections for 2021.. I think the most important factor is perseverance, hard work and grit, and never giving up despite the challenges.
What should our readers know about your business?

I have a dual career, and professional life. First, I am a law firm senior partner and trial lawyer, and the founder and owner of Theopolis Vineyards. As mentioned, my passion for wine began upon my arrival to San Francisco from Texas in 1987, primarily due to the influence of my law firm mentors, many of whom owned vineyards. This led me to take several viticulture classes at UC Davis, before deciding to develop my own vineyard. In 2001, I purchased sheep land in the Yorkville Highlands of Anderson Valley, and began developing my own vineyard. Finally, in 2003, I planted my vineyard, and adopted my Greek name, from pledging Delta Sigma Theta Sorority at Spelman College, and established Theopolis Vineyards.

In the wine world, I am known as Theo-patra, Queen of the Vineyards. Wine Critic Robert Parker bestowed upon wine made from grapes harvested from Theopolis Vineyards a stellar rating of 94-96 points, a spectacular showing for our first harvest in 2006. Emboldened by the great fruit produced by the land, I decided to bottle my own wines in 2014. In addition to bottling the richly intense and flavorful Petite Sirah, Theopolis Vineyards strikes a lighter note by bottling a Symphony, a white wine grape, which is a crossing of Muscat and Grenache Gris. I also bottle the unique Rosé of Petite Sirah, an Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, a Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir, and a Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir. Recently, Theopolis Vineyards has expanded its production and is now bottling Theo-patra’s Cuvée Cerise and Theo-patra’s Cuvée Blanc series.

The Sunset Magazine International Wine Competition has consistently given wines from Theopolis Vineyards stellar Gold Medals. The San Francisco Chronicle International Wine Competition has bestowed on the Estate Grown Theopolis Vineyards Rosé of Petite Sirah a stellar Double Gold Medal. The San Francisco International Wine Competition has consistently bestowed Double Gold and Gold medals on the Estate Grown Petite Sirah. The September 2016 Issue of Somm Journal listed the 2013 Theopolis Vineyards Estate Grown Petite Sirah as Best in Class, meaning it is considered the best Petite Sirah in the world. The other wines from Theopolis Vineyards including the Yorkville Highlands Symphony, the Anderson Valley, Yorkville Highlands and Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir, the Cuvée Cerise and Cuvée Blanc series have consistently won either gold, silver and/or bronze medals at various wine competitions, including the Orange County Fair Commercial Wine Competition, The Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge, the Sommeliers Choice Awards, and TEXSOM International Wine Awards. Wine Critic Antonio Galloni Presents Vinous also has bestowed on wines from Theopolis Vineyards 90 plus Points. Wine Enthusiast Magazine has bestowed on wines from Theopolis Vineyards 90 Plus Points. The 2018 Estate Grown Theopolis Vineyards Petite Sirah received 96 Points, and Cellar Selection, the highest ranking ever given a Petite Sirah by that magazine. Indeed, that vintage was ranked No. 16 in the Top 100 Cellar Selections of 2021 by Wine Enthusiast.

Theopolis Vineyards also has been featured in various publications, including Forbes Magazine, Bloomberg, Sunset Magazine, Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Sonoma Magazine, The Boston Globe, Bon Appetit, HuffPost.Com, San Francisco Chronicle, San Jose Mercury News, The Press Democrat, San Francisco Bay Times, Essence Magazine, to name a few. Theopolis Vineyards has been featured on various TV and Radio Shows, including Check, Please! Bay Area, PBS, KRCB TV, KGO, KTVU, ABC, CBS News, Black News Channel, The Ryan Scott Show and On-the-Go with John Hamilton.

In addition to practicing law and making wine, I am a settlement commissioner, Early Neutral Evaluator, AAA certified arbitrator and mediator. Also, I am a contributing writer to numerous employment law publications and regularly appear on TV and Radio, including NPR and PBS, speaking on various employment topics.

I also am the Co-Board Chairperson of the Dallas Post Tribune Newspaper, one of the oldest Black Newspapers in North Texas. I serve on the Board of Directors of the YMCA of San Francisco. I am a graduate of Spelman College and the University of Texas School of Law. Prior to entering the practice of law, I worked as a Senate intern in Washington, D.C., for Senator Sam Nunn.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, as a Native Dallasite, who visits often, much has changed in Dallas over the years. But, I do have my favorites.

First, I love live music and would suggest that a visitor check out the lineup at The Pavilion At Toyota Music Factory. I have seen some boss concerts at the Pavilion.

Second, any visitor to Dallas must check out the hip Bishop Arts District, which is known for its diverse nightlife, chic independent fashion stores and colorful street art. The Kessler Theater is a must for live music.

As a wine producer and wine lover, you must check out Trova Wine + Market, located in The Plaza At Preston Center.

For my favorite meal in Dallas, I would recommend Yardbird Table & Bar, The fried chicken is superb.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

First, I want to acknowledge my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Theodore and Dorothy Lee, who were public servants in the Dallas Independent School District for their love and support throughout my life. My parents are responsible for whatever success I have achieved in life. They taught me humility and hard work, and gave me the opportunity to thrive. My parents emphasized that giving back was the price one pays for living, and that we always must lift as we climb. It is my hope that my life is an inspiration to others, and a testament to encouraging others as they pursue their own dreams.  That is why I established the Theopolis Vineyards Diversity Fund at the Department of Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis.

With respect to the wine business, I must dedicate a shout out to Pier and Barbara Oddone, who were my mentors in wine. As a young lawyer in San Francisco, and recent graduate for University of Texas Law School in Austin, I was first introduced to grape farming by Pier and Barbara Oddone. They provided guidance and mentorship throughout my wine journey, from finding land, to planting to managing the vineyard.

Website: https://www.theopolisvineyards.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theopolisvineyards/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theodora-lee-03570a5/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheopolisV

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theopolisvineyard/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM5di08RDvtYKMo-w8dkc9w/videos

Image Credits
Theopolis Vineyards should receive credit for pictures uploaded.