Tomi Cellars
A Contemporary California Wine Journey Crafted Through Curiosity & Time
What begins as a simple pastime can sometimes evolve into something far more meaningful. Tomi Cellars, founded by Boyd and Denise Shermis, is the story of how weekend tastings, quiet exploration, and a deepening curiosity ultimately became a boutique winery rooted in California’s famed Sta. Rita Hills. Their approach is modern, minimalist, and intentional — wines designed to feel elegant, expressive, and unmistakably Californian.
The Beginning
Wine wasn’t always a profession for Boyd and Denise. At first, it was something they did together on weekends — a shared experience that slowly sparked a deeper fascination.
“The more wines I tried, the more curious I got about how one winemaker might get one Syrah to taste one way, and another winemaker would get an altogether different result.”
Over two decades, they tasted thousands of wines from around the world. Boyd immersed himself in winemaking education, reading through much of the UC Davis curriculum and studying techniques old and new.
In 2019, that curiosity took a practical turn. Boyd began apprenticing under Ross Rankin of Imagine Wine in Santa Ynez — cleaning floors, learning the cellar, understanding the process at the ground level. Two years later, Tomi Cellars was born.
A Minimalist Philosophy
Tomi Cellars follows a clear, modern winemaking ethos:
Source exceptional fruit
Intervene as little as possible
Let the wine express itself clearly
No additives. No filtering. No shortcuts.
The result is wine that feels pure and precise — a reflection of both craftsmanship and restraint.
Why Sta. Rita Hills
The region isn’t just beautiful — it’s scientifically extraordinary. Its rare west–east valley orientation brings cool ocean winds and daily fog, creating ideal conditions for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Its soils, rich with diatomaceous earth and marine sediments, lend natural structure and minerality.
“I’d source fruit here even if I lived a few hundred miles away,” Boyd admits.
This terroir is the quiet force behind Tomi Cellars’ most distinctive expressions.
The Tasting Experience
A visit to Tomi Cellars is intimate, educational, and refreshingly unhurried. Guests taste with the winemaker himself, learning the details behind each bottle — vineyard sources, barrel programs, vintage conditions, and more.
Choose from curated flights:
Mixed Flight (white & red highlights)
Pinot Noir Flight (six unique expressions)
Lite Flight (whites & rosés)
Designed by Denise, the tasting room blends warmth with sleek, modern simplicity — a reflection of the wine itself. A large glass wall opens into the cellar, grounding the experience in place and craft.
Behind the Bottle
Boyd doesn’t play favorites — he only bottles wines he and Denise absolutely love.
One of his most memorable vintages remains his first Pinot Noir, the 2021 High Dynamic Range.
“At first, I was convinced I’d ruined it. Months later, it blossomed into a beautiful wine.”
A reminder that in wine — and in life — patience transforms everything.
A Local Connection
Though rooted in the Santa Ynez Valley, Tomi Cellars’ spirit aligns effortlessly with the Calabasas & Malibu lifestyle: refined, relaxed, and quietly luxurious. Boyd believes deeply in community.
“A rising tide floats all boats. Each of us prospers individually when we all prosper together.”
Future plans include collaborations with chefs and local creatives, further integrating Tomi Cellars into the Southern California culinary and cultural landscape.
Looking Ahead
Innovation never stops. Upcoming projects include:
A Southern Rhône–style white blend
New varietals from Paso Robles (Tannat, Mencía, Tempranillo)
Expanded tasting events and curated experiences
Boyd is confident about the region’s trajectory.
“The Sta. Rita Hills will keep growing in recognition worldwide.”
A Personal Touch
For Boyd, winemaking isn’t just production — it’s presence.
“My favorite parts are making the wine and spending time with visitors. Whether they buy or not, I want them to remember the experience.”
His favorite food pairing?
“Our Back Light Pinot Muniére — it pairs with almost anything.”
Plan Your Visit
Instgram: @tomicellars.com
Phone: (805)-862-7110
Email: info@tomicellars.com
Tasting Room Address:
140 Industrial Way #D2
Buellton, CA 93427
