Saturday 26 September 2015

Fallen Officers

Every day, police officers in various capacities put their lives on the line in order to serve and protect their fellow Americans. The law is upheld by these brave men and women who do a job few could do, by staring danger in the face and deciding it’s worth it, for the greater good.

David Gianulias

Sometimes, these honorable officers lose their lives in the line of duty. When that happens, families are left behind with immeasurable grief and financial burden. David Gianulias, CEO and President of G Companies, as well as Founder and President of Levendi Winery, understands the need for a safety net for families of fallen officers.

That’s why Gianulias supports the CHP 11-99 Foundation. The CHP (California Highway Patrol) 11-99 Foundation is an organization that give emergency benefits for the families of wounded or fallen officers. 11-99 is the code given for “Officer in need of assistance,” and it exemplifies what CHP 11-99 is all about.

Through memberships, various community events and kindhearted individuals and businesses, CHP 11-99 has been able to give support to the families of officers who have been injured or killed in the line of duty, like the family of Officer Kenyon M. Youngstrom who was shot to death during a traffic stop. He was survived by his wife and four children who were able to receive help from CHP 11-99 in honor of their father.

These brave men and women do their job to keep the peace and protect the people. By donating to CHP 11-99 or similar foundations in your area, you give a small portion back to the families of those officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Sunday 20 September 2015

What Makes a Successful Winery

The idea of owning your own winery is extremely appealing to many. Living in the house on the land, watching the grapes grown and then drinking your own vintage would surely not be that difficult. In reality, starting, growing, and maintaining a successful winery is a challenging, expensive prospect.

If you buy a winery that is already growing grapes and producing wine, you have saved yourself a tremendous amount of work, but it may lack the personal touch you want. If you want to start from scratch to make a wine with your unique fingerprint on it, you have a long road ahead of you.


David Gianulias

First you need to buy some land, which in certain parts of California’s wine country can go for up to $300,000 per acre. Once you own the land, it needs to be cleared and then planted. Once you’ve planted, it can take up to two or three years before you see enough fruit to begin the wine making process. Once you’ve begun the process, it can take a few years before you have anything old enough to sell.

David Gianulias knew these challenges when he decided to found Levendi Winery. His patience and dedication has since paid off. Levendi wine has become a must have in California and all over the nation. Acclaimed Chef Wolfgang Puck collaborated with Gianulias to provide Levendi wine to not only his flagship restaurant, but all his restaurants. Levendi wines have become a darling of Napa Valley, and have won several awards.

If you have the time, money, and expertise, you can create a successful winery if you treat your challenges like David Gianulias did; with enthusiasm and tenacity.

Monday 14 September 2015

History of Winemaking in California

Wine in California is produced in an area almost three-fourths the size of France. Almost 90% of wine produced in the United States comes from California. Wine production in California is one-third larger than the wine produced in Australia, and if California were to be a separate country, it would be the fourth largest wine producer in the world.
David Gianulias
David Gianulias

The history of winemaking in California date back to the 18th century. Spanish missionaries in California planted vineyards to produce wine for mass. The Spanish missionaries planted vineyards in every mission they established in the state. They used wine for religious purposes as well as for daily life. They use vine cuttings from Mexico, popularly known as the “common black grape” that was introduced by Hernan Cortes to the New World in 1520. Since this grape was used by the church to make wine, it was called “Mission grape”. Common black grape or mission grape became the dominant variety of grape for winemaking in
California until the advent of the 20th century.

Today winemaking is huge in California with over 1,200 wineries in the state. California has several small boutique wineries and large corporations like E&J Gallo Winery, who export their wine around the globe. The state of California is geologically diverse, and most of the wineries are located between the Central Valley and the Pacific coast. The San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean provide cool winds and fog that help balance the hot climate making the area suitable for growing grapes. The state has over 427,000 acres that are used for vineyards. Napa Valley, Rutherford, Russian River Valley, and Sonoma Valley are some of the areas known for their wine production.

David Gianulias is the founder of Levendi Winery. The wines produced by Levendi Winery have received 94, 93 and 92 ratings.

Sunday 6 September 2015

Three Health Benefits of Playing Tennis

While many people watch the Wimbledon series every year, not as many play tennis. But tennis is one of the sports that has amazing health benefits. Here are three health benefits that come with playing tennis.

David Gianulias
David Gianulias

Helps you Run Faster

Tennis is a game that involves quick-fire changes as you run across the court to return serves. According to research, running around the court to hit the ball requires 300-500 bursts of energy per match. If you try to calculate that in terms of distance, then you will be running the equivalent of three to five miles per match. Running is good for the heart as it helps build up your cardiovascular system.

Lower the Risk of Heart Disease and Diabetes

Because you are constantly running from side to side to return volleys and intercept serves, you are building up your cardiovascular system that helps keep your heart and lungs healthy. Playing tennis also reduces the risk of diabetes, because it helps you to lose weight. Being obese poses a risk of contracting diabetes, and playing tennis helps lose weight and stay fit.

Beneficial to the Brain

To play tennis, you have to stay alert at all times. You have to be focused, make split-second decisions, and devise a strategy. For every ball that comes to your side of the court, you have to make the decision whether to go for it or leave it. The built-in break after each point helps players come up with a strategy based on what you think the other person’s next move could be.

David Gianulias is the Vice President and Co-Founder of Innovative Spirits and enjoys playing tennis.