About
It started with a (literal) dream.
In the spring of 2020, co-founder Monica Epstein attended a virtual wine tasting hosted by friend and boutique wine importer Alex Dessouky. It was during the height of the lockdowns, when all of our gatherings were online and we would have given anything just to share a drink with friends. Alex brought people together over pure, soulful wines, sharing his passion and expertise with his friends and community.
That night after the tasting, Monica had a (literal) dream that she worked with Alex and her husband, Seth, to make a special drink. A tonic that celebrated their newfound rhythm of slow living. By chance, Monica and Seth ran into Alex at Miramar beach the next morning. The stars aligned, and with a dream and a chance encounter, Ysidro was born.
The story of our name
Ysidro (ee-SEE-dro)
Saint Ysidro is the patron saint of farmers, gardeners, and workers. We like to think of him as an early adopter of work/life balance — he embraced simple living, and valued being present to “what is” over the stresses and preoccupations of daily life. Quality time with other people the way he fueled his spiritual life. He performed miracles like striking his staff against the dry ground and bringing water to everyone in his community.
Our co-founders live just a few blocks from each other off San Ysidro road, which runs through the heart of Montecito and connects the mountains to the sea. This road was the original inspiration behind the name.