Alamati Wines: Friendship Bottled
Niko Comati (Left) & Cooper Alabrand, Winemakers of Alamati Wines, delivery approachable, drinkable wines made with the intention of bringing people together.
At Wino Bottle Club, we love discovering the people behind the bottles we enjoy—and few stories capture the heart of the wine world quite like Alamati Wines. This Santa Barbara County gem was born from the bond between two lifelong friends, a shared love for wine, and a vision for building community through food, art, and music.
Alamati is the brainchild of Niko Comati and Cooper Allebrand, two best friends who turned their casual love of wine into a serious passion project. Niko caught the wine bug first—he started working at Oso Libre Winery in Paso Robles in 2016. After a few years he took off for harvest in Italy’s famed Piedmont region. He also spent time working in wine production in New Zealand. Upon returning to the Central Coast, he soaked up wisdom from some of the region’s best winemakers.
Meanwhile, Cooper was on the East Coast, but when Niko called and said, “Hey, we should make wine together,” it wasn’t long before Cooper packed up and headed west. By 2020, the dream became reality: Alamati was born.
What makes Alamati special isn’t just what’s in the bottle (though trust us, that’s worth talking about). For Niko and Cooper, wine is a way to bring people together—whether it’s through pop-up events that pair local art and food with their wines or plans for a future tasting room that’s as much a creative hub as it is a place to sip.
Their philosophy is all about approachability. Sure, they take winemaking seriously (with mentors like Louis Lucas, Ernst Storm, Matt Dees, and Tyler Thomas, how could they not?), but they also want wine to feel fun, not intimidating. That means making wines that speak of their place—Santa Barbara County’s stunning diversity of terroir—but also wines you can just pop open and enjoy, no overthinking required.
Our featured Alamati wines includes Albariño, Riesling, Dolcetto, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc, but they also make a Nebbiolo. This line up is a reflection of their shared curiosity and willingness to explore and while it might sound like an ambitious mix, it works because of the duo’s thoughtful approach: Niko’s love of Italian varieties (thanks to his time in Barolo country) balances with Cooper’s grounding in Santa Barbara’s vibrant wine scene. They know when to let a wine take its time (like their Nebbiolo) and when to craft something ready to drink now (hello, Dolcetto).
These wines are vibrant, balanced, and full of life. The whites are crisp and energetic, while the reds have depth, structure, and a sense of place. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just getting started, there’s something in the Alamati lineup to pique your interest.