A Dialog with Raghni Naidu, Founding father of Naidu Wines in Sonoma County

Among the many many qualities of a profitable particular person are intelligence, drive and limitless power. Not too way back, I had the honour of sitting down and chatting with a type of excessive achievers who exudes these traits: Raghni Naidu, founding father of Naidu Wines in Sonoma County. Inside three years of her first classic, Naidu wines are on the wine lists of premium eating places within the nation and the James Beard Basis selected solely her wines to be served throughout their dinners in Chicago and New York Metropolis earlier this 12 months. Spectacular? Completely. And there’s extra…

Raghni, how did you discover your means on the planet of wine?

“This has been fairly the journey. Different individuals believed on this challenge earlier than I did and I used to be inspired to take the leap to buy the ten acre property solely quarter-hour from downtown Sebastopol. My husband is a big affect and advised me that with my connection to meals and wine, I’ve the expertise and skills. I had no formal coaching within the wine trade earlier than I bought the winery and began the vineyard. Nevertheless, I do have an excellent palate and I do know what I like.

In India, the place I grew up, I performed within the kitchen backyard the place my mom experimented with seeds to develop greens that have been by no means grown within the nation or have been a part of the normal Indian delicacies. My mom made unique meals and we set the desk fantastically every evening. Sustaining excessive requirements is vital to me and at all times will likely be.”

Are you able to inform me concerning the property of Naidu Wines?

“The chance to have this winery is a as soon as in a lifetime reward. It’s a ten acre hillside property with an already established 5 acre Pinot Noir winery boasting 180 diploma views of Sonoma farmlands. This can be a prime location and I spotted that nothing was stopping me from proudly owning it.

I’m not promoting grapes to anybody – it’s all for Naidu Wines. My final manufacturing was 1500 instances in 2023 – we began with 75 instances in 2020. I needed to begin small as a result of I needed to verify the wines have been “appropriate,” in that my imaginative and prescient wanted to be executed in every bottle. I’ve a advertising and marketing background and are available with a shopper’s lens. I need those that buy the wines to have a connection and the wines to indicate a way of place.”

You began Naidu Wines in 2020. How did that go?

“It was a loopy time to launch a vineyard! However, 2020 leveled the taking part in subject and everybody tried to determine issues out. We additionally had wildfires that 12 months so we needed to drop fruit – very disturbing to say the least. However the wines actually confirmed effectively and the Property Pinot Noir offered out in a month after it was launched. I hand delivered the wines all through the pandemic, as did many individuals.”

Are you able to clarify your philosophy of Naidu Wines?

“I wish to carry collectively meals and wine that include a way of place. Actually, it is a end result of the broad experiences I’ve had in life. My philosophy has at all times been high quality over amount and to supply guests and customers linked experiences. Additionally, I wish to supply wines from premium single vineyards with a wide range of selections corresponding to Grenache Blanc and Chardonnay – not simply Pinot Noir.”

What are your brief and long run targets?

“My brief time period targets are to ascertain Naidu Vineyard as a premium wine with as many United States placements as attainable and likewise to carry individuals to the vineyard and tasting room. Once we purchased the property in 2018, we knew we needed to showcase meals and wine, the gorgeous view and the attractive refurbished 4 bed room residence with a pool and sizzling tub that may be rented.

Long run, I’d just like the model to be accessible and acknowledged globally, however I do know that may take time.”

Let’s speak about your wines – wow!

“We wish to have enjoyable with this! We’re very effectively acquired to this point and we now have a number of wines – not only one flagship wine. All of our wines are constantly good with a particular stage of high quality, magnificence and steadiness – true traits of a superb vineyard. The wines are intentional and should be poured in the perfect settings in order that the proper particular person can admire them. We produce Brut Glowing Wine, a Brut Rosé, a Rosé of Pinot Noir, Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc.

We use French oak barrels from Bourgogne. My winemaker, Matt Duffy, could be very proficient and shares the identical excessive requirements as me. We style the wines from barrels collectively to verify we’re on the proper path. The excessive factors we obtain tells me that what we’re doing is sweet. It’s validation that Naidu Vineyard is heading in the right direction.”

Do you have got any extra so as to add to the dialog?

“It’s all about relationships and the journey of studying. I shortly realized that nobody can take my coronary heart and I’m keen to work laborious and do this another step to make issues occur. I’ve to be resilient due to so many challenges inflicting me to pivot and discover a answer. I’ve trusted my palate that has led me to some great issues in life. I’ve additionally realized to by no means say no to a chance as a result of it could construct as much as one thing else.

I really feel a way of accountability and am extraordinarily devoted. Naidu Wines isn’t a conceit or ardour challenge. I take it very severely.”

For extra about Naidu Wines and to buy wines, go to the web site HERE.

Cheers! ~ Cindy

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