Among the many qualities of a successful person are intelligence, drive and limitless energy. Not too long ago, I had the honor of sitting down and chatting with one of those high achievers who exudes those characteristics: Raghni Naidu, founder of Naidu Wines in Sonoma County. Within three years of her first vintage, Naidu wines are on the wine lists of premium restaurants in the country and the James Beard Foundation chose only her wines to be served during their dinners in Chicago and New York City earlier this year. Impressive? Absolutely. And there’s more…
Photo Credit: Naidu Winery
Raghni, how did you find your way in the world of wine?
“This has been quite the journey. Other people believed in this project before I did and I was encouraged to take the leap to purchase the 10 acre property only 15 minutes from downtown Sebastopol. My husband is a huge influence and told me that with my connection to food and wine, I have the talent and abilities. I had no formal training in the wine industry before I purchased the vineyard and started the winery. However, I do have an outstanding palate and I know what I like.
In India, where I grew up, I played in the kitchen garden where my mother experimented with seeds to grow vegetables that were never grown in the country or were part of the traditional Indian cuisine. My mother made exotic meals and we set the table beautifully each night. Maintaining
This Article was originally published on Grape Experiences
