Winning awards as a newer winery is rare but for Raghni Naidu, owner and founder of Naidu Wines, producing award-winning wine was all part of the plan. From Forbes to Michelin to Wine Enthusiast, critics across the industry have praised Naidu Wines for its elegant balance, harmonious structure, and premium quality, with plenty of Michelin-starred restaurants taking notice. And now, Naidu Wines has swept the 2024 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Contest, winning Best in Class for her Brut Rose, NV, plus two more Double Golds for Pinot Noirs and a gold for their first vintage of Chardonnay.
Despite the winery’s recent run of success, Naidu Wines is still introducing itself to the global wine community. Yet her success is hard to deny. The Naidu Wine membership is already on a waitlist and several of her early vintages, from the 2019 Estate Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, to the 2021 Grenache Blanc, Catie's Corner, received high distinctions from the SF Chronicle Wine Competition. The ambitious Vintner is taking it all in stride.
“We only started in 2020,” Naidu explains, “but already we’ve been able to consistently produce high-quality, premium wines year over year.”
An Immersive Experience
Award-Winning Wine Awaits at Naidu Wines
From Forbes to Michelin to Wine Enthusiast, critics across the industry have praised Naidu Wines for it's elegant balance, harmonious structure, and premium quality.
Naidu Wines has several qualities that make it unique. Early in the winery’s history, Naidu’s background made the headlines. As a female immigrant from India operating in a traditionally western male-dominated space, Naidu’s identity understandably captured the industry’s attention. But it was her exceptional wines that truly set Naidu Wines apart. And while the awards have been validating, Naidu is seeking something deeper with her wines.
“People want to feel connected to the terroir and to each other,” says Naidu. “Ours is an experience that encourages that connection, one that honors tradition while allowing us to see wine in a fresh, modern, and diverse way.”
Naidu credits her experiences traveling to France and the immersive wine experiences there for shaping a vision for her own winery. Located in Sebastopol on the Sonoma Coast a short drive north of San Francisco, the Naidu Wines Estate is gorgeous, featuring sweeping vistas of the stunning Blucher Valley. Vineyards grace the soft, sun-drenched slopes, where Pinot Noir thrives in the sandy loam soil of Goldridge, yielding some of the region’s best vintages. Atop the hill sits the estate’s luxurious accommodations where guests are invited to immerse themselves not only in a tasting but in the complete Naidu Wines experience.
SHOP AWARD-WINNING WINES
Brut Sparkling Rose, North Coast
2022 Pinot Noir,
Russian River Valley
2021 Naidu Estate
Pinot Noir
“Enjoying this beautiful terroir is what our immersive tasting experience is about,” Naidu explains. “When people come here, they don't want to leave.”
The vineyard of Pinot Noir that Naidu bought in 2018 was too majestic to not share with others, which is why Naidu allows parties to stay on the property to fully experience the serene atmosphere and breathtaking views. At the estate, guests stroll through the vineyard, swim in the pool, relax in the fully remodeled home with modern amenities and drink wine under the stars.
For those who can’t stay, Naidu’s immersive vineyard tour and wine tasting offer a close approximation. The tasting experience forges a connection between the terroir, the wine, and her guests. Each tasting includes a sampling of Naidu’s latest award-winning wines paired with cheeses from a local creamery and also an add on option of caviar pairing. The tasting is followed by a leisurely walk through the estate’s bucolic vineyards. This fully outdoor experience is rustic and charming, reminiscent of the off-the-beaten path wine tastings you might find in France or Italy.
This level of hospitality runs in Naidu’s family. Naidu grew up in a home that regularly hosted large festive gatherings. Her mother liked to cook not only Punjabi fare but cuisines from across the world, often growing her own ingredients with seeds she brought back from her travels abroad. Naidu’s early farm-to-table experiences prepared her for her move to Melbourne where cuisine from all over the world was readily accessible. It was these formative experiences that Naidu credits for her discerning, sui generis palette, and by extension, her one-of-a-kind Pinot Noirs, Rosés, Cab Francs, Viogniers,Grenache Blancs and Sparkling wines.
The credit is warranted. Naidu oversees every step of the winemaking process, from the oak barrels she secures from Burgundy to the daily management of the vineyard to cultivating relationships with local winegrowers, cheesemongers, farmers, and restaurateurs. For Naidu, winemaking is more than an occupation, it’s a lifestyle, making Naidu Wines more akin to a lifestyle brand than a traditional winery.
Enjoying this beautiful terroir is what our immersive tasting experience is about. When people come here, they don't want to leave.
— Raghni Naidu,
Owner and founder of Naidu Wines
“We have a winery in a wonderful terroir with an inspiring story,” she says. “I’d love for people to come here and see for themselves.”
Naidu’s premium wines are a delight to drink, and while they’re found at well-curated, Michelin-rated restaurants around the country, Naidu Wines remains a treasured find. It's reasonable to expect that the winery's recent success in the SF Chronicle's Wine Competition will lead to changes, and Naidu is excited about the increased attention.
“I have big dreams,” she admits. “I would like our wines to be a household name synonymous with quality.”
Someday, Naidu hopes to take her brand global, including back to her native India where she believes a large, untapped market awaits. Until then, we in California are the fortunate ones who can travel a short way up the 101 and enjoy Naidu Wines, stay overnight, and experience some of the most beautiful and enchanting landscapes in the world.
Come see for yourself why Naidu Wines keeps winning the hearts and minds of wine lovers everywhere. Plan your trip now at naiduwines.com.
PLAN YOUR VISITTO Our Tasting Room
Each tasting includes a sampling of current, award-winning wines, paired with cheeses from a local creamery, and a leisurely walk through the estate vineyard.
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2022 Chardonnay, Russion River Valley
Winning awards as a newer winery is rare but for Raghni Naidu, owner and founder of Naidu Wines, producing award-winning wine was all part of the plan. From Forbes to Michelin to Wine Enthusiast, critics across the industry have praised Naidu Wines for its elegant balance, harmonious structure, and premium quality, with plenty of Michelin-starred restaurants taking notice. And now, Naidu Wines has swept the 2024 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Contest, winning Best in Class for her Brut Rose, NV, plus two more Double Golds for Pinot Noirs and a gold for their first vintage of Chardonnay.
Despite the winery’s recent run of success, Naidu Wines is still introducing itself to the global wine community. Yet her success is hard to deny. The Naidu Wine membership is already on a waitlist and several of her early vintages, from the 2019 Estate Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, to the 2021 Grenache Blanc, Catie's Corner, received high distinctions from the SF Chronicle Wine Competition. The ambitious Vintner is taking it all in stride.
“We only started in 2020,” Naidu explains, “but already we’ve been able to consistently produce high-quality, premium wines year over year.”
Naidu Wines has several qualities that make it unique. Early in the winery’s history, Naidu’s background made the headlines. As a female immigrant from India operating in a traditionally western male-dominated space, Naidu’s identity understandably captured the industry’s attention. But it was her exceptional wines that truly set Naidu Wines apart. And while the awards have been validating, Naidu is seeking something deeper with her wines.
“People want to feel connected to the terroir and to each other,” says Naidu. “Ours is an experience that encourages that connection, one that honors tradition while allowing us to see wine in a fresh, modern, and diverse way.”
Naidu credits her experiences traveling to France and the immersive wine experiences there for shaping a vision for her own winery. Located in Sebastopol on the Sonoma Coast a short drive north of San Francisco, the Naidu Wines Estate is gorgeous, featuring sweeping vistas of the stunning Blucher Valley. Vineyards grace the soft, sun-drenched slopes, where Pinot Noir thrives in the sandy loam soil of Goldridge, yielding some of the region’s best vintages. Atop the hill sits the estate’s luxurious accommodations where guests are invited to immerse themselves not only in a tasting but in the complete Naidu Wines experience.
“Enjoying this beautiful terroir is what our immersive tasting experience is about,” Naidu explains. “When people come here, they don't want to leave.”
The vineyard of Pinot Noir that Naidu bought in 2018 was too majestic to not share with others, which is why Naidu allows parties to stay on the property to fully experience the serene atmosphere and breathtaking views. At the estate, guests stroll through the vineyard, swim in the pool, relax in the fully remodeled home with modern amenities and drink wine under the stars.
For those who can’t stay, Naidu’s immersive vineyard tour and wine tasting offer a close approximation. The tasting experience forges a connection between the terroir, the wine, and her guests. Each tasting includes a sampling of Naidu’s latest award-winning wines paired with cheeses from a local creamery and also an add on option of caviar pairing. The tasting is followed by a leisurely walk through the estate’s bucolic vineyards. This fully outdoor experience is rustic and charming, reminiscent of the off-the-beaten path wine tastings you might find in France or Italy.
This level of hospitality runs in Naidu’s family. Naidu grew up in a home that regularly hosted large festive gatherings. Her mother liked to cook not only Punjabi fare but cuisines from across the world, often growing her own ingredients with seeds she brought back from her travels abroad. Naidu’s early farm-to-table experiences prepared her for her move to Melbourne where cuisine from all over the world was readily accessible. It was these formative experiences that Naidu credits for her discerning, sui generis palette, and by extension, her one-of-a-kind Pinot Noirs, Rosés, Cab Francs, Viogniers,Grenache Blancs and Sparkling wines.
The credit is warranted. Naidu oversees every step of the winemaking process, from the oak barrels she secures from Burgundy to the daily management of the vineyard to cultivating relationships with local winegrowers, cheesemongers, farmers, and restaurateurs. For Naidu, winemaking is more than an occupation, it’s a lifestyle, making Naidu Wines more akin to a lifestyle brand than a traditional winery.
“We have a winery in a wonderful terroir with an inspiring story,” she says. “I’d love for people to come here and see for themselves.”
Naidu’s premium wines are a delight to drink, and while they’re found at well-curated, Michelin-rated restaurants around the country, Naidu Wines remains a treasured find. It's reasonable to expect that the winery's recent success in the SF Chronicle's Wine Competition will lead to changes, and Naidu is excited about the increased attention.
“I have big dreams,” she admits. “I would like our wines to be a household name synonymous with quality.”
Someday, Naidu hopes to take her brand global, including back to her native India where she believes a large, untapped market awaits. Until then, we in California are the fortunate ones who can travel a short way up the 101 and enjoy Naidu Wines, stay overnight, and experience some of the most beautiful and enchanting landscapes in the world.
Come see for yourself why Naidu Wines keeps winning the hearts and minds of wine lovers everywhere. Plan your trip now at naiduwines.com.
Brut Sparkling Rose, North Coast
2021 Naidu Estate
Pinot Noir
2022 Pinot Noir,
Russian River Valley