We are always inspired by people who leave established careers to pursue the art of making wine. On one hand, it seems reckless, but on the other hand it is a gutsy leap of faith that a better life awaits you. Sometimes it does.
The reasons always vary. We know of wealthy people who just wanted friends to see their name on a label or they wanted a house overlooking a vineyard. Lofty, ego-driven goals without good business plans are doomed to fail.
But, for those who give up a solid career to dedicate themselves to becoming involved in making wine, as well as making a profit, persevere through hard work and diligence. Such is the case with Raghni Naidu, who grew up in Punjab, India. Vineyards are scarce in India, so it’s improbable she would make this a business.
However, she was influenced by her mother, who had an adventurous spirit for culinary experiences from around the world. “My mother was passionate about global cuisine,” Naidu told us in a recent phone interview. “There were so many basic things that weren’t a part of the Indian diet.
She traveled and brought back seeds for vegetables she grew and shared with family and friends.” When her brother pursued a hospitality degree in Australia, he brought home wines to share with the family and that’s where her interest in wine began. She moved with her husband to California in 2006 and the landscape quickly changed as those memories around the family dinner table flooded back.
After some travel to southern Fr.
